BC Quorum Court approves $50k for economic development; future meetings to determine allocation

In a meeting that lasted nearly an hour, the Baxter County Quorum Court approved a handful of ordinances, mostly relating to fund appropriations —including $50,000 to support economic development. The funding passed with one dissenting vote from Justice of the Peace Bob Nault, who expressed a preference to delay the decision until the next meeting.

The Court also approved an ordinance appropriating $8,395 in fees and reimbursements collected in April to the Sheriff’s Office 2025 budget. Approval was given to move $64,000 from the Jail Maintenance and Operation Fund into the jail’s 2025 budget.

In a unanimous vote, the Court appropriated $5,000 from the County General Fund into the IT Department, County Sheriff, Juvenile Services, and County Jail 2025 budgets, including related fringe benefits.

An ordinance was introduced to approve Whispering Woods as a private club at 4245 Hwy. 177 South in Jordan. The Court must approve such locations to ensure alcohol is not sold too close to schools or churches. Motions to pass the ordinance to second and third readings were approved, but no final decision was made.

The Court also approved an ordinance recognizing the Arkansas 250 Commission as it begins work to commemorate the state’s history from the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 through July 4, 2026.

Tink Albright was unanimously confirmed to the Cotter/Gassville Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners.

Support was also given for an ordinance allowing Baxter County to assume maintenance of the Library Trail if the Baxter County Public Library Foundation is unable to continue doing so.

Following the agenda, announcements were made regarding two upcoming meetings—one to discuss bids for new tornado sirens and another for Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) training. The FOIA session, open to the public and intended for elected officials such as City Council members, Quorum Court members, and School Board members, is set for June 23.

A proclamation was made honoring Vincent Anderson with a certificate recognizing him as the official Baxter County Historian.

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