Garland County committee approves $169,658 drug‑task‑force grant application

On Aug. 10, 2026, the Garland County Special Finance Committee approved a resolution authorizing the Garland County Prosecuting Attorney to apply for a FY2026–2027 Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration Drug Control Fund (DCF) and Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) totaling $169,658.00 to support Drug Task Force staffing.

The resolution specifies a funding breakdown of $36,261.50 in federal funds, $108,784.50 in state funding and $24,612.00 in local match. The grant is intended to pay salaries and benefits for one Drug Task Force investigator and one fiscal officer; the local match is to be reimbursed to Garland County by the Drug Task Force at the end of the grant period. Prosecutor Lawrence explained the positions and how the funds would be used.

Vice‑Chairman Brown moved the do‑pass motion and Justice Peters seconded. Chairwoman McGrew called for discussion; Judge Mahoney and Prosecutor Lawrence spoke in explanation. The committee approved the resolution "without opposition," and the prosecuting attorney may proceed with the application. The minutes show present voting members included Chairwoman McGrew, Vice‑Chairman Brown, and Justices Anderson, Peters and Hunter; Justices Myers and Edds were recorded as absent.