Pulaski County Quorum Court approves business endorsements, grant applications and a budget amendment; one highway item held

Pulaski County’s Quorum Court adopted multiple resolutions and one ordinance at its April 28 meeting, approving local endorsements, grant applications and a budget amendment while holding one highway partner item for corrections.

The court unanimously adopted Resolution 26I19, endorsing JA Riggs Tractor Company to participate in the state’s consolidated incentive “tax back” program. Justice Person, who introduced the item, described the measure as “straight up and down,” and later said the project estimates about 623 total jobs. The resolution passed by roll call: 12 ayes, 3 absent.

The court approved Resolution 26I21 to endorse Ace Glass Aggregates LLC for the same state tax-incentive program. Justice Stowers told the court the project is expected to create 34 new jobs and bring a $12,000,000 investment to the community. The resolution passed by roll call: 12 ayes, 3 absent.

The body also adopted Resolution 26I22, approving a supplemental lease agreement between Pulaski County and Arkansas Children’s Hospital; the motion passed by roll call (12 ayes, 3 absent).

Resolution 26I24 designates the Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (CAPDD) as the Community Development Block Grant administrator for the Woodson‑Lehi rehab project. Victor McMurray, who identified himself as a member of the Woodson Levee Board (and was later noted by the chair to be the committee’s chairman), said parts of the levy have had no work for about 50 years and that three of seven gates are nonfunctional. McMurray said returning the levy to Army Corps of Engineers standards is needed to access grant support. The court adopted the resolution by roll call: 12 ayes, 3 absent.

The court authorized submittal of an Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program (ACEDP) grant application under Resolution 26I25; members noted these routine resolution submissions do not pass through committee. The resolution passed by roll call: 12 ayes, 3 absent.

On the ordinance side, the court approved Ordinance 26OR16, an amendment to the 2026 annual budget to recognize insurance reimbursement funds for the purchase of parole patrol vehicles. Members asked whether the purchase was budget-neutral; staff and members confirmed the funds had been accounted for and that the debit and credit amounts were the same. The ordinance passed by roll call: 12 ayes, 3 absent.

One item was removed or delayed: Resolution 26I23 was pulled at the request of its sponsor and not considered.

Votes at a glance (prepared from clerk roll calls): [Res. 26I19 JA Riggs Tractor Co.: adopted — 12 ayes, 3 absent]; [Res. 26I21 Ace Glass Aggregates LLC: adopted — 12 ayes, 3 absent; sponsor said 34 new jobs and $12,000,000 investment]; [Res. 26I22 Arkansas Children’s Hospital lease: adopted — 12 ayes, 3 absent]; [Res. 26I24 CAPDD as CDBG administrator (Woodson‑Lehi rehab): adopted — 12 ayes, 3 absent; Woodson Levy repairs described by a board member]; [Res. 26I25 ACEDP grant application: adopted — 12 ayes, 3 absent]; [Ordinance 26OR16 budget amendment for parole patrol vehicles: adopted — 12 ayes, 3 absent].

What’s next: The court will bring any corrected or reprinted items back for consideration at a future meeting. No additional public hearings or votes on these items were scheduled at adjournment.