FAQ

Bonds are a form of financing in which promissory notes are sold to investors. This type of financing is used by cities, counties, and school districts to finance major capital projects. A dedicated tax can only go towards the repayment of the issued bonds. Tax-exempt government bonds are highly regulated by federal law. Bonds encourage investment in the City. We will issue bonds valued up to a certain amount, as approved by voters, and investors will purchase those bonds. The underwriter will monitor the market and recommend the sale of the bonds at the most appropriate time. 

The City of Sherwood is asking voters to consider extending the existing ¾ of a cent sales tax. The revenue from this extension would be used to retire the existing bonds and fund major community projects, including:

• A new animal shelter

• Improvements to Henson Park Trail

• Improvements to the baseball/softball complex

• An indoor sports complex

• A multi-purpose events center

• A community park

No, absolutely not. This proposal would extend the sales tax that residents are already paying. The tax rate would not increase. 

A bond works a lot like a mortgage on a house. Most families can’t pay cash for a home, so they borrow the money and pay it back over time while enjoying the home right away. Similarly, the city can’t usually pay cash for large projects, so it issues bonds and pays them back over time with dedicated sales tax revenue. This lets residents benefit from new facilities now, instead of waiting years and paying more later due to inflation. 

Sales tax is paid by everyone who shops, dines, or does business in Sherwood—not just residents. Visitors help contribute to the cost of local improvements, which reduces the financial burden on Sherwood residents. 

These projects will enhance public services, recreation, and community life. The new animal shelter will improve care for animals, while the sports and events facilities will provide more opportunities for youth programs, community gatherings, and tourism. The community park will offer new outdoor spaces for families, visitors, and tournaments. Together, these projects support quality of life, help maintain strong property values, and help grow our economy. 

Yes. Facilities like the new events center, indoor sports complex, upgraded ballfields, and new park are expected to attract tournaments, concerts, festivals, and other events. More visitors mean more shopping and dining in Sherwood, which generates additional sales tax revenue and helps pay off the bonds faster and grow the economy by attracting more business to come to Sherwood. 

The approximate costs of the projects will break down as follows:

• $11.5M Animal Services

• $5M Henson Park Trail

• $52M Sherwood Forest Projects (including Indoor Sports Complex, Multi-Purpose Events Center)

• $8.5M Improvements to the Baseball/Softball Complex

• $9M Community Park in North Sherwood

These prices are approximate; they include contingencies for unknown construction issues and the cost of issuing the bonds.

BALLOT QUESTION ONE is the most crucial item on the ballot. If this question is NOT approved, then none of the projects will be able to proceed. Even if the individual construction ballot question is approved by voters, it cannot be funded and will not advance, and the current ¾ cent sales tax will remain in place until the previously issued bonds are paid off. 

Each project area must be voted on individually by the residents of Sherwood. It is important to understand that for any of the projects to be funded, Question One must pass. If Question One is approved, then the funding would be available for the projects presented that are approved by residents on the other ballot questions. 

Based on Stephens Inc. conservative estimate of growth based on the average of the past three years of 4.3%, Stephens is estimating the bonds to be paid out in approximately 17 years. This does not account for the increase in sales tax revenue from new businesses such as the new Aldi grocery store. 

No. The Jacksonville Cato Road project and widening of Brockington Road will proceed as scheduled and budgeted regardless of the outcome of this vote. 

No. This tax can only be in place until the bonds are paid or if the future voters extend it, which is their right. 

This is based on several current unknown variables such as interest rates at the time of issuance, the exact number of years and months for the pay out, and of potential growth in the economy. 

The timeline is dependent upon many factors including but not limited to - when the bonds are issued, weather, etc. The following timeline is approximate and subject to change. The improvements to the baseball/softball complex will be contingent upon the baseball/softball season, and the community park project will not begin until after the completion of the Jacksonville Cato Road project. 

Animal Services 

Start Date - June 2026

Completion Time - 12 months

Henson Park Trail

Start Date - July 2026

Completion Time - 8 months

Sherwood Forest Projects 

Start Date - June 2026 

Completion Time - 22-24 months

Improvements to the Baseball/Softball Complex

Start Date - June 2026 

Completion Time - 9 months

Community Park in North Sherwood 

Start Date - September 2027

Completion Time - 10 months

Tuesday, November 18, 2025 

You can vote at any polling locations in Sherwood.

Before you show up to the polls, you must be registered. You can click the link below for voter registration resources and information.

Arkansas Secretary of State's Elections Division

You can also pick up a registration card at the Amy Sanders Library,

which is located at 10200 Johnson Dr., Sherwood, AR 72120

Forms are available in English and in Spanish.

If you have any questions about finances related to the bond program, please contact us at publicinformation@cityofsherwood.net