The Boring PartsFederalLocal · USLocal · Canada
Garland County, Arkansas

Garland County public meetings in 2025

36 substantive meetings from 2025, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.

Mon Dec 8, 2025

Quorum Court

Garland County Quorum Court to establish 2026 annual operating budget

The Quorum Court is meeting to decide on the 2026 annual operating budget and amendments to the 2025 budget. The body will also consider interlocal agreements with the City of Hot Springs and a grant application for a juvenile drug program.

budgetgrantsanimal-controlinterlocal-agreementarpa
✓ Decided: Garland County adopts 2026 operating budget and several interlocal agreements

The Quorum Court adopted the FY2026 operating budget ordinance and approved three resolutions creating interlocal agreements for a crisis‑intervention grant, animal control services, and imaging services. It also adopted ordinances amending ARPA fund allocations and the 2025 budget. An attempt to amend the budget ordinance to shift $25,000 of Metro Partnership funds failed.

Mon Dec 8, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: Ordinance Committee approves three resolutions and three ordinances

The committee authorized a $42,500 SCIP grant and interlocal agreements with the City of Hot Springs for animal control and imaging services. It also amended the ARPA emergency clause, updated the 2025 budget provisions, and adopted the 2026 operating budget. All measures passed without opposition.

Mon Dec 1, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to review 2026 budget and ARPA fund obligations

The Finance Committee is considering the 2026 budgeted ordinance and an emergency ordinance to obligate $552,289.27 in remaining American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. The body will also discuss various budget transfers and a grant application for a juvenile drug program.

budgetarpagrantsroadssolid-wasteinsurance
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approves multiple budget adjustments and a $42,500 grant

The committee authorized the Circuit Court Division II Judge to apply for a $42,500 Byrne State Crisis Intervention Program grant. It also approved several ordinance amendments to reallocate and appropriate funds across the Solid Waste, Road Improvement, General Reserve, and other county budgets. Additional transfers and salary adjustments were adopted, all passing without opposition.

Mon Nov 24, 2025

Quorum Court

Garland County Quorum Court to levy 2025 taxes

The Quorum Court will consider levying county, municipal, and school taxes for 2025, collectible in 2026. The body will also discuss budget amendments and a tax back program endorsement for a local business.

taxesbudgeteconomic-developmentpayroll
✓ Decided: Court adopts ordinance to levy county, municipal, and school taxes for 2025

The Quorum Court adopted a resolution endorsing DS Services of America, Inc. for the state tax‑back program. It also adopted three ordinances: one to levy county, municipal and school taxes for 2025, and two amendments to the 2025 budget ordinance. Additional items such as the Metro Partnership report and an overtime report were approved by voice vote.

Mon Nov 24, 2025

Ordinance Committee

Ordinance Committee will read ordinances and resolutions

The Garland County Ordinance Committee will meet on November 24, 2025 at 5:30 PM at 210 Woodbine Street. The agenda consists of a call to order, a reading of the ordinances and resolutions, and adjournment. No substantive items or decisions are listed.

ordinancesprocedurallocal-government
✓ Decided: Ordinance O-25-20 passed to levy County, Municipal, and School taxes for 2025

The committee approved Resolution R-25-25 endorsing DS Services of America, Inc. for the tax back program. Ordinance O-25-20 was adopted to levy County, Municipal, and School taxes for 2025, collectible in 2026. Ordinance O-25-21 amended the 2025 budget to fund an extra holiday pay period. Ordinance O-25-22 approved specific fund transfers for the County Coroner and County Clerk.

Wed Nov 12, 2025

Finance Committee

Garland County finance committee to review 2026 budget salaries and assets

The Garland County Special Finance Committee will meet to consider the 2026 Budget Salaries and Benefits and Capital Assets. The meeting is scheduled for November 12, 2025, at 5:30 PM at 210 Woodbine Street.

budgetfinancesalariescapital-assetsgarland-county
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved Garland County’s 2026 budget for salaries and capital assets

The committee adopted the proposed 2026 salary and benefit adjustments, including COLA increases and a flat $15,000 raise for elected officials. It also approved the 2026 capital assets plan totaling $8,040,303.65. Both motions passed without opposition.

Mon Nov 3, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to approve $80,469 appropriation for 27th pay period

The committee will consider a resolution endorsing DS Services of America, Inc. for participation in Arkansas' tax‑back program. It will also vote on an amendment to the 2025 Budget Ordinance to appropriate and transfer $80,469 and related amounts for a 27th payroll period across multiple county funds. Additional appropriations include $4,327.88 for the County Coroner’s vacation pay, $7,000 for the County Clerk’s mediation services, and a $15,000 transfer within the County Road Fund for a sand‑and‑salt building. Other business items such as salary adjustments and tax collection updates will be discussed.

budgetappropriationtax-backpayrollroadscounty-finance
✓ Decided: Resolution endorsing DS Services of America for tax‑back program approved

The Finance Committee approved a resolution certifying local government endorsement of DS Services of America, Inc. to participate in the tax‑back program authorized by ACA 15‑4‑2706(d). It also adopted an ordinance adding a twenty‑seventh pay period to the 2025 budget and approved several appropriations, a fund transfer, and routine reports, all without opposition.

Wed Oct 22, 2025

Finance Committee

Garland County Finance Committee reviews 2026 department budgets

The Garland County Finance Committee is meeting to review budget requests and automation updates for 2026 across various county departments, including the Sheriff's Office, Health Department, and Circuit Court.

budgetfinancesheriffhealthsolid-wasteemergency-managementcircuit-courtautomation
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved all department budgets for 2026

The Finance Committee considered the 2026 budgets presented by each county department and approved them by unanimous do‑pass motions. All motions passed without opposition. Review of Capital Outlay and Personal Services budgets was postponed until the November 2 meeting.

Mon Oct 13, 2025

Quorum Court

Quorum Court considers premium pay ordinances and a Charlie Kirk remembrance day

The Garland County Quorum Court will read and vote on Resolution R-25-24 to proclaim October 14 as "Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance." It will also consider three ordinances: O-25-17 authorizing a one‑time premium payment from the American Rescue Plan fund, O-25-18 authorizing a one‑time premium payment from the CARES Act fund, and O-25-19 amending the 2025 budget to anticipate revenues and reallocate funds. Additional items include employee service award acknowledgments and reports on overtime, the 2024 audit, and the Metro Partnership.

ordinancepayrollbudgetemployee-payrecognitionlocal-government
✓ Decided: County adopts budget amendment ordinance and emergency‑fund payment ordinances

The Quorum Court adopted Ordinance 0‑25‑19 to amend the 2025 Garland County budget (13‑0). It also adopted two emergency‑fund payment ordinances, 0‑25‑17 (ARP) and 0‑25‑18 (CARES), each passing 12‑1. Additionally, the Court approved a resolution proclaiming October 14 as Cultural Kirk Day of Remembrance (11‑2).

Mon Oct 13, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: Ordinance Committee approves resolution and three payroll ordinances, plus budget amendment

The committee adopted Resolution R-25-24 designating October 14 as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance. It approved Ordinance O-25-17 to provide a one‑time premium payment from the American Rescue Plan Fund to certain essential county employees. It approved Ordinance O-25-18 to provide a one‑time premium payment from the CARES Fund to certain essential county employees. It approved Ordinance O-25-19 amending the 2025 Budget Ordinance to anticipate and appropriate specific funds, including $1,107,299.69 for road improvements, a $300,000 hazard‑mitigation grant for riverbank stabilization, $7,870.35 and $382.24 for sheriff and jail budgets, and $12,707.31 for a temporary bailiff salary; all motions passed without opposition.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Human Resources

Committee to decide on temporary bailiff position for Circuit Court Division IV

The Garland County Human Resources Committee will consider approving a temporary bailiff for Circuit Court Division IV. The position would be active from October 14, 2025 through December 31, 2025, or until it is no longer needed. The committee will also address any other business before adjourning.

human-resourcescourtsstaffingcounty-government
✓ Decided: Committee approves temporary bailiff position for Circuit Court Division IV

The Human Resources Committee considered a request to create a temporary bailiff position for Circuit Court Division IV. A motion to approve the position was made by Vice‑Chair Braughton, seconded by Justice Bailes, and Judge Mahoney explained the need due to the current bailiff's medical leave. The motion passed without opposition. The meeting was then adjourned.

Mon Oct 6, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee to consider employee bonuses and budget amendments

The committee is reviewing ordinances to provide one-time premium payments to essential county employees using ARP and CARES Act funds. Members will also consider budget amendments to appropriate over $1.4 million for road improvements, river bank stabilization, and other county services.

budgetemployee-benefitsroadsgrantspublic-safety
✓ Decided: Finance Committee approves employee premium payments and budget adjustments

The committee adopted ordinances to provide one-time premium payments to eligible essential county employees from the ARP and CARES Act funds. It also amended the 2025 budget to appropriate funds for road improvements, a riverbank stabilization grant, sheriff reimbursements, and a temporary bailiff salary. Several routine reports were formally acknowledged.

Mon Sep 22, 2025

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

Committee considers proclaiming October 14th as Charlie Kirk Day of Remembrance

The Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee is meeting to consider a resolution regarding Charlie Kirk. The proposal includes designating a day of remembrance and renaming the Quorum Court Chambers.

public-health-welfare-safety-committeeresolutionsnaming-rightsgovernment-facilities
✓ Decided: Committee approved amended resolution to honor Charlie Kirk

The committee voted to approve an amendment that removed the naming and public‑fund clauses from the resolution. The amended resolution then passed and will be forwarded to the quorum court on October 13. Justice Anderson voted against the resolution; all other members voted in favor.

Tue Sep 16, 2025

Public Hearings

Garland County public hearing to consider ACEDP funding application

A public hearing will be held on September 16 at 9 a.m. in the Garland County Courthouse, Room 200, to identify and prioritize community needs. The board will decide whether to develop an application for Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) funds and, if so, for which need. Attendees may comment on proposed project activities and the potential impacts if funding is received. The county will provide technical assistance and accommodations for persons with disabilities or language needs if requested by September 12.

public-hearingcommunity-needsacedp-fundinghousingeconomic-development
Mon Sep 15, 2025

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

Committee will hear update on Senior Citizens Building from French Architects

The Environmental Services, Public Works, and Buildings Committee will meet on September 15, 2025. The agenda includes a presentation by French Architects providing an update on the Senior Citizens Building project. The meeting also includes standard items such as call to order, invocation, and other business.

public-worksbuildingssenior-citizenscommunity
✓ Decided: Committee discussed senior center project but took no formal actions

The Environmental Services, Public Works, and Buildings Committee received updates on the new senior center construction, including design details, parking plans, and lease terms. Representatives from the Area Agency on Aging reported current meal service statistics and program successes. No votes, approvals, or other formal decisions were recorded.

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Quorum Court

✓ Decided: Garland County Quorum Court adopts grant application and multiple ordinances

The court approved a resolution to apply for an Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program grant for a Mid‑America Science Museum project and endorsed Morfe Windows, LLC for the state Tax‑Back Program. It also adopted three ordinances—including changes to court‑cost distribution and the 2025 budget—and confirmed an appointment to the Lake Catherine Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board. Additional approvals included the September Metro Partnership report and acknowledgment of the overtime report.

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: County approved grant application for Mid-America Science Museum project

The Ordinance Committee approved three resolutions and three ordinances. Resolutions confirmed a waterworks board appointment, authorized a grant application for a science museum, and endorsed Morfe Windows, LLC for a tax‑back program. Ordinances amended court‑cost distribution and updated the 2025 budget to appropriate funds for emergency 911, the county library, and the coroner.

Mon Sep 8, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approves three resolutions, two ordinances and several acknowledgments

The committee confirmed John Combs' appointment to the Lake Catherine Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board, authorized the County Judge to seek an ACEDP grant for the Mid‑America Science Museum, and endorsed Morfe Windows, LLC for a tax‑back program. It adopted an ordinance to amend court‑cost and filing‑fee distribution and an appropriation ordinance allocating $30,000 to the Emergency 911 Fund, $7,500 to the Library Fund, and $1,000 to the General Fund. Motions to acknowledge the position‑salary adjustments, overtime, sales‑tax and Oaklawn revenue reports also passed without opposition.

Thu Aug 21, 2025

Information Technology

✓ Decided: Garland County IT meeting reviewed cybersecurity updates, no formal actions taken

The IT Committee discussed ACT 846 cybersecurity insurance requirements, the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, and plans for multi‑factor authentication. They noted Microsoft will end support for Windows 10 and discontinue Office 2016/2019 in October 2025, and mentioned a goal to move all employees to G1 licenses. The department also reported switching internet service from AT&T to Ritter and said a budget increase will be requested. The meeting was adjourned by a motion from Justice Jones.

Mon Aug 11, 2025

Quorum Court

✓ Decided: Court approved $1.55 million federal lands grant and $65 k emergency grant

The Quorum Court approved its agenda, the July 14 minutes, and the committee reports. It adopted two resolutions to apply for a $65,000 emergency management grant and a $1,550,000 Federal Lands Access Program grant. The court also approved the August 2025 Metro Partnership Report and formally acknowledged the overtime report and disposal of county property.

Mon Aug 11, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: County approved two grant applications: $65K and $1.55M

The Ordinance Committee authorized the County Clerk to apply for a $65,000 Homeland Security Grant. It also authorized the County Judge to apply for a $1,550,000 Federal Lands Access Program grant for the Southwest Trail. Both resolutions passed without opposition.

Mon Aug 11, 2025

Finance Committee

Finance Committee considers $1.55 million grant for Southwest Trail extension

The Finance Committee is reviewing resolutions to apply for federal and state grants for infrastructure and security. The body will also discuss personnel salary adjustments and review sales tax and overtime reports.

grantsinfrastructurebudgetsalariespublic-safety
✓ Decided: County authorized a $1.55 M FLAP grant application for the Southwest Trail

The Finance Committee approved a resolution letting the County Judge apply for a $1,550,000 Federal Lands Access Program grant. It also approved a resolution for the County Clerk to apply for a $65,000 Homeland Security grant for election security. The committee accepted reports on position and salary adjustments, overtime, sales‑tax collections and rebates, and Oaklawn revenue, each passing without opposition.

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Public Health, Welfare & Safety Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved five resolutions, including 911 telecommunicators as first responders

The Public Health, Welfare, and Safety Committee adopted four resolutions recognizing 911 telecommunicators as first responders, confirming appointments to the Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board, confirming Philip Montgomery to the Library Board, and recognizing the Arkansas 250 Commission. One resolution was removed from the agenda. All adopted resolutions passed without opposition.

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Quorum Court

✓ Decided: Ordinance authorizing continued work with Arkansas Collector's Association adopted

The Quorum Court adopted Ordinance O‑2r14 authorizing the county to continue business with the Arkansas Collector's Association, passing 12‑1. All five resolutions on grants, appointments, and public‑safety recognitions were adopted by voice vote. Committee reports, the meeting minutes, and the Metro Partnership report were also approved.

Mon Jul 14, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: County authorized $169,658 drug task force grant

The Ordinance Committee approved Resolution R-25-14 to authorize a $169,658 grant for a fiscal year 2025‑2026 Drug Task Force Investigator, with $72,523 from federal funds, $72,523 from state funds, and a $24,612 local match. The committee also confirmed appointments to the Library Board, Waterworks and Sewer Facilities Board, and recognized public‑safety telecommunicators and the Arkansas 250 Commission. Ordinance O-25-14 was adopted to continue county business with the Arkansas Collectors Association.

Mon Jul 7, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved $169,658 Drug Task Force grant

The committee authorized a $169,658 grant for a fiscal year 2025-2026 Drug Task Force investigator, with funding from federal, state, and local sources. It also approved an ordinance to keep the county doing business with the Arkansas Collectors Association and transferred funds to purchase a new copier. Position and salary adjustments, overtime, sales‑tax rebate, and Oaklawn revenue reports were each approved without opposition.

Mon Jun 16, 2025

Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee

✓ Decided: Committee gave project updates; no approvals or actions were decided

The Environmental Services/Public Works and Buildings Committee reviewed the status of the Garland County Senior Citizens Center, landfill expansion, sheriff's office parking lot, bridge projects, a district court generator, and other infrastructure items. No new contracts, funding allocations, or policy changes were approved, denied, or tabled during the meeting. The discussion was limited to project progress reports and future planning.

Mon Jun 9, 2025

Quorum Court

✓ Decided: County adopts budget amendment ordinance and authorizes multiple grant applications

The Garland County Quorum Court adopted Ordinance 0-2113 to amend the 2025 budget. It also approved four resolutions authorizing applications for state and federal grants covering economic development, traffic enforcement, victims assistance, and juvenile court funding. Committee reports and several administrative items were approved by voice vote.

Mon Jun 9, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: Committee approved grant authorizations and multiple solid waste budget transfers

The Ordinance Committee passed four resolutions authorizing the County Judge, Sheriff, Prosecuting Attorney, and Juvenile Judge to apply for specific state grants. It also approved Ordinance O-25-13, which appropriates and transfers $900,000 for solid waste landfill work and moves funds in the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Ordinance O-25-12 was withdrawn. All motions passed without opposition.

Mon Jun 2, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved $128,498.85 STEP grant and $1.5M AEDC grant

The committee authorized several grant applications, including the $128,498.85 FY 2025‑2026 STEP grant, a $4,000 AOC Supplemental Juvenile Court grant, a $1.5 million AEDC Community Assistance grant, and a $121,592 VOCA Victims Assistance grant. It also passed an ordinance to maintain the county library’s affiliation with the Arkansas Library Association and adopted budget amendments transferring $900,000 to the Solid Waste Fund and other smaller reallocations. Additional actions approved without opposition were a $7,900 transfer for a sheriff’s lift, position and salary adjustments, overtime, sales‑tax and Oaklawn revenue reports.

Mon May 12, 2025

Quorum Court

✓ Decided: Garland County Quorum Court adopts budget amendment ordinance O‑25‑11

The court adopted three ordinances providing one‑time premium pay to essential county employees—two funded by federal aid programs and one amending the 2025 county budget. It also confirmed an appointment to the County Equalization Board and approved several reports. All actions were approved unanimously with one member absent.

Mon May 12, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: Ordinance Committee approves appointments and multiple funding ordinances

The committee confirmed Tamhra Hutchins-Frye's appointment to the Garland County Equalization Board. It approved two ordinances to provide one-time premium pay to essential county employees, one using ARP funds and one using CARES funds. It also approved budget amendments to move $55,000 of ARP fund interest to the County General Fund and $20,000 of an insurance reimbursement to the Solid Waste Fund. All motions passed without opposition.

Mon May 5, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Approved $55,000 ARP fund interest transfer to County General Fund

The Finance Committee approved several ordinances and budget items. It authorized one-time premium pay for essential employees from both the ARP and CARES Act funds. It also approved the transfer of $55,000 of ARP fund interest to the General Fund and a $20,000 insurance reimbursement to the Solid Waste Fund. Additional reports on position adjustments, overtime, and sales/use tax were accepted.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Quorum Court

✓ Decided: Court adopted 2025 budget amendment ordinance

The Quorum Court approved its agenda, the March 10 minutes, and the committee reports. It adopted two resolutions appointing J.M. Rowe to the Royal Water Public Facilities Board and Allison Christine Dodge to solemnize a marriage. The Court read all appropriation ordinances and then adopted the 2025 budget amendment ordinance (0‑25‑08). It also approved the April 2025 Metro Partnership Report and acknowledged an overtime report.

Mon Apr 14, 2025

Ordinance Committee

✓ Decided: Ordinance Committee approves budget amendments and two appointments

The committee confirmed J.M. Rowe's appointment to the Royal Water Public Facilities Board and appointed Allison Christine Dodge to solemnize a marriage, both passing without opposition. It also approved Ordinance O-25-08 amending the 2025 budget, which appropriated and reallocated several funds, including $34,760 to the County Road Fund and $24,878.50 to the Sheriff's Budget, among others. All motions passed without opposition.

Mon Apr 7, 2025

Finance Committee

✓ Decided: Finance Committee approved $94,638.50 in fund appropriations

The committee adopted an ordinance amending the 2025 budget to appropriate five specific amounts totaling $94,638.50 to various county funds. Position adjustments and several routine reports (overtime, sales and use tax, rebates, Oaklawn revenue) were also accepted. All motions were approved without opposition.