Arkansas city sues to stop election for new courthouse

BLYTHEVILLE — The city of Osceola is asking a judge to stop a special election in which voters will consider a plan for a new courthouse in Blytheville.

A lawsuit filed Tuesday claims that the Aug. 9 special election is an unlawful attempt to establish Blytheville as the sole county seat, television station KAIT reported.

Two measures are on the ballot. The first would extend a tax that benefits the Mississippi County Hospital System and split the proceeds to build a new courthouse. The second measure would authorize $22.5 million in bonds to pay for the courthouse.

County officials say a new courthouse is needed because the current facility has fallen into disrepair. The county has not responded to the lawsuit, which seeks an injunction to stop the election.

Read Thursday's Arkansas Democrat-Gazette for full details.

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