JPs Discuss Need For Sales Tax

Stone County Judge Stacey Avey last Thursday gave justices of the peace a jail construction update that he said should be the last as the facility is structurally complete and awaiting full insurance coverage before inmates are moved to the new space. A ribbon cutting was held earlier in the day.

Also at the meeting, JPs adopted an ordinance amending the 2026 budget, approved a $2,000 allocation to Stone County Hometown Health Coalition, and scheduled an informational meeting next Thursday regarding the half-cent sales tax proposal set for the November ballot.

The half-cent sales tax funding repayment of bonds issued for jail construction has expired. At the time the temporary construction tax was approved by voters, a companion quarter-cent tax for maintenance and operation (which would have been permanent) failed. With the current county jail facing closure by the state, county officials opted to proceed with construction and revisit the need for operational funding.

With the half-cent construction tax having re-paid bonds and ended earlier than projected, county officials agreed to ask for the same amount to go toward jail operations, law enforcement, emergency services and roads.

The half-cent sales tax generates about $1 million per year.

JPs set an informational meeting on the tax to be held this Thursday at the court complex beginning at 6 p.m. County Judge Stacey Avey requested that JPs try to host meetings in their communities, as well.

Regarding the budget, amendments included establishing a line item for work on Round Bottom Road and grant funds to be received from Arkansas Game & Fish. Avey said part of the county’s match will be in-kind, so the county will spend about $160,000 and get $100,000 reimbursement.

Another grant added was $5,000 from Blue & You Foundation, which will be used to purchase automated external defibrillator (AED) units. $4,500 was appropriated to county buildings to cover water expense after a leak repair, $3,000 was appropriated to county road for general supplies, and $4,673.65 for the jail. Four transfers within department line items were also included.

In other business, JPs approved contracting with Stone County Hometown Health Coalition for their services providing health education, necessity closet, medical transportation and more to local residents. The contract will be for $2,000.

JPs heard a presentation from Arkansas Craft School representatives Gin Brown and Amber Moore on workshops offered, financial impact of the organization over the past three years, and about upcoming events.