County quorum court tackles sales-tax dip, roadside litter costs, animal-control funding, and broadband rollout

Drew County Judge Jessie Griffin called Monday’s quorum court meeting to order at 6 p.m. with the invocation and Pledge of Allegiance. All justices of the peace were present except Orlando Jones and Sheila Maxwell.

County Treasurer Charlie Searcy reported that, while most revenues and expenditures remain on track, 2025 is trending slightly below last year in countywide sales-tax collections—marking the first year-over-year decline in roughly 12–13 years. Projections show sales-tax totals coming in just under 2024’s figure, a change officials attributed to softer monthly receipts this fall.

Even so, he said the county expects to close the year with a net increase of roughly $300,000, helped by year-end property-tax settlements and stronger interest earnings on county balances.

“If sales tax doesn’t rise while costs keep rising, we fall behind—even if the revenue is flat,” Searcy noted.

Judge Griffin highlighted the cost of roadside litter removal over the past three years. He said 2023 saw about 6.51 tons of trash collected from county roads, compared with approximately 4.77 tons in 2024. This year’s cleanup cost was cited at $18,240. Officials noted a persistent shortage of inmate work crews and volunteers, which has increased reliance on paid services.

A brief landfill report referenced steady traffic from residential and commercial users and ongoing tracking of outside-county loads; additional detail sheets will be distributed to JPs.

Representatives from SecondChanceFurDogs outlined the scale of local animal-control needs and rescue transfers this year, saying more than 600 dogs and puppies have already been transported to northern rescue partners in 2025, with over $80,000 in related veterinary costs documented last year.

The court discussed remaining proceeds from the now-repealed animal-control voluntary tax donations. As of October, the balance stood around $12,700, with Searcy expecting the total to $2,000-$3,000 higher once tax postings are complete.

JP discussion centered on the proper way to release those funds. County Attorney Cliff Gibson advised that because prior payments were made under a service contract (the last of which lapsed in April), the county should execute a new contract for services through November 30 and bring an appropriation ordinance next month to disburse the remaining dedicated funds. The judge said the contract—mirroring prior terms with updated dates—will be circulated to the court for review.

Todd Smithson briefed the court on Arkansas’ BEAD (Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment) rollout. Key points:

• Over 700 “unserved” locations in Drew County are slated for connection under the state’s first award round.
• Aristotle was identified as the selected internet service provider for Drew County’s BEAD buildout.
• The build is proposed as fiber-to-the-premises with a target residential plan around $50/month and symmetric speeds (e.g., 100/100 Mbps), with equipment, installation, and tech support included.
• Pending federal review and the 2026 state funding release, construction could begin in the second quarter of 2026, following a milestone-based payment structure (providers are paid only as build milestones are verified).

Several JPs pressed Smithson and the judge about Aristotle’s delinquent property-tax issues elsewhere and about past grant performance. The judge said the county has insisted on deeper oversight this time and emphasized that milestone payments—validated from the county side—should protect taxpayers as the project progresses. JPs also asked how small communities just off the initial trunk routes can secure service; Smithson said he would relay specific locations to the provider and state coordinators.

The court then moved into New Business and passed several ordinances.

• 2025-17 (Millage levy): The court approved the annual millage ordinance for 2025 taxes as certified, including adjustments reported by certain fire and water districts. Vote: approved by those present.
• 2025-18 (Employee stipends): The court approved year-end stipends for county employees—$750 for full-time and $300 for part-time positions—budgeted as a worst-case maximum, with actual payouts varying by department staffing. Vote: approved by those present.

In Closing remarks, Judge Griffin noted the following:

• Veterans Day: The county-wide Veterans Day ceremony is noon at First Baptist Church (indoors).
• Voter turnout: The judge urged residents to participate in upcoming elections.

The meeting adjourned after announcements.