The state Senate has voted to raise a tax on private timberland owners to help the financially struggling Arkansas Forestry Commission.
By a 24-8 vote, the Senate approved a measure Thursday that would raise the tax from 15 cents to 20 cents per acre. The tax increase would be effective for assessment years beginning on and after 2013 and would raise about $700,000 a year.
The commission handles the state’s wildfire-fighting efforts.
The proposal comes nearly a year after the commission’s director resigned over questions about finances. The commission laid off 34 employees, although the state later reinstated 15 firefighter positions it had cut.
The bill now heads to the House.
