MOUNTAIN HOME, Ar.– Residents in six Arkansas counties have received their property tax bills — but with an extra fee attached.

After the Nabor Landfill in Baxter County went out of business six years ago, investors lost a lot of money. Now, property tax owners have been given a court order to come out of their pockets to pay them back. But, many believe the landfill issue is not their problem to solve.  

“I don’t like the 18-dollar fee anymore than any other tax payers do,” said Baxter County Judge Mickey Pendergrass, “I have five properties that I’m going to be paying a fee on. So, I get it and I understand it.” 

Judge Pendergrass says taxpayers may catch a break in court. But, is it worth it?  

“There are some loopholes I think in the court order it appears to me. I’m not a lawyer, I’m not an attorney, I’m not a constitutional attorney. But, I think it’s something that the taxpayers could challenge if they see fit. But, that takes money…and 18-dollars a year verses what it’s going to cost to get it in front of the Supreme Court to get a constitutional question.. that’s what has to be weighed.”

So, when all is said and done, just how much will this cost the taxpayers?

“It’s about 11 million dollars owed to the bond holders — and this court order froze that amount, ” Judge Pendergrass said. 

Taxpayers have also been ordered to cover up to 15 million dollars the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality spent closing and cleaning up the landfill. All of this upsets some. 

“Somebody was cheating and bending rules and we’re kind of having to pay the price for their money laundering scheme,” said Gail Clark of Marion County.

“My problem is who gets to determine the amount and who pays it,” said a man who lives in Baxter County, but asked not to be identified.

But, then there are others like Jim Clarke of Baxter County, who are taking it all in stride.

“It’s something I would rather not have to pay. But, if it only takes 18-dollars to get the mess cleaned up on my part, I’m certainly willing to pay it.”

Also in the court order..a two-dollar fee, that taxpayers will have to pay forever, to maintain the landfill property from becoming an eyesore. Judge Pendergrass says it will take almost 20-years to pay back the entire amount owed.