Garland County public meetings in 2024

Quorum Court

The Quorum Court will consider establishing the 2025 annual operating budget and obligating remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The body will also discuss revising disposal rates for Class 4 solid waste at the county landfill.

• Proposed Ordinance O-24-33: Establish the annual operating budget for calendar year 2025
• Proposed Ordinance O-24-31: Obligate $4,586,527.24 in remaining ARPA funds
• Proposed Ordinance O-24-32: Revise rates for Class 4 solid waste disposal at the Garland County Landfill
• ARPA funding allocations including $1,300,000 for Arkansas Wireless Information Network and $500,000 to digitize clerks' files
• Special presentation by City of Hot Springs Director Phillis Beard

The Garland County Quorum Court adopted the 2025 annual operating budget (O-24-33) and an ordinance obligating remaining ARPA funds (O-24-31), both with emergency clauses. It also revised Class 4 solid waste disposal rates at the county landfill (O-24-32). All votes were unanimous among the 12 present justices.

• Adopted 2025 annual operating budget (O-24-33) (11-0)
• Adopted ARPA funds obligation ordinance (O-24-31) with emergency clause (12-0)
• Adopted Class 4 solid waste rate revision (O-24-32) with emergency clause (12-0)
• Approved December 2024 Metro Partnership report (voice vote)
• Acknowledged disposal of county property (voice vote)
• Acknowledged overtime report (voice vote)

Ordinance Committee

The Garland County Ordinance Committee voted to advance three ordinances to the full Quorum Court: obligating remaining ARP funds with an emergency declaration, revising Class 4 solid waste disposal rates at the county landfill, and adopting the 2025 budget. All three passed unanimously without discussion or opposition.

• Passed Ordinance O-24-31 to obligate remaining ARP funds and declare an emergency (unanimous)
• Passed Ordinance O-24-32 to revise Class 4 solid waste disposal rates at the Garland County Landfill (unanimous)
• Passed Ordinance O-24-33 for the 2025 budget (unanimous)

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee will consider several ordinances and numerous changes to the 2025 budget, including a rate increase for Class 4 solid waste disposal at the landfill and a final obligation of remaining ARPA funds. The committee will also review transfers for emergency radios and a copier, along with position adjustments and a sales tax update.

• Ordinance setting Class 4 waste disposal at $32/ton in-county and $50/ton out-of-county, effective Jan. 1, 2025
• Ordinance obligating $4,586,527.24 in remaining ARPA funds for premium pay, digitization, software, and communications projects
• 2025 budget changes including $5,500,000 for Road Fund asphalt, $500,000 for digitizing clerk files, and $250,000 for case management software
• Transfer of $13,500 in the Emergency 911 Reserve Fund for radio equipment
• Transfer of $4,203.08 in the County General Fund for a copier for the Assessor's Office

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will meet to discuss proposed ordinances regarding county, municipal, and school taxes for 2024. The body will also consider budget transfers and a correction to a previous ordinance.

• O-24-28: Ordinance to levy county, municipal, and school taxes for 2024, collectible in 2025
• O-24-30: Ordinance to amend the 2024 budget to anticipate revenues and transfer funds
• O-24-29: Ordinance to correct a scrivener's error in O-24-27
• Consideration of the Metro Partnership November 2024 Report
• Acknowledgment of the Overtime report

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

The Environmental Services, Public Works, and Buildings Committee will hear a presentation on a Landfill Rate Study by John Rogers and Owen Carpenter. No formal action is listed; the item is for discussion only. The agenda is otherwise procedural, with no additional ordinance or contract items.

• Landfill Rate Study presentation by John Rogers and Owen Carpenter

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee will consider two ordinances: one to correct a scrivener's error in Ordinance O-24-27 and another to amend the 2024 budget with multiple fund transfers and appropriations. They will also discuss the proposed 2025 personnel budget, which includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and a 1% step increase for eligible employees, along with capital asset budgets. Other items include a $40,000 appropriation for juvenile housing, a $7,000 transfer for a peer recovery specialist grant, and updates on sales tax and Oaklawn revenue.

• 3% COLA and 1% step increase for eligible employees in proposed 2025 personnel budget
• $40,000 appropriation from County General Fund for juvenile housing and transport
• $30,000 appropriation from County General Fund to Tax Collector's budget for tax refunds
• $62,488.30 in Drug Control Fund to be appropriated to Prosecuting Attorney's budget
• $40,000 reimbursement from National Park Service for Blacksnake Road repairs

Finance Committee

The Finance Committee is conducting a budget meeting to review various county funds and departments. Department heads and officials are scheduled to present their respective fund requirements and financial reports.

• Review of County Road and Bridges and Pave-It-Forward funds
• Review of Sheriff's Department funds, including Detention Facility and various grants
• Review of Sanitation/Solid Waste and Environmental Inspection funds
• Review of Circuit Court divisions and automation funds
• Review of General Reserve, Employee Insurance, and American Rescue Plan funds

Quorum Court

The Quorum Court will consider resolutions and ordinances, including two authorizing one-time premium pay to essential county employees from ARP and CARES funds (O-24-25, O-24-26), a resolution for a VOCA grant for the prosecuting attorney's office (R-24-23), and an ordinance to increase the assessment within the Lake Hamilton Fire Protection District (O-24-24). They will also review financial reports, committee minutes, and acknowledge employee service awards.

• R-24-23: Authorizes applying for a $110,065.60 VOCA grant with $88,052.48 federal share and $22,013.12 local match
• O-24-25: One-time premium pay to essential county employees from ARP funds, excluding elected officials and certain others
• O-24-26: One-time premium pay to essential county employees from CARES Act funds, with similar exclusions
• O-24-24: Approves assessment increase within the Lake Hamilton Fire Protection District effective January 1, 2025
• O-24-27: Amends the 2024 county budget to anticipate revenues and appropriate/transfer funds in various budgets

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee will discuss multiple financial items, including ordinances for one-time premium pay to essential county employees using ARP and CARES funds, a resolution to apply for a $110,065.60 VOCA grant, and a change to the capital asset threshold. The committee will also consider several budget transfers and fund appropriations totaling over $260,000.

• Resolution to apply for a $110,065.60 VOCA grant (local match $22,013.12) for victim services
• Ordinance to raise the capital asset threshold from $2,500 to $5,000 starting January 1, 2025
• Two ordinances authorizing one-time premium pay to essential employees using ARP and CARES funds (up to $2/hour for 500 hours full-time, 250 part-time)
• Budget transfers including $40,000 for Blacksnake Road repair, $60,000 ARP salary transfer, and $38,622.64 for consultant fees
• Transfers for jail parking structure ($31,133) and a voice stress analyzer ($12,039.52)

Human Resources

The Human Resources Committee will discuss a request from Library Director Adam Webb to convert two part-time positions (IT System Coordinator and Public Relations Coordinator) to full-time for the 2025 budget. The committee will also approve updated job descriptions for the Director of Emergency Management and Deputy Director of Emergency Communications.

• Consideration of request to convert two part-time library positions (PCN 3224 IT System Coordinator, PCN 3225 Public Relations Coordinator) to full-time for 2025 budget
• Approval of position description update for Director of Emergency Management
• Approval of position description update for Deputy Director of Emergency Communications

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

The Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee will consider an ordinance to approve an assessment increase for the Lake Hamilton Fire Protection District, effective January 1, 2025. The increase raises annual dues for residential and commercial properties, with new rates shown in attached schedules.

• Residential annual dues to increase by $4–$12 per property based on square footage
• Commercial base charge rising to $74 plus $0.034/sq ft over 1,000 sq ft
• Hazardous material surcharge set at $112 per commercial business
• Construction plan review fee set at $150
• Ordinance requires quorum court approval only for parcels with assessments over $100

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court meets in special session to declare a vacancy in Justice of the Peace District 7 following Dayton Myers' resignation. The sole agenda item is a resolution to formalize the vacancy and request the governor to appoint a replacement under state law.

• Resolution R-24-23 declaring vacancy in Justice of the Peace District 7 and requesting governor fill it per Ark. Code Ann. 14-14-1308 et seq.

The Garland County Quorum Court held a special meeting on September 16, 2024, and adopted Resolution R-23-28, declaring a vacancy in the office of Justice of the Peace for District 7 and requesting the vacancy be filled pursuant to state law. The vote was 8-0, with four justices absent. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Adopted Resolution R-23-28 declaring JP District 7 vacancy (8-0)

Ordinance Committee

The Ordinance Committee voted to advance three items to the full Quorum Court. It passed resolutions authorizing the Circuit Court Division I judge to apply for a $50,000 AOC grant and the Prosecuting Attorney to apply for a $49,935.06 Public Safety Equipment Grant. It also passed an ordinance amending the 2024 budget to appropriate $412,041.91 in insurance proceeds from the 70 West Transfer fire to the Solid Waste Fund for rebuilding the transfer station.

• Passed resolution R-24-20 authorizing Circuit Court Division I judge to apply for $50,000 AOC grant (unanimous)
• Passed resolution R-24-21 authorizing Prosecuting Attorney to apply for $49,935.06 Public Safety Equipment Grant (unanimous)
• Passed ordinance O-24-22 amending 2024 budget to appropriate $412,041.91 insurance proceeds to Solid Waste Fund (unanimous)

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will consider Ordinance O-24-22, which appropriates $412,041.91 in insurance proceeds from the 70 West Transfer fire to rebuild the transfer station. Two resolutions authorize grant applications: R-24-20 for a $50,000 AOC grant for a Drug Court peer recovery specialist, and R-24-21 for a $49,935.06 Public Safety Equipment grant for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Other business includes a Metro Partnership report, acknowledgment of property disposal and overtime reports, and discussion of a Senior Citizens Building Project.

• Ordinance O-24-22: $412,041.91 budget amendment for Solid Waste Fund to rebuild transfer station after fire
• Resolution R-24-20: Authorize $50,000 AOC grant application for Drug Court peer recovery specialist
• Resolution R-24-21: Authorize $49,935.06 Public Safety Equipment grant application for Prosecuting Attorney's Office
• Consideration of Hot Springs Metro Partnership September 2024 report
• Discussion of Senior Citizens Building Project

The Garland County Quorum Court approved two resolutions authorizing grant applications: R-24-20 for a $50,000 AOC grant for Circuit Court Division I, and R-24-21 for a $49,935.06 public safety equipment grant for the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. The court also adopted Ordinance 0-24-22 amending the 2024 budget to appropriate funds in the Solid Waste budget. All votes were unanimous with 11 in favor and 2 absent.

• Adopted Resolution R-24-20 authorizing Circuit Court Division I judge to apply for $50,000 AOC grant (voice vote passed)
• Adopted Resolution R-24-21 authorizing Prosecuting Attorney to apply for $49,935.06 public safety equipment grant (voice vote passed)
• Adopted Ordinance 0-24-22 amending 2024 budget to appropriate funds in Solid Waste budget (11-0)
• Approved September 2024 Metro Partnership Report (voice vote passed)
• Acknowledged disposal of county property (motion made, no vote recorded)
• Acknowledged overtime report (voice vote passed)

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee will consider three main items: an ordinance to appropriate $412,041.91 in insurance proceeds from the 70 West Transfer fire for rebuilding the transfer station, and resolutions authorizing the Circuit Court and Prosecuting Attorney to apply for grants totaling $50,000 and $49,935.06, respectively. The committee will also receive reports on position and salary adjustments, overtime, sales tax collections, and Oaklawn revenue.

• Ordinance to appropriate $412,041.91 from insurance proceeds for Solid Waste Fund rebuild of 70 West Transfer station
• Resolution authorizing Circuit Court Division I to apply for a $50,000 AOC grant to hire a Peer Recovery Specialist for Drug Court
• Resolution authorizing Prosecuting Attorney to apply for a $49,935.06 Public Safety Equipment grant for computers, camera equipment, body armor, etc.
• Position and salary adjustments: Landfill truck driver to lead transport operator, Chief of Corrections salary increase, prosecuting attorney transfer
• Overtime report for January–August 2024

The Garland County Finance Committee met on September 9, 2024, and approved three resolutions and an ordinance. These actions authorize grant applications for the Circuit Court and Prosecuting Attorney, and appropriate insurance proceeds for the solid waste budget. All items passed without opposition.

• Approved resolution R-24-20 authorizing Circuit Court Division I to apply for a $50,000 AOC grant (unanimous)
• Approved resolution R-24-21 authorizing Prosecuting Attorney to apply for a $49,935.06 Public Safety Equipment Grant (unanimous)
• Approved ordinance O-24-22 amending the 2024 budget to appropriate $412,041.91 in insurance proceeds for solid waste (unanimous)

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

The Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committee will meet to discuss the Senior Citizens Center. The agenda also includes a presentation by Scott McCauley regarding MakeMyMove.

• Discussion regarding Senior Citizens Center
• Presentation by Scott McCauley on MakeMyMove

Senior Citizens Center Committee

The Garland County Senior Citizens Center Committee will hold a meeting to discuss funding for the center. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists only of a call to order and a discussion item on funding.

• Discussion on funding of the Garland County Senior Citizens Center

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

The Environmental Services, Public Works, and Buildings Committee is meeting to discuss the purchase of a property. No specific property address or price is listed on the agenda.

• Discussion of property purchase

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will vote on resolutions appointing a member to the Lake Catherine Waterworks board and authorizing a grant application for the drug task force. They will also consider a budget amendment ordinance and hear a Metro Partnership report.

• R-24-18: Confirm appointment of Don Oseroff to the Lake Catherine Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board
• R-24-19: Authorize application for FY2024-2025 Drug Task Force Investigator Grant totaling $169,658 ($58,547 federal, $86,499 state, $24,612 local match)
• O-24-21: Amend 2024 county budget to anticipate revenues, appropriate and transfer funds
• Consider Metro Partnership August 2024 report
• Acknowledgment of disposal of county property

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee will consider a resolution authorizing the Prosecuting Attorney to apply for a $169,658 Drug Task Force grant, and an ordinance to amend the 2024 budget with multiple appropriations and transfers. The ordinance includes a salary increase for the Election Coordinator to comply with the FLSA, transfers for overtime and payouts, and acceptance of juvenile court grants. Other business includes position adjustments, an overtime report, and updates on sales tax and Oaklawn revenue.

• Resolution to apply for a $169,658 Drug Task Force grant ($58,547 federal, $86,499 state, $24,612 local match)
• Ordinance amends budget: $75,000 transfer from Solid Waste Parts/Repairs to Overtime
• Election Coordinator salary increase of $2,699.11 to meet new FLSA salary threshold ($844/week)
• Appropriation of $10,000 from AOC supplemental juvenile court grant to Circuit Court Division II
• Appropriation of $1,375 from juvenile drug court grant, funded by loan from OMH Sale Fund

Information Technology

This is a routine meeting of the Garland County Information Technology Committee. The agenda includes general updates from IT Director Jeff Winter and an open discussion for any department questions or suggestions. No specific votes, contracts, or policy changes are scheduled.

• General updates from IT Director Jeff Winter
• Open discussion for department questions and suggestions

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will meet on July 8, 2024, to review proposed ordinances regarding the county budget and road construction corridors. The meeting also includes the recognition of employees for 10-year service awards.

• Ordinance designating certain roads as construction corridors with sign restrictions (O-24-19)
• Amendment to the 2024 Garland County Budget Ordinance (O-24-20)
• Appointment of Julie Brenner Nix to the Library Board of Directors (R-24-17)
• Ordinance authorizing continued business with Hope Construction and Excavation, Inc. (O-24-15)
• Recognition of 10-year service awards for county employees

Finance Committee

The committee is reviewing ordinances regarding employee conflicts of interest and nepotism policies. Members are also considering various budget amendments, including a $165,000 grant for courthouse renovations.

• Ordinance amending nepotism policy regarding poll workers
• $165,000 AHPP grant appropriation for courthouse exterior renovations
• $50,000 appropriation for water heating repairs at the Detention Facility
• Ordinance to continue business with Bennett’s Auto Services and Linda Bright
• $38,886.19 appropriation to the Sheriff's Budget from insurance proceeds

Human Resources

The committee is reviewing ordinances to authorize continued business with specific vendors despite potential conflicts of interest. They are also considering amendments to the county's nepotism policy regarding poll worker employment. Additionally, a request was made to un-fund the Lake Hamilton School Resource Officer position as the current contract will not be renewed.

• Ordinance for roadside mowing with Hope Construction and Excavation, Inc.
• Ordinance for fleet services with Bennett's Auto Services
• Amendment to nepotism policy regarding poll worker employment
• Request to un-fund the Lake Hamilton School Resource Officer position

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

The committee will consider an ordinance designating specific roads as construction corridors to prohibit off-premises signs. This measure is intended to protect public safety and workers during ARDOT projects. The meeting also includes a discussion regarding unauthorized boat rentals on Lake Hamilton.

• Ordinance designating construction corridors on Highway 5, Highway 7 South, and US 270 West
• Prohibition of off-premises signs along designated road construction areas
• Discussion regarding unauthorized boat rentals on Lake Hamilton

Quorum Court

The court will review grant applications for the Sheriff’s Office regarding bulletproof vests and traffic enforcement. Members will also consider ordinances to amend the 2024 county budget and transfer funds. The agenda includes reviews of financial statements and various committee reports.

• FY 2023 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Grant ($746.79 federal/local match)
• FY 2024 Patrick Leahy Bulletproof Vest Grant ($6,300 federal/local match)
• FY 2024-2025 STEP Grant totaling $144,382
• Ordinance O-24-13 to amend the 2024 budget and transfer funds
• Ordinance O-24-14 to amend the 2024 budget and transfer funds

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee is meeting to consider resolutions authorizing the Sheriff to apply for grants, including a $144,382 STEP grant and two Bulletproof Vest Partnership grants. They will also review two budget ordinances that would fund new positions, including five patrol deputies, four telecommunicators, and two case coordinators, using various funds. The meeting includes several fund transfers and appropriations for items like vacation pay and equipment.

• Resolution to apply for FY 2024-2025 STEP grant totaling $144,382 ($115,506 federal, $28,876 local match)
• Resolution to apply for FY 2023 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant ($746.79 federal, $746.79 local match)
• Resolution to apply for FY 2024 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant ($6,300 federal, $6,300 local match)
• Budget ordinance to appropriate $99,850.38 in ARP funds for three new Patrol Deputy positions
• Budget ordinance to establish five new Patrol Deputy, four Telecommunicator, and two Case Coordinator positions funded by $455,808.18 from LATC Fund

Human Resources

The Garland County Human Resources Committee will consider requests to create new full-time positions across several departments. These include three Patrol Deputy positions funded by ARPA, five Patrol Deputy positions in the County General Fund, four Telecommunicator Level I positions in the Emergency 911 Fund, and two Case Coordinator positions in the Prosecuting Attorney's budget. The meeting is a special session to review these staffing requests.

• Create 3 full-time Patrol Deputy positions (ARPA Fund-Sheriff's Dept, budget 3046.0400)
• Create 5 full-time Patrol Deputy positions (County General Fund-Sheriff's Dept, budget 1000.0400)
• Create 4 full-time Telecommunicator Level I positions (Emergency 911 Fund, budget 3020.0506)
• Create 2 full-time Case Coordinator positions (County General Fund-Prosecuting Attorney, budget 1000.0416)

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will discuss a resolution to levy one mill on taxable property for public safety. The body is also considering ordinances regarding one-time premium pay for essential county employees using federal funds.

• Resolution R-24-13: Support for a 1-mill tax levy for public safety purposes
• Ordinance O-24-10: One-time premium pay for essential employees from American Rescue Plan funds
• Ordinance O-24-11: One-time premium pay for county employees from CARES Act funds
• Resolution R-24-12: Appointment of Jake Yancey to the Cutter-Morning Star School Board
• Ordinance O-24-12: Amendment to the 2024 Garland County Budget Ordinance

Ordinance Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the Garland County Ordinance Committee. The only listed agenda item is the reading of ordinances and resolutions, followed by adjournment. No specific ordinances, resolutions, or other business items are identified in the agenda.

• Reading of ordinances and resolutions

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee is considering a resolution to support levying a 1-mill property tax for public safety, along with ordinances authorizing one-time premium pay to county employees from ARP and CARES Act funds. The committee will also review a budget amendment ordinance with multiple appropriations, including a new library position and a juvenile court grant, plus fund transfers and reports.

• Resolution supporting 1-mill property tax levy for public safety
• Ordinance for one-time premium pay from ARP Fund (excludes elected officials, deputies, etc.)
• Ordinance for one-time premium pay from CARES Act Fund (excludes those who got full ARP pay)
• Budget amendment: $31,775.50 for new full-time Public Services Coordinator at County Library
• Budget amendment: $10,000.00 Supplemental Juvenile Court Funding Grant for Circuit Court Division II

Human Resources

The Garland County Human Resources Committee is considering a request from the Library Executive Director to delete a part-time Public Services Assistant position and create a full-time Public Services Coordinator with an annual salary of $40,644. The meeting includes routine procedures and other business.

• Delete part-time Public Services Assistant (PCN 3008.0600.3224)
• Create full-time Public Services Coordinator (PCN 3008.0600.3258)
• Requested annual salary: $40,644

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

The Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee is reviewing the need for additional personnel across several departments. The discussion includes specific staffing requests for law enforcement, emergency communications, and legal support.

• 10 positions for Garland County Sheriff’s Department
• 4 positions for 911 Communications Center
• 2 positions for Prosecuting Attorney Case Coordinators

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will hold its regular meeting on April 9, 2024, to consider resolutions authorizing grant applications for juvenile court programs, ordinances to create an opioid settlement fund and amend the 2024 budget, and other routine business. The agenda also includes approval of minutes, financial statements, committee reports, and employee service awards.

• Resolution R-24-10: authorize application for $4,125 AOC Juvenile Accountability Court Fund grant
• Resolution R-24-11: authorize application for $20,000 AOC Supplemental Juvenile Court Fund grant
• Ordinance O-24-08: establish Adult Drug Court – Opioid Settlement Fund
• Ordinance O-24-09: amend 2024 budget ordinance O-23-41
• Consideration of Metro Partnership April 2024 report

Ordinance Committee

This meeting consists of a call to order and the reading of ordinances. No specific ordinance titles or details are provided in the agenda.

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee is meeting to consider several resolutions and ordinances, including authorizing grant applications for juvenile programs, establishing a new opioid settlement fund, amending the 2024 budget, and approving fund transfers. The agenda also includes routine reports on sales tax, Oaklawn revenue, and the 2022 audit.

• Resolution to apply for $20,000 AOC Supplemental Juvenile Court Fund grant for a substance abuse education program
• Resolution to apply for $4,125 AOC Juvenile Accountability Court Fund grant for drug court incentives and drug screens
• Ordinance to establish Adult Drug Court - Opioid Settlement Fund
• Budget amendment appropriating $21,838.43 for Adult Drug Court grant, $3,000 for Coroner overtime, and $5,526.80 for Mid-America HVAC grant
• Transfer of $88,972.16 in Safe Room Grant Fund for engineering and advertising

Special Joint Committee Meeting

The Human Resources and Public Health, Welfare and Safety committees are meeting to discuss amendments to the county personnel policy. The body will also review requests for additional staffing across public safety departments and a presentation on a maternal health pilot program.

• Proposed amendments to Personnel Policy regarding nepotism, drug testing, background checks, and catastrophic leave
• Request for 10 positions for the Garland County Sheriff’s Department
• Request for 4 positions for the 911 Communications Center
• Request for 2 Prosecuting Attorney Case Coordinators
• Presentation by the Arkansas Department of Health on Maternal Health Pilot Program

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

The Human Resources and Public Health, Welfare and Safety Committees are meeting to discuss amendments to the county personnel policy. The body will also review requests for additional staffing across public safety departments and a presentation on a maternal health pilot program.

• Proposed amendments to Personnel Policy regarding nepotism, drug testing, background checks, and catastrophic leave
• Request for 10 positions for the Garland County Sheriff’s Department
• Request for 4 positions for the 911 Communications Center
• Request for 2 Prosecuting Attorney Case Coordinator positions
• Presentation by the Arkansas Department of Health on Maternal Health Pilot Program

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

The Environmental Services, Public Works and Buildings Committee will hear a presentation from John Rogers of Crafton Tull regarding the Landfill expansion Phase III. The agenda also includes new and old business items, but no specific details are provided.

• Presentation on Landfill expansion Phase III by John Rogers of Crafton Tull

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will hold its regular meeting on March 11, 2024, to consider two budget amendment ordinances, two board appointment resolutions, and routine reports. The agenda includes approval of minutes, financial statements, and committee reports, as well as acknowledgment of the overtime report and disposal of county property.

• O-24-06: Amend 2024 budget ordinance O-23-41 to anticipate revenues, appropriate, and transfer funds
• O-24-07: Amend 2024 budget ordinance O-23-41 to anticipate revenues, appropriate, and transfer funds
• R-24-08: Confirm appointment of Gary West to Royal Water Public Facilities Board
• R-24-09: Confirm appointment to Westwood Village Sewer Facilities Board
• Consideration of Metro Partnership March 2024 Report

Ordinance Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the Garland County Ordinance Committee. The only agenda items are a call to order, reading of ordinances and resolutions, and adjournment. No specific ordinances, resolutions, or other substantive actions are listed.

• Reading of ordinances and resolutions

Information Technology

The Garland County Information Technology committee is holding a routine meeting with general updates from the IT Director and an open discussion period for any department with questions or suggestions. No specific decisions, contracts, or policy changes are listed on the agenda.

• General updates from IT Director Jeff Winter
• Open discussion for any department with questions or suggestions

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee is reviewing departmental overtime reports for January and February 2024, totaling $75,470.42, and sales tax collection projections for the County General Fund, Solid Waste Fund, and combined funds. The agenda consists of these financial reports for discussion; no votes or action items are listed.

• Overtime report: Sheriff $12,383.05, Detention Facility $13,334.43, Sanitation $17,458.97 for Jan-Feb 2024
• County General Fund sales tax collections projected at $8,976,795.14 for FY2024
• Solid Waste Fund sales tax collections projected at $1,838,620.69 for FY2024
• Combined CG & SW sales tax collections projected at $10,815,415.83 for FY2024
• Yearly collection rate at 150.49% for FY2022 and 154.66% for FY2023

Human Resources

The Garland County Human Resources Committee will consider creating a Domestic Violence Coordinator position for the Circuit/District/Spanish Division within the 2024 VOCA Grant Fund Budget. The position, with an annual salary of $37,440 plus benefits, would be housed in the Prosecuting Attorney's office and requires bilingual (Spanish/English) skills. The committee will also handle other business and adjourn.

• Request to create Domestic Violence Coordinator position (PCN 3544.0416.1003) at $37,440/year plus benefits, no matching funds required
• Position duties include victim intake, court accompaniment, filing legal documents, and referrals to shelters and counseling
• Grant consultation notes show project total of $186,339.79 for three positions, with $7,200/year for court reporting
• Agreed adjustments include removing $32,400 contract legal representation and adding $7,000 for equipment and $4,000 for outreach materials

Quorum Court

The Quorum Court will consider several ordinances to amend the 2023 and 2024 budget ordinances. The agenda also includes a resolution to adopt the 2023 Garland County Hazard Mitigation Plan.

• Resolution R-24-06: Adopting the 2023 Garland County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Resolution R-24-07: Declaring Garland County a pro-life county
• Ordinance O-24-03: Designating an entity to collect Garland County District Court fines
• Ordinance O-24-04: Amending the 2023 budget ordinance to transfer funds
• Ordinance O-24-05: Amending the 2024 budget ordinance to appropriate funds

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee is meeting to consider several items, including adopting the 2023 Hazard Mitigation Plan and multiple ordinances amending the 2023 and 2024 budgets with various fund transfers. The agenda also includes discussion items on positions, overtime, sales tax, and Oaklawn revenue.

• Resolution adopting the 2023 Garland County Hazard Mitigation Plan
• Ordinance to amend 2023 budget with transfers including $4,254.35 to County General Fund, $15.00 to Emergency 911 Fund, $375.00 to Sheriff's Budget from ARP Fund, $173.99 to Cedar Glades Park, $3,622.86 to Sheriff's Budget from STEP Fund, $1,175.30 to Prosecuting Attorney's Budget from VOCA Fund
• Ordinance to amend 2024 budget with appropriations including $600.00 for internet hotspots, $762.75 from FOIA to Sheriff's Budget, $8,627.21 to County Jail Budget, $3,963.30 for Solid Waste worker's comp, $4,343.60 for 911 worker's comp, $5,000.00 for training, $35,000.00 from Hazard Mitigation Grant, $180,000.00 from Capital Improvement Fund
• Discussion of position and salary adjustments, overtime report, sales tax collections, and Oaklawn revenue

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court is holding a special meeting to consider Resolution R-24-05, which would appoint a new coroner to fill the vacancy left by Stuart Smedley's resignation. The court received four applications and will vote on the appointment.

• Resolution R-24-05 to appoint a new Garland County Coroner
• Vacancy created by resignation of former Coroner Stuart Smedley, effective January 1, 2024
• Four applications received for the position
• Meeting at Garland County Armory Building, 210 Woodbine, Hot Springs, AR

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court is holding a special meeting to interview candidates for the coroner appointment. No other business is on the agenda.

• Interview of coroner appointment candidates

Human Resources

The Garland County Human Resources Committee will consider two items: a salary increase for a Bookkeeper in the Treasurer's Office to the full 2024 appropriated amount of $39,614.10, and a request to update the position description and change the title of Telecommunicator Supervisor Level IV to Telecommunicator Training Supervisor Level IV for PCN 3020.0506.1003. The meeting includes routine procedural items.

• Salary increase request for Bookkeeper position 1000.0103.0403 to $39,614.10
• Title change for Telecommunicator Supervisor Level IV to Telecommunicator Training Supervisor Level IV (PCN 3020.0506.1003)
• Updated position description for Level IV TC Training Supervisor

Quorum Court

The Garland County Quorum Court will hold a regular meeting on January 8, 2024, to consider four resolutions and two ordinances. Key items include authorizing grant applications for historic preservation and energy efficiency, declaring a coroner vacancy, and approving an interlocal agreement with Hot Springs. The court will also receive committee reports, recognize service awards, and discuss the Metro Partnership report.

• Resolution R-24-01: Authorizes applying for FY2024 Arkansas Historic Preservation Program (AHPP) grant
• Resolution R-24-02: Authorizes applying for FY2024 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) voucher
• Resolution R-24-03: Declares vacancy in Office of Garland County Coroner
• Resolution R-24-04: Authorizes purchasing goods/services exempt from bidding per Arkansas Code §14-22-106(21)
• Ordinance O-24-01: Approves interlocal agreement between Garland County and City of Hot Springs

Ordinance Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the Garland County Ordinance Committee. The only listed action is the reading of ordinances and resolutions, followed by adjournment. No specific ordinances, resolutions, or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Reading of ordinances and resolutions

Finance Committee

The Garland County Finance Committee is meeting to consider several resolutions and ordinances, including applying for two grants, authorizing cooperative purchasing exemptions, approving an interlocal agreement with Hot Springs for animal control services, and amending the 2024 budget with specific appropriations. The agenda also includes a 2023 budget transfer and reports on various county finances.

• Resolution to apply for $165,000 Arkansas Historic Preservation Program grant for courthouse terra cotta repair
• Resolution to apply for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant for HVAC replacement in Government Building
• Ordinance approving interlocal agreement with City of Hot Springs for animal control services at $450,687 annually
• Budget amendment: $21,000 for Treasurer's software and printer; $20,000 for Library overtime; $39,534.96 for Sheriff's vehicle and repairs
• Transfer of $3,140.84 in Collector's Automation Fund for generator at 200 Woodbine Street