Poultry farmers face a sharp increase in the assessed value of their buildings and equipment, and the quorum court passed a resolution Monday in support of this critical industry.
Justice of the Peace Larry Swofford explained that an appointee in the state’s assessment coordination division had recommended increasing assessed values from $4.50 per sq. ft. to nine dollars. Although the state has backed off from enforcing the increase, JPs looked at this resolution as a way of stating their position clearly.
The resolution on the table specifically endorsed a resolution passed by the Arkansas Legislative Council. JP Harrie Farrow said she understood the quorum court’s interest in maintaining the current assessment, but the ALC resolution had language stating that the increases had been imposed improperly. Farrow said the Arkansas Attorney General had found no wrongdoing and the county would be “getting involved where we don’t belong.”
Carroll County Assessor Jeannie Davidson has already determined not to apply the higher rates. “I don’t feel we need to tax farmers any more,” she said. In response to a question from Farrow about need for the resolution, Davidson said, “I would much rather have everyone behind me.”
Property taxes can only rise by 10 percent annually, so even if the state legislature adopts the higher assessment, taxes would not double in a year. Farrow continued to explain that the resolution did not specifically support the assessor but dealt with the ALC resolution. The other JPs saw this as an opportunity to make a statement, saying the Boone County quorum court had just passed a similar resolution. JP Chuck Olson referred to the resolution as “basically a moral, not a legal decision on our part.” The resolution passed with Farrow opposed.
In other business:
- The Carroll County Fair Board has raised cash and in-kind donations to apply for a grant to continue remodeling restrooms. The grant would also provide indoor and outdoor lighting, and JPs authorized the county judge to sign the application. The fair operates independently of county government.
- JP Jack Deaton said a boiler at the Detention Center has been failing. The repair went out on bids, but the bidding process included some problems with specifications. Deaton said only one “reasonable” bid came in, and he asked the other JPs to approve the expenditure on an emergency basis. With the boiler working at only 50 percent capacity, Deaton said the situation would allow the county to bypass another bidding cycle, because of the threat to health. The company which originally installed the boiler will replace it for $99,000.
- Deaton said attorneys’ opinions suggest that the Detention Center could not use funds from the jail tax to hire a medical services provider. Carroll County Sheriff Jim Ross had asked the county to look into the provider, saying the additional cost would head off the possibility of major lawsuits. Language of the jail tax only allows those revenues to be used for construction and operation of the facility. The sheriff has issued a request for proposals, and Deaton cautioned the other JPs that when they vote, the money would come out of county general funds.
- Approved new wiring and equipment for the Carroll County Health Unit phone system.
- The Coroner’s Office received $16,000 to lease space and upgrade equipment. Nelson Funeral Services has provided use of its refrigeration, and the current ordinance will relieve some of the burden from Nelson’s.
- JPs authorized the county judge to pursue a grant for the Holiday Island Suburban Improvement District through the Arkansas Rural Development Commission. HISID has raised $15,000 in cash and in-kind donations to replace a large tank containing snow removal chemicals.
- JP Matt Phillips said he has been talking with Ozark Regional Transport about providing rides to the Veterans’ Administration hospital.
- Farrow said she and JP John Howerton had attended a meeting with the Berryville Library Board. The library has made plans for a new building. The county owns the building which currently houses the Berryville Library, but the library would have difficulty asking people to donate for a building which the county would own. The Friends of the Berryville Library would own the building, and donations to that non-profit foundation would be tax-deductible. Eureka Springs Carnegie Library receives operating funds through the county although the county does not own the building.
- The Road Department expects to complete repairs to a bridge on Carroll Road 705 by mid-March.
- JPs passed a resolution to appoint Teresa Swallow to replace Diana Sturtz as member of Carroll County Library Department Board of Trustees. Swallow will represent the Green Forest Library Board. She will complete the remainder of Sturtz’s five-year term, through the end of 2023.
This meeting was delayed a week because of Presidents’ Day. Future meetings will take place at 5 p.m. on the third Monday of each month.