Garland County, AR

Finance Committee

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

The committee voted unanimously to pass a resolution supporting Arkansas Issue 4 (ACT 578), which would issue $500 million in general obligation bonds for water-related infrastructure projects, without raising taxes. The resolution was introduced after a presentation by State Representative Les Warren. The committee also heard an update on the Senior Citizens Center construction but took no action on it.

• Passed resolution supporting ACT 578 for $500M water infrastructure bonds (unanimous)
• Heard presentation on Issue 4 (ACT 578) by Rep. Les Warren
• Received update on Senior Citizens Center construction

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will hold its regular meeting on August 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. in the Armory Building. The court will consider two resolutions authorizing the prosecuting attorney to apply for grants, receive committee reports, and hear special presentations from CASA, the Humane Society, and the Extension Office-Master Gardeners. The agenda also includes routine approvals of minutes, exhibits, and reports.

• Resolution R-26-14: Authorizes applying for $169,658 in Drug Control Fund and Justice Assistance Grants (federal $36,261.50, state $108,784.50, local match $24,612.00) for the prosecutor's office.
• Resolution R-26-15: Authorizes applying for FY 2027 Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program (CAGP) for victims of crime.
• Consideration of Metro Partnership August 2026 report and invoice of $5,208.33.
• Acknowledgement of overtime report (July 2026 total $38,361.92) and disposal of county property.
• Special presentations by Suzanne Herron (CASA), Ivy Wood (Humane Society), and Jimmy Driggers (Extension Office-Master Gardeners).

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee will consider two resolutions authorizing the Prosecuting Attorney to apply for grants: a combined Drug Control Fund and Justice Assistance Grant totaling $169,658, and a Community Assistance Grant Program grant. The committee will also review a position transfer with a salary increase, an overtime report, sales tax collections, and the Oaklawn revenue report.

• Resolution to apply for DCF/JAG grants totaling $169,658 (federal $36,261.50, state $108,784.50, local match $24,612) for Drug Task Force salaries
• Resolution to apply for FY2027 Arkansas Community Assistance Grant Program (requires local match)
• Position transfer: Deputy Circuit Clerk to Back-up Delinquent Intake Officer, salary increase from $37,233.45 to $44,365.05
• Overtime report: total $230,987.41 for January-July 2026
• Sales tax collections update for General Fund and Solid Waste Fund; Oaklawn revenue report

Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee voted to recommend approval of two resolutions authorizing the Garland County Prosecuting Attorney to apply for grants. The first is a Drug Control Fund and Justice Assistance Grant totaling $169,658 for drug task force salaries and benefits. The second is a Community Assistance Grant requiring a 20% match. Both motions passed without opposition.

• Approved resolution to apply for DCF/JAG grant totaling $169,658 (unanimous)
• Approved resolution to apply for Community Assistance Grant with 20% match (unanimous)

Finance Committee

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is reviewing a FEMA grant application for bridge mitigation and a tax program endorsement for Windows USA, LLC. The body is also considering several budget amendments and fund transfers for county operations.

• Proposed FEMA BRIC Grant for Brady Mountain Bridge Mitigation Project totaling $1,056,865.00
• Resolution to endorse Windows USA, LLC for the Tax Back Program
• Budget ordinance to appropriate $7,214.56 for Solid Waste overtime and $900 for Election Commission stipends
• Transfer of $1,113,753.21 in the Garland County Safe Room Project Fund to Construction in Progress
• Transfer of $374,159.87 in the Southwest Trail Grant Fund to Construction in Progress

The Finance Committee passed resolutions endorsing Windows USA, LLC for the Tax Back Program and authorizing the County Judge to apply for a $1,056,865 FEMA BRIC grant for the Brady Mountain Bridge Mitigation Project, requiring a $264,216.25 county match. It also approved a budget amendment ordinance covering multiple fund appropriations and transfers, and passed two fund transfers for the Southwest Trail and Safe Room projects. All items passed without opposition.

• Approved Resolution R-26-13 endorsing Windows USA, LLC for Tax Back Program (unanimous)
• Approved resolution authorizing FEMA BRIC grant application for Brady Mountain Bridge Mitigation Project (unanimous)
• Approved budget amendment ordinance for opioid settlement, solid waste, election stipend, and other transfers (unanimous)
• Approved $374,159.87 transfer in Southwest Trail Grant Fund for audit classification (unanimous)
• Approved $1,113,753.21 transfer in Safe Room Project Fund for audit classification (unanimous)

Quorum Court

At this regular meeting, the Garland County Quorum Court will read proposed resolutions and ordinances for first consideration. Key items include a proposed ordinance to refer a five-eighths of one percent sales and use tax for road improvements to voters, a resolution authorizing application for a FEMA BRIC grant for the Brady Mountain Bridge mitigation project, and a resolution endorsing Windows USA, LLC for the Tax Back Program.

• Proposed ordinance O-26-07 to refer a 0.625% county-wide sales and use tax for road improvements to voters for five years
• Resolution R-26-12 authorizing county judge to apply for FEMA BRIC grant (total project cost $1,056,865) for Brady Mountain Bridge mitigation
• Resolution R-26-13 certifying local government endorsement of Windows USA, LLC for the Tax Back Program
• Proposed ordinance O-26-08 to amend the 2026 budget
• Acknowledgment of employee service awards for 10 and 20 years of service

The Garland County Quorum Court adopted an ordinance referring a county-wide 0.625% sales and use tax for road improvements to voters for a five-year period. The court also authorized applying for a FEMA grant for the Brady Mountain Bridge mitigation project and certified Windows USA, LLC for the Tax Back program. All votes were unanimous except for the budget amendment, which passed 12-0 with one justice absent.

• Adopted Ordinance O-26-07 referring 0.625% sales tax for roads to voters (13-0)
• Adopted emergency clause for O-26-07 (13-0)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-12 authorizing FEMA BRIC grant application for Brady Mountain Bridge (13-0)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-13 certifying Windows USA, LLC for Tax Back program (13-0)
• Adopted budget amendment Ordinance O-26-08 (12-0, 1 absent)
• Approved July 2026 Metro Partnership Report (voice vote)
• Acknowledged Overtime report (voice vote)

Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee voted to advance three items to the full Quorum Court: a resolution to apply for a $1,056,865 FEMA BRIC grant for the Brady Mountain Bridge Mitigation Project, a resolution endorsing Windows USA for the state Tax Back Program, and an ordinance referring a 0.625% county-wide sales tax for road improvements to voters. The committee also approved a budget amendment ordinance covering multiple fund appropriations and transfers. All motions passed without opposition.

• Approved do-pass for Resolution R-26-12 (FEMA BRIC grant application, $1,056,865, 75/25 match) — unanimous
• Approved do-pass for Resolution R-26-13 (Windows USA Tax Back Program endorsement) — unanimous
• Approved do-pass for Ordinance O-26-07 (refer 0.625% road sales tax to voters) — unanimous
• Approved do-pass for Ordinance O-26-08 (2026 budget amendment with multiple appropriations/transfers) — unanimous

Finance Committee

Human Resources

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

The Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee is considering an ordinance to continue a 0.625% sales and use tax. If approved by the committee and voters in November 2026, the tax would fund roads, bridges, and sidewalks from July 1, 2027, through June 30, 2032.

• Proposed ordinance for a 0.625% sales and use tax for road-related improvements
• Proposed ballot question for the November 2026 general election

The committee voted unanimously to send an ordinance to the full Quorum Court. This ordinance would place a proposed 0.625% sales and use tax on the November General Election ballot to continue funding county road and bridge improvements after June 30, 2027.

• Forwarded road tax ordinance to full Quorum Court (unanimous)

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will consider several resolutions and a budget ordinance at its June 8, 2026 meeting. Key items include a budget amendment appropriating funds for the sheriff and drug court, and a resolution authorizing the sheriff to apply for a $26,104 federal grant. The court will also confirm appointments to the library board and waterworks board.

• Ordinance O-26-06 amends the 2026 budget to appropriate $10,000 from the Administrative Office of the Courts for drug court, $60,538 for sheriff vehicle repairs, $7,639.66 for sheriff needs, and $1,183.36 for jail damages, plus $51,999.31 in federal forest reserve funds for the county judge.
• Resolution R-26-11 authorizes the sheriff to apply for a $26,104 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant to purchase a MILO system warranty and Taser cartridges.
• Resolution R-26-09 confirms Rani Simpson to a second five-year term on the Garland County Library Board of Directors.
• Resolution R-26-10 confirms Jeffery Lofgren to a five-year term on the Garland County Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board (Hot Springs Village).
• Other business includes consideration of the Metro Partnership June 2026 report, acknowledgment of the overtime report, and disposal of county property.

The Quorum Court approved several resolutions including a waterworks appointment and a $26,104 grant application for the Sheriff's Office. The court also adopted an ordinance to amend the 2026 budget and confirmed Rani Simpson to the Library Board of Directors.

• Approved May 11, 2025 meeting minutes
• Adopted Resolution R-26-10 confirming a Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board appointment (12-0)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-11 authorizing $26,104 BJA JAG grant application for the Sheriff's Office (12-0)
• Adopted Ordinance O-26-46 to amend the 2026 budget ordinance (12-0)
• Adopted Resolution R-26-09 confirming Rani Simpson to the Library Board of Directors (12-0)
• Approved June 2026 Metro Partnership Report

Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee approved several resolutions regarding board appointments and a federal grant application. The committee also passed an ordinance to appropriate various funds to the budgets of the Sheriff, County Judge, and other county departments.

• Approved Rani Simpson's second term on the Garland County Library Board (R-26-09)
• Approved appointment to the Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board (R-26-10)
• Authorized the Sheriff to apply for a $26,104 BJA JAG grant (R-26-11)
• Approved budget amendments via Ordinance O-26-06

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee will vote on a resolution letting the Sheriff submit an application for a $26,104 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant. The committee will also consider an ordinance to amend the 2026 budget, moving several anticipated revenues into specific department budgets, and a $75,000 transfer within the Solid Waste Fund. Additional items include routine salary adjustments, overtime reporting, and updates on sales‑tax collections.

• Resolution authorizing the Sheriff to apply for a $26,104 Justice Assistance Grant (JAG).
• Ordinance to appropriate $10,000 from the County General Fund to the Circuit Court Division II Budget for a drug‑court program.
• Ordinance to appropriate $60,538 from the County General Fund to the Sheriff’s Budget for auto parts and repairs on a total‑loss Chevy Tahoe.
• Ordinance to appropriate $7,639.66 from the County General Fund to the Sheriff’s Budget for general supplies and equipment.
• Transfer of $75,000 from the Solid Waste Fund’s Improvements line (Tire Cleaning Bridge) to the Fuel line item.

The committee approved a resolution for the Sheriff to apply for a $26,104 justice grant. Members also passed an ordinance to appropriate various funds to the Circuit Court, Sheriff, County Judge, and Election Commission budgets, and approved a $75,000 transfer within the Solid Waste Fund.

• Approved resolution for Sheriff to apply for $26,104 JAG grant (passed without opposition)
• Approved appropriation of $10,000.00 to Circuit Court Division II Budget (passed without opposition)
• Approved appropriation of $60,538.00 to Sheriff's Budget (passed without opposition)
• Approved appropriation of $7,639.66 to Sheriff's Budget (passed without opposition)
• Approved appropriation of $1,183.36 to County Jail Budget (passed without opposition)
• Approved appropriation of $51,999.31 to County Judge's Budget (passed without opposition)
• Approved appropriation of $52,165.28 to County Road Budget (passed without opposition)
• Approved $75,000.00 transfer within Solid Waste Fund to offset fuel costs (passed without opposition)

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will meet to approve the agenda, committee reports, and a resolution to reappoint Rodney Bottoms to the Equalization Board. The agenda also includes the approval of financial reports and the Metro Partnership contract.

• Resolution R-26-08: Confirming reappointment of Rodney Bottoms to Equalization Board
• Metro Partnership contract: $5,208.33 for May 2026
• Approval of April 2026 Overtime Report
• Approval of April 2026 Statement of Cash Position and Operations
• Committee reports from Ordinance, Finance, and Human Resources

The Quorum Court unanimously adopted a resolution confirming Rodney Bottoms' reappointment to the Garland County Equalization Board. The court also approved the May 2026 Metro Partnership Report and acknowledged the overtime report, both by voice vote. Standard agenda items, minutes, exhibits, and committee reports were approved, and the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved agenda (motion carried)
• Approved April 13, 2025 minutes (motion carried)
• Approved exhibits (motion carried)
• Approved committee reports (motion carried)
• Adopted resolution reappointing Rodney Bottoms to Equalization Board (13-0)
• Approved May 2026 Metro Partnership Report (voice vote)
• Acknowledged overtime report (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will discuss position and salary adjustments, overtime reports, and sales tax collections for the General and Solid Waste funds. The meeting also includes a review of Oaklawn revenue reports.

• Salary increase for Sheriff Area Supervisor/Corporal from $57,992.90 to $66,654.71
• Salary increase for Assessor Deputy Frontline Super./Boat App. from $33,772.96 to $36,644.92
• Overtime report totaling $123,149.66 across various departments
• Sales tax collection updates for General Fund and Solid Waste Fund
• Oaklawn Revenue Report comparing 2024-2026 data

The committee reviewed and acknowledged reports on position and salary adjustments, overtime, sales‑tax collections, and Oaklawn revenue. Motions to acknowledge each report were made and seconded, but no vote totals or further actions were recorded. The meeting was then adjourned.

Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee considered Resolution R‑26‑08, which confirms the re‑appointment of Rodney Bottoms to the Garland County Equalization Board. A motion to adopt the resolution was made by Vice‑Chair Young, seconded by Justice Bailes, and passed without opposition. No other actions were taken before the meeting was adjourned.

• Approved Resolution R‑26‑08 confirming re‑appointment of Rodney Bottoms to the Garland County Equalization Board (unanimous)

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

Quorum Court

The Quorum Court will meet to discuss updating the 2026 county budget and authorizing the County Judge to apply for a marine fuel tax program. The body will also consider the appointment of a member to the Law Library Board.

• O-26-05: Ordinance to amend the 2026 Garland County Budget Ordinance O-25-25
• R-26-07: Resolution authorizing the County Judge to apply for the Marine Fuel Tax Program from the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission
• R-26-06: Resolution confirming the appointment of Michelle Strause to the Garland County Law Library Board
• Consideration of the April 2026 Metro Partnership report
• Acknowledgement of county property disposal and overtime reports

The court adopted Ordinance 0-26-05 to amend the 2026 Garland County Budget Ordinance with a 12‑0 vote (1 absent). It also passed two resolutions: appointing Michelle Straus to the Law Library Board and authorizing the county judge to apply for the Marine Fuel Tax Program, each approved 12‑0 (1 absent). Additional items approved by voice vote included the April Metro Partnership report, acknowledgment of the overtime report, and disposal of county property.

• Adopted Ordinance 0-26-05 amending 2026 budget (12-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution R-26-06 appointing Michelle Straus to Law Library Board (12-0, 1 absent)
• Approved Resolution R-26-07 authorizing judge to apply for Marine Fuel Tax Program (12-0, 1 absent)
• Approved April 2026 Metro Partnership Report (voice vote)
• Acknowledged Overtime Report (voice vote)
• Acknowledged disposal of county property (voice vote)
• Adjourned meeting (voice vote)

Ordinance Committee

The committee confirmed Michelle Strause's appointment to the Garland County Law Library Board. It authorized the County Judge to apply for the Marine Fuel Tax Program. It approved Ordinance O-26-05 to appropriate specific funds to the Emergency 911 Fund, Emergency Management, Federal Forest Reserve Program, Collector's Automation Fund, and tax refunds. All three actions passed without opposition.

• Confirmed appointment of Michelle Strause to the Law Library Board (passed without opposition)
• Authorized County Judge to apply for Marine Fuel Tax Program from Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (passed without opposition)
• Approved Ordinance O-26-05 to appropriate $3,348.80 to Emergency 911 Fund, $7,800 to Emergency Management, $28,774.56 federal forest reserve funds, $182.85 to Collector's Automation Fund, and $20,000 for tax refunds (passed without opposition)

Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing an ordinance to amend the 2026 budget to allocate funds for insurance, tax refunds, and payroll. They are also considering a resolution to apply for a state grant for roadway and parking improvements at Lake Ouachita.

• Resolution to apply for a Marine Fuel Tax Program Grant for culverts, 3 miles of paving, and a parking area at Crystal Springs boat ramp
• Proposed $20,000 appropriation from the County General Fund for tax refunds
• Proposed $28,774.56 appropriation of Federal Forest Reserve funds for Title III programs
• Proposed $7,800 appropriation for insurance on a new drone and communication van
• Proposed $3,348.80 appropriation for 911 Communication Center vehicle insurance and sick leave

The committee approved a resolution authorizing the County Judge to apply for the Marine Fuel Tax Program. It also approved an amendment to the 2026 Budget Ordinance O-25-25 that appropriates funds to several county departments. Several routine reports were formally acknowledged by motion. The meeting was then adjourned.

• Approved resolution authorizing County Judge to apply for Marine Fuel Tax Program (passed without opposition)
• Approved amendment to 2026 Budget Ordinance O-25-25, appropriating $3,348.80 to Emergency 911 Fund, $7,800 to Emergency Management, $28,774.56 to Federal Forest Reserve Program Fund, $182.85 to Collector's Automation Fund, and $20,000 to Tax Collector's Budget (passed without opposition)
• Proclaimed April 6‑10, 2026 as Junior Auxiliary Week (presented by Judge Mahoney)
• Motion to acknowledge Position and Salary Adjustments report passed
• Motion to acknowledge Overtime Report passed
• Motion to acknowledge Sales Tax collections report passed
• Motion to acknowledge Oaklawn Revenue Report passed

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee