Intergovernmental Council Meeting
AS REPORTED IN THE WHITE COUNTY RECORD
by Barth Grayson March 06, 2001
White County Clerk wcclerk@ipa.net 501-279-6204
The first Intergovernmental meeting for the year was
held at the White County Courthouse Tuesday Night. After a short welcome by County Judge
Bob Parish, Treasurer Waylon Heathscott explained the county's current financial
situation. He then took questions on his presentation.
Judge Parish then presented the breakdown on how taxes are distributed.
The county receives 45.5% on a per capita basis and the cities receive the other 54.59%.
He stated that the cities can budget their sales tax money as they need to and can fund
their needed projects. The county on the other hand, has restrictions on how sales tax is
allocated by percentages for each department. For instance, the county general fund can
transfer amounts to help fund projects when money is available. But the county road fund
and others cannot transfer money to the general fund for further allocation. His intent
was to show that there isn't any "hidden" money in the county's treasury.
Mayor David Evans recommended that the White County Detention Center
population be cut to around 54 and only house felons. The people out on bond could have
their checks/wages drafted/garnished to pay their fines. If they were working, then
perhaps they could pay their fines and child support.
Attorney Mark Derrick then stated the jail system would be perceived as
not working or not a viable deterrent to crime. He said that the system has to have a
place to punish criminals.
Captain Kyle Stokes, the County Jail Administrator, then presented a thorough
overview of what type of prisoners were being held in the detention center. He explained
how much money each city currentty pays to house their prisoners at the county jail,
versus what the newly proposed amount would be. He gave the comparison of what the
proposed charges would be versus what it would cost each city to have theie prisoners
housed elsewhere at costs of $25 per day and at $35 per day. There was an incredible
difference in the amounts. Neither the cities nor the county could stand these tremendous
costs.
Sheriff Pat Garrett further explained the jail's population and how
unrealistic and impossible the transport and other housing for our prisoners would be. He
stated the need for the proposed jailers and explained that state regulations require one
jailer per twenty inmates.
Sheriff Pat Garrett stated that he is currently working on a new sales tax
proposal and will be ready to present it. to the Quorum Court in a few weeks. He will
possibly be ready to present it at the March 20 Quorum Court meeting.
No matter what the proposal for a new jail would be, White County will still
have to arrive at a workable situation for the current jail.
Searcy Chief of Police J. R. Thomas restated the fact taht everyone
needed to work together to find a temporary solution for housing the needed inmates in the
White County Jail until the mayors, justices, judges and residents of White County can
agree on , and pass the needed sales tax proposal to build a new jail. Judge Parish then
stated, "Chief Thomas, you are exactly right."
Justice of the Peace Mike Cleveland proposed that the county build
a metal building on the "newly proposed property near Higginson. The county could
house non-violent criminals at this facility."
Janet Wilson, who attends meetings all around the county
regularly, stated that she recommends to implement all of the aforementioned ideas as a
starting point.
Mayor Evans stated that the city of Searcy still needs to
consider a city sales tax for their industrial park. Everyone in the county and
surrounding area would benefit from the jobs it would create. Judge Parish then stated,
"If that is what you think you need to do, pursue it. I assure you that I, myself
won't hold any grudge". Evans then stated that it would be in the county's best
interest for all to work together to benefit all concerned.
The next regular meeting of the White County Quorum Court
will be on March 20 at 7 p.m. All concerned and interested residents are encouraged to
attend. You are encouraged to share your opinions on the new sales tax proposal
during the public comment perio