Quorum court reviews jail population, road repair, and county fair updates

By Emily Wang, White River Now

This month’s quorum court meeting for Independence County reviewed updates on the jail population, a proposed interlocal agreement, and funding for the county fair board.

Sheriff’s report
Sheriff Shawn Stephens reported a decline in jail population and offense volume, noting some of the lowest jail numbers as of late.

Stephens contributed some of this to the positive impact the department has seen in the successful transfer of several inmates to the state penitentiary. In April, the department recorded 150 offenses and 118 incidents, with 79 inmates currently in custody.

Road Department updates
Independence County Judge Kevin Jeffery shared that the road department wrapped up tornado cleanup along the Sharp County line and is now focusing on flood damage repairs in southern parts of the county, following 10–12 inches of rainfall. Several roads, including River Ridge Spur, Old Trestle Lane, Davidson Lane, Hearthstone Drive, and Shackleford Road, among others, will be prepped for chip seal treatment later this year.

Economic development and warehouse needs
Discussion emerged around the growing demand for warehouse space in the county. Council members noted a steady stream of inquiries and suggested the county consider investing in new warehouse facilities in the future. A motion was also made and approved for the economic development updates to be moved into the regular agenda of upcoming court meetings.

Legislation impacting counties
Council member Dennis Jordan outlined recent and proposed state legislation affecting county operations. A significant revision of the Freedom of Information Act (Senate Bill 227) is under consideration, and efforts are underway to pass a bill allowing separate housing for psychiatric patients in jails. House Bill 1606, which concerns the legality of side-by-sides traveling on county roads if certain safety features are met, was also discussed.

Fair Board presentation
Linda Baxter of the Independence County Fair Board presented a detailed financial report and grant usage summary. Baxter emphasized all grant money has been used appropriately, adding, “The grants were audited, and we were found to be in good standing.”

All county grants have been properly closed out. Funds have gone toward critical repairs and upgrades to the 102-year-old fairgrounds facility, including roof coating, new dressing rooms, plumbing repairs, poultry barn cages, storm damage restoration, and installation of an alarm system required by insurance. However, monthly costs for security and utilities remain high.

Baxter discussed the need for additional funds for maintenance projects, including painting, air conditioning, parking lot repairs, and a new lean-to behind the goat barn. The court approved a $4,000 contribution toward these expenses.

Fair timing was also discussed amid community feedback suggesting a later date. However, Baxter shared that scheduling limitations due to school policies and carnival availability are constraints.

Judge Jeffery emphasized the need for county and fair board collaboration, as both sides acknowledged the importance of preserving and improving community facilities while navigating budget challenges.

Interlocal agreement
A revised interlocal agreement between Independence County and the City of Batesville passed with only one opposing vote, contingent on the rewording of a clause that the City of Batesville cannot dictate the budget of Independence County, while still allowing both entities the ability to review each other’s budgets. The matter is currently listed on the agenda of Tuesday night’s Batesville City Council meeting.

In other business, Allan McSpadden was appointed to a vacancy on the Equalization Board, and Mitzi Hargan was reappointed to the Batesville–Independence County Economic Development Committee.

Image of Jess B. Carpenter building by Gena Tate for White River Now