Arkansas Code
Subchapter 8 - Workforce Development Center Authority Act
§ 6-50-807. Financing generally — Exemption from taxation or assessment

(a) A workforce development center authority may request, receive, and be financed or supported by any revenue, grants, or funds allowed by law, including without limitation:
(1) Funds provided by counties, cities, school districts, and vocational-technical schools;
(2) Property or funds received by gift or donation;
(3) Grants;
(4) Proceeds from the sale or issuance of bonds, promissory notes, or other evidence of indebtedness;
(5) Tuition, fees, and other charges assessed on individuals or employers receiving services from a workforce development center authority;
(6) Other state funding that is appropriated;
(7) Other funds or loans from a state or federal agency;
(8) If requested and adopted, revenue from the levy by a sponsoring county of a sales tax or sales and use tax under § 26-74-201 et seq., § 26-74-301 et seq., and § 26-74-401 et seq. for the benefit of the workforce development center authority;
(9) If requested and adopted, revenue from the levy by a sponsoring city of a sales tax or sales and use tax under § 26-75-201 et seq. and § 26-75-301 et seq. for the benefit of the workforce development center authority;
(10)
(A) If authorized by law, requested, and adopted, revenue from the levy of an additional sales and use tax for the benefit of an authority by a county or city not to exceed one-half of one percent (0.5%).
(B) A sales and use tax levied as described in this subdivision (a)(10) is in addition to any taxes levied under subdivisions (a)(8) and (9) of this section;

(11) If requested and adopted, revenue from the levy by a sponsoring school district of an additional ad valorem property tax under § 26-80-102 to secure the enrollment of a minimum number of the school district's students in a workforce development center operated by the workforce development center authority; and
(12) If authorized by law, requested, and adopted, revenue from the levy by a sponsoring city or county of an additional ad valorem property tax for the benefit of the workforce development center authority.

(b) Taxes imposed under subdivisions (a)(8)-(12) of this section shall be approved by voters pursuant to all applicable election laws.
(c)
(1)
(A) Counties, pursuant to an ordinance properly and lawfully adopted by their quorum courts, may annually grant financial aid to any workforce development center authority operating within their borders for the purpose of assisting the workforce development center authority in paying its lawful expenses of operation.
(B) The ordinance shall be effective for a period of twelve (12) months.

(2)
(A) Incorporated towns and cities of the first or second class, pursuant to an ordinance properly and lawfully adopted by their governing bodies, may annually grant financial aid to any workforce development center authority operating within their borders for the purpose of assisting the workforce development center authority in paying its lawful expenses of operation.
(B) The ordinance shall be effective for a period of twelve (12) months.

(3)
(A) School districts, pursuant to a resolution properly and lawfully adopted by their governing bodies, may appropriate funds to any workforce development center authority operating within their borders for the purpose of securing the enrollment of a minimum number of the school district's students in a workforce development center operated by the workforce development center authority.
(B) Funds appropriated by a school district to a workforce development center authority under this subdivision (c)(3), and any ad valorem property tax revenue pledged by a school district under subdivision (a)(11) of this section, are maintenance and operation expenses under § 26-80-102 and Arkansas Constitution, Article 14, § 3.

(d) A county, city, or vocational-technical school located within the area of operation of a workforce development center authority may:
(1) Contribute funds for the benefit of the workforce development center authority, including without limitation funds for the cost of acquiring, constructing, equipping, maintaining, and operating workforce development centers operated by the workforce development center authority;
(2) Pledge tax revenue for the benefit of the workforce development center authority as allowed by law; and
(3) Transfer and convey property to the workforce development center authority for any purpose of this subchapter.

(e)
(1) A workforce development center authority is exempt from ad valorem property taxation or assessments on property acquired or used by the workforce development center authority for any purpose of this subchapter.
(2) Income from the operation of the authority shall be exempt from state income tax.