The Scott County Quorum Court met Monday, Oct. 19, to go over the proposed budget for 2027. Although several departments are asking for more money, the county’s overall budget is expected to be lower than last year.
The proposed budget is $11,835,760.40, compared to $12,598,724.48 for 2026.
County Judge Brian Jones explained that these numbers could still change because the county has not received all of its expected funding information from the state. He said some of the amounts had already changed that day, and the county may have to make more cuts before the budget is finished.
Jones also gave an update on money the county has put into certificates of deposit (CDs). The county has approximately $1.2 million set aside for county general, $3.9 million for roads and $501,000 for sanitation.
For the first time, the county has also put $50,000 into a CD for the jail. Judge Jones said the plan is to continue adding to it so the jail will have money set aside for future needs.
Several departments are expected to receive increases.
The Sheriff’s Office budget would go up approximately $43,388. Most of that increase is for employee pay, insurance and other payroll expenses. The department also needs additional money for computer security to meet state requirements.
The jail budget would increase approximately $72,738, bringing its proposed total to about $1.67 million. Most of that increase is also for employee pay and related expenses.
The road department would receive approximately $60,096 more than last year. Jones said the county needs additional money for repairs, concrete and bridge work. He also said the price of concrete is expected to increase 15 percent on Jan. 1.
Sanitation would receive approximately $43,255 more, including money for equipment and employee pay.
The treasurer’s budget would increase approximately $13,139, mainly to hire part-time help.
Judge Jones explained that the county currently pays an outside company approximately $8,000 to $8,500 each year to complete its final tax settlement. He said hiring someone who could be trained to do the work in the treasurer’s office would allow the county to handle it locally instead.
Some departments would see decreases.
The Election Commission’s budget would drop approximately $19,747 because 2027 is not a major election year.
The budget for county buildings would decrease approximately $142,549 because most of the repairs from previous hail damage and insurance claims have been completed. Jones said only two projects remain.
One of the longer discussions concerned the county’s property reappraisal contract.
The county has been paying $76,236 a year for reappraisal services. The proposed new contract would cost $91,968 a year for the next four years. That is an increase of $15,732 a year.
Judge Jones questioned the increase and said he wanted to see bids from other companies before the county agreed to another contract. He also questioned whether the work had been properly advertised for bids.
Another option discussed was having county employees do the reappraisal work. However, those employees would first need additional training and certification.
The court agreed that more information was needed before making a decision.
The court also discussed money that had been set aside for employee raises approved in December 2022.
According to the discussion, the money is expected to cover approximately 47 more pay periods. Once that money is gone, the county could need approximately $500,000 to continue paying those raises.
Jones also expressed concern about possible cuts in money the county receives from the state, including fuel tax money and funding for 911 services.
The court plans to discuss the reappraisal contract and updated revenue figures during its regular meeting in November.
No action was taken on the proposed budget during the hearing. The final budget is expected to be approved in December.
Scott County Quorum Court Hears Update on County Projects
The Scott County Quorum Court held its regular monthly meeting shortly after the budget meeting on Monday, October 19.
All justices of the peace were present except one. County Judge Brian Jones and interim County Clerk Jade McDaniel were also in attendance.
Following the Pledge of Allegiance and approval of the September meeting minutes, Jones gave his report.
Jones reported that the bridge at Nella (Oliver Branch) has been completed. Work on Sweet Gum Lane will resume once construction on Highway 71 is finished.
Jones also shared plans for a project he has been working on for about a year.
With Arkansas Valley Electric moving its operations to Greenwood, Jones hopes to move the county’s road equipment to the company’s former office building and surrounding property.
Jones said there are still a few details to work out with Arkansas Valley Electric, but he hopes the county can begin moving equipment sometime next year.
“It’s not a 100 percent done deal, but if everything goes as planned, it will not cost the county one dollar,” Jones explained.
Arkansas Valley Electric will keep a portion of the property and fence it off to store equipment that may be needed during emergencies.
The justices and those in attendance showed their appreciation for Jones’ work on the project with applause.
Jones also assured those present that regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election, he will continue working for Scott County through December 31.
The treasurer’s and assessor’s reports were presented with no significant changes reported.
Sheriff Randy Shores reported that the Scott County Sheriff’s Department housed 53 inmates for a total of 601 jail days. The department also issued several warrants and citations and responded to various calls for service.
The court also received thank-you cards from Billy Carnahan.
Ordinance 2026-30, concerning unanticipated revenue, was read and approved.
With no further business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned.
