During Friday’s quorum court meeting, Robert Anderson, owner of R&R Towing in Green Forest, complained about having his company removed from the county’s rotating list of tow companies to call in case of accidents or impoundments. Anderson described himself as a lifetime resident of Carroll County, and said a sheriff’s deputy pulled him over for speeding. He was later removed from the tow list, and Anderson attributed that to a “personal vendetta” by the sheriff. Anderson also complained that he was driving his personal vehicle during the traffic stop, not a tow truck.
Chief Deputy Jerry Williams, attending through Zoom, said the encounter took place months ago, before mask mandates were in place. The deputy maintained social distancing throughout the encounter, Williams said. Anderson had left his vehicle during the traffic stop and did not comply with the deputy’s orders to get back in his vehicle. Because of Anderson’s behavior during the traffic stop, Sheriff Jim Ross contacted the Arkansas Towing and Recovery Board and based his actions on their recommendation.
The JPs suggested Anderson contact Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Thomas Allgood, who represents the quorum court.
In other business:
- JPs agreed to an annual extension of a credit line for the Carroll County Airport. JP John Howerton explained that the airport will pay off the $10,000 balance of a loan with funds received through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The airport will receive a grant to replace edge lighting on the runway and taxiway. The grant will cover the entire cost, without any local funds, and the JPs authorized the county judge to sign the application. The total of state and federal grants for the project comes to $220,000.
- Starlene Lee represented the Carroll County Historical Society and described ongoing efforts to remodel the Community Room next to the old Courthouse on Berryville’s Public Square. She asked for further expenditures, matched by grants, to paint the handicapped ramp and establish a dedicated parking spot. Lee said the building also needs a new back door and threshold. JP Kellie Matt asked the other JPs to help find more funds for the project. JP Jack Deaton brought up recent history, noting that the quorum court had appropriated funds several years ago to build the ramp, and the project was not executed in a timely fashion. He asked for a clear chain of accountability from the CCHS.
- Charlie Charlton and C. Lewis Jones were approved as commissioners for the Bluffs at Jackson Cove Subordinate Service District.
- JPs approved $21,000 to upgrade computers and software at both offices of the Carroll County Circuit Clerk.
- The Carroll County Fair will receive a $4,000 grant from the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District. The money will be used in continuing efforts to upgrade restrooms and exterior lighting.
- This meeting was postponed from its original date of July 20 because County Judge Sam Barr tested positive for the coronavirus. The meeting was held in the Eastern District Courthouse, with restricted admission. JPs were spread around the room in keeping with social distancing requirements, and two JPs attended through Zoom. With the JPs scattered around the room and wearing masks, the Zoom audio was often difficult to hear. McNeely, connected by Zoom, asked at one point if people could remove their masks while speaking.
The quorum court is scheduled to meet next at 5 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17.