Proposal To Restrict Prison Construction Declined; County Attorney Says Move Would Restrict All Properties
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by Robbi Roberts
A review of a proposed ordinance from a private citizen to regulate the construction of a private prison in Franklin County was discussed, and ultimately declined, at the Franklin County Quorum Court meeting on Thursday, March 12, in Charleston.
In short, the proposed ordinance stated the county could block an effort to sell the proposed prison to a private company but could not block a lease. County Attorney Chris Brockett said the ordinance was “a lawsuit in the making,” as the county could not single out the prison.
To make the ordinance work, Brockett said, all non-incorporated property would have to be regulated. For example, he explained, if a resident living outside of city limits wanted to construct a cabin, he or she would have to buy a license to do so.
It was the consensus of the Court not to pursue the proposal.
Grant Report
A short public meeting was held prior to the regular meeting, with Tracee McKenna of the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District reporting on how grant funds received in 2021 from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Community Block Grant Development (CDBG) program were used.
The funds, totaling $107,602, were awarded to support the senior center’s meal delivery program during the COVID pandemic. In addition to meal delivery, grant funds were also used to purchase three vehicles, a new freezer, an HVAC unit, storage racks, food tables and bookcases.
Franklin County was recently awarded CDBG funds for a project at the Franklin County Learning Center, which will be bid soon. An Arkansas Historic Preservation Program application was also submitted for a preservation project at the Charleston Courthouse.
Cecil Youth Shelter Update
The former site of a youth shelter at Cecil was appraised at $128,500.
The property was discussed at the Court’s February meeting, with County Judge Rickey Bowman reporting the Cecil Fire Department (CFD) was interested in utilizing the facility. Bowman proposed the county donate the property to the CFD, which would be responsible for the entire cost of the rehab of the facility, without assistance from the county.
At Thursday’s meeting, it was reported the CFD agreed to forfeit $2,000 of its allotment from county money for five years. It was further discussed the property would be forfeited to the county if it was used for any non-public activity. The CFD would pay for a survey.
The county will give the fire department an easement and a helicopter pad could be constructed at the site. Justices of the peace voted to have a resolution drafted to sell the property to the CFD.
Other Matters
–Prior to the treasurer’s report, Bowman stated emphatically that Franklin County is not broke. Shelly Wilson, county treasurer, reported the county is $1.6 million “in the black” and fully able to pay its bills. She also stated any account that is delinquent over 120 days would receive a letter stating if a payment plan is not established, the account will be sent to collections. A payment plan may be set up through Pro Med.
–Justice of the Peace David Bowles inquired about the third 24-hour emergency management services truck and when it might return to a 24-hour rotation. Bowman said the department is hoping to return it to a full-time status next year.
–Senator-elect Brad Simon addressed the Court about his continuing fight against the new prison.
–A report from Jeff Phillips, prosecuting attorney, was presented on the receipts and disbursements for the hot check fund for 2025. The balance as of Jan. 1, 2025, was $3,384.98, with receipts for 2025 totaling $8,973.33 and disbursements totaling $3,818.82. Salaries from the funds totaled $473.82, leaving the balance as of Dec. 31, 2025, at $8,539.49.
–An ordinance moving $9,000 from the assessor-special legal budget line to the assessor-small equipment budget line was approved unanimously.
–The Court approved an ordinance moving $5,000 in alternative dispute resolution grant funds from unappropriated to other professional services was approved unanimously.
–Justices of the peace approved an ordinance appropriating $4,500 in special sales tax unappropriated funds for the senior center, including $2,700 for tires and tubes and $1,800 for parts and repairs.
–A resolution authorizing Bowman to apply for a grant on behalf of the Charleston Rural Fire Department was approved unanimously.
All members, including newly appointed Justice of the Peace for District 4, Sherry Sanders, were present for the meeting.
Read this story and others in the March 18 issue of The Graphic, available online and at businesses throughout Franklin and Johnson counties. Subscribe or donate here to support more hometown journalism.
