Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
The Independence County Quorum Court met Monday night to discuss road repairs, budget amendments, and potential funding for the county jail.
In a road report, Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery shared about significant progress in road repairs.
“We have been busy getting roads repaired and getting roads chip sealed,” Jeffery said, highlighting ongoing efforts to improve local infrastructure.
The court unanimously approved the reappointment of Equalization Board Members Arthur Montgomery, Gary Anderson, Parmer Hankins, and Darrell Robertson.
Several ordinances and a resolution were also approved, including an amending ordinance that establishes a new fund and budget for the “Desha Fun Park Fund” and a resolution certifying local government endorsement of Bad Boy, Inc. to participate in the tax back program.
During the unfinished business portion of the meeting, the discussion turned to the idea of introducing a tax to support the county jail and its need for funds.
Justice of the Peace Brent Henderson suggested a possible 1/4-cent jail tax.
Based on surveying his constituency, Jeffery noted that he didn’t think the time was right to go to voters for a possible tax. Jeffery added that despite its challenges, the jail is “…doing somewhat better with new leadership. Financially, it’s better than it has been thanks to (new acting jail administrator) Aaron Moody, primarily.” Jeffery noted Moody is controlling costs more efficiently and that the court should look at the existing budget to provide relief.
JP Tim Stewart suggested that explaining the temporary nature of a proposed sunset tax might help the public understand the need. Still, fellow JP Jason Jones expressed skepticism about the chance of a tax passing.
“My guess is it probably would not pass,” Jones said, adding, “I think we would probably only upset the taxpayers. I don’t think anything good would come from it.”
Speaking on behalf of himself from a citizen’s standpoint, Jones said, “I’m taxed to death. I don’t want any more taxes. Being on the fire department board, we’re covered. Before we ask people for a tax, there’s money that can be shifted around for the sheriff to use.”
The court also discussed the rate cities pay for their inmates, which currently stands at $150 for the first day and around $50 afterward. These rates are set by the quorum court, with the authority to increase them.
The allocation of the existing 1 percent county sales tax was debated, with suggestions to adjust the percentages to better support the jail and law enforcement.
Currently, 45 percent goes to roads, 21 percent to solid waste, 16.5 to the county general, 12 percent to the fire department, and 5.5 percent to recreation. With the jail receiving funds from the county general, one council member said they would like to see half of what the fire department receives go towards the funds needed for the county jail.
Several court members also voiced that tax allocations should be reviewed annually based on financial needs.
“I don’t know why we can’t adjust the percentage on that 1 cent tax,” Justice Brad Covington said. Judge Jeffery confirmed that such adjustments are possible and have been done in the past.
A discussion then began over the funds each volunteer fire department in the county receives and whether some are in surplus. Judge Jeffery gave an option to poll each fire department to see where they currently stand financially.
Jones said that the financial reports shared by the county fire departments often don’t include itemized expenses. In the past, some JPs shared that all fire department financial reports were itemized.
County Clerk Tracy Mitchell said the fire departments have been inconsistent in filing their financial reports.
“They are supposed to file with me. Some file very detailed reports,” said Mitchell. “Some don’t file at all. Some file very simple reports.”
The court agreed to postpone further discussion on reallocating funds until the next meeting, with JP Tammy Pearce suggesting that each member gather data from their respective fire departments.
The meeting concluded with Jeffery reporting on a recent county auction that successfully disposed of unused equipment, generating significant savings on insurance costs.
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