Jonesboro, AR – Jonesboro Right Now – A Craighead County Quorum Court Justice of the Peace will be hosting a town hall in October discussing local issues to appear on the November ballot.
Justice of the Peace for District 2 Garrett Barnes will host the town hall, which will begin with an update about the Craighead County Quorum Court. That will be followed by a discussion about the proposed public safety tax ballot issue, in which Barnes will be joined by Ethan Ivy with Safety First for Jonesboro, the group comprised of various public safety officials that petitioned to place the issue before voters.
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The proposed 5/8 cent sales tax, if approved, will be used to fund “public safety services, initiatives, facilities, infrastructure, maintenance and operations.”
Safety First for Jonesboro leadership have previously said the tax revenue would be dedicated exclusively to Jonesboro’s police, fire and E-911 dispatch services. The money would help fund construction of a new police station, new fire stations and the hiring of additional police officers, firefighters and dispatchers.
| READ MORE: Public Safety Sales Tax to Appear on November Ballot After Receiving Enough Signatures
This discussion will be followed by Robin Martin with Citizens Taxed Enough, joining Barnes to discuss the ballot issue of combining the roles of the Craighead County collector and treasurer.
The issue, if approved, would combine the two offices in January 2031. Proponents of the measure have said it would save the county government money and increase efficiency, while opponents have cited concerns regarding decreased oversight over government dollars, potentially spending more money in the long run, and that the study conducted beforehand to see if the offices could be combined was “misleading.”
| READ MORE: Craighead County Quorum Court approves ordinances regarding potential office consolidation
The town hall is scheduled for Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. the Round Room of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, located at 315 W. Oak Ave. The is open to the public, and attendees are welcome to livestream it. Those attending are asked to enter the library on its Madison Street side.
Early voting for the 2026 general election begins Oct. 19 and will conclude Nov. 2. Election Day will be Tuesday, Nov. 3.
The deadline to register to vote for this election is Monday, Oct. 5. Click here for voter registration information.
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