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JP Coger's Washington County Newsletter 5/25/25

📰 Washington County Update – May 25, 2025 From the Desk of JP Coger ejcoger@gmail.com | (479) 306-9994


📅 This Week in Washington County


🚫 No Public Meetings Posted


Honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. This Memorial Day, we remember their sacrifice and hold their legacy in our hearts. 🇺🇸🕊️ #MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #Gratitude
Honoring the brave men and women who gave everything for our country. This Memorial Day, we remember their sacrifice and hold their legacy in our hearts. 🇺🇸🕊️ #MemorialDay #HonorAndRemember #Gratitude


As of Sunday, May 25 at 11:00 AM, no public meetings are listed on the Washington County Calendar.


🏛 Courthouse Closed Monday Please note that the Washington County Courthouse will be closed on Monday, May 26 in observance of Memorial Day.



🎥 Meetings to Watch from Last Week


The Washington County Election Commission met on Friday, May 24.


Highlights: 📺 You can watch that meeting here.  The meeting includes a discussion on how the commission verifies ballot totals and reconciles any discrepancies. Our Washington County Election Coordinator, Jennifer Price and her staff, are excellent and are the respected authority for questions and answers concerning voting in Arkansas.  The Secretary of State has asked that they host a regional meeting to talk about election security and cyber security. This will be at the Sheriff's Annex in August. More to come on that.



📍 Zoning Ordinance Update


Important Note:The current version of the ordinance on the county website (under “Planning”) does not include the amendments made at the last Quorum Court meeting.


🗓 The new zoning ordinance is expected to be on the agenda at the next Planning Board Meeting:Thursday, June 5 at 5:00 PM.➡️ I’ll share the full agenda once it becomes available.


Public Input Concerns: As I noted in last week’s newsletter, while the upcoming Planning Board meeting has has been scheduled, I am concerned that it may not fully comply with statutory requirements, may not align with the legislature’s intent, and could be perceived as lacking transparency and good faith. See A.C.A. § 14-17-207.


🔍 From County Attorney Brian Lester:

“...It is for public input... It’s not a question and answer, it’s not a back and forth—just to receive on the record public comment.”

Questions for Reflection:


  1. Why would the County Attorney not want to respond to questions from the public?

  2. Why doesn’t the County Judge require a format that allows for genuine public dialogue?

  3. Public input and dialogue is always very important.


📖 Washington County Code § 210.04 (2)(d) requires the County Attorney to attend administrative board and commission meetings "...when requested by the County Judge."






⚖️ Court of Appeals Update: MMSC v. Washington County Etal


📆 Oral arguments in this long-running case were held on May 15 at 9:00 AM. The case is now under review, with a decision expected in several months.



Representing Parties:

  • MMSC, LLC (Appellant): Martin Kasten, Friday Firm

  • Appellees: Dinah Dickerson, Caroline Cox, Stephenie Foster, Marty Matlock, and the Highland Community Association, represented by Ali Noland




🏛️ Upcoming Meeting


🗓 County Services CommitteeMonday, June 2 at 6:00 PMLocation: Washington County Courthouse





🚨 Detention Center Snapshot – May 25, 2025


As of Saturday, May 24, the Washington County Detention Center housed 698 individuals.

Key Statistics:

  • 69 individuals listed as “homeless” or “1832 S. School Street” (Seven Hills Shelter)

  • 41 trustees ("309" status)

  • 107 ADC commitments (awaiting transfer to the Department of Corrections)

  • 217 held for Failure to Appear

  • 243 held for Other Departments



📘 RECOMMENDED READING: 2020 Criminal Justice Assessment by the National Center for State Courts – Learn why jail expansion isn’t the answer to public safety concerns.






📢 County Bid Notices (as of 5/25/25)


Pre-Procure Disaster/Weather Relief RFP



💼 County Job Openings (as of 5/25/25)

Job Title

Type

Deadline

Salary

Adult Detention Officer

Full Time

Open Until Filled

$21.91/hr

Deputy First Class - Patrol

Full Time

Open Until Filled

$24.38–$26.86/hr (DOE)

Election Poll Worker

Temporary

Open Until Filled

$14/hr

Juvenile Detention Officer

Full Time

Open Until Filled

$21.25–$23.42/hr

Planning Technician

Full Time

Open Until Filled

$21.25–$22.31/hr

Road Mechanic III

Full Time

Open Until Filled

$29.92–$32.98/hr

Equipment Operator (EQ1–EQ4)

Full Time

Open Until Filled

$16.90–$31.10/hr

📞 Contact:



📣 Stay Connected

Know someone who wants to receive these updates?📧 Email me at ejcoger@gmail.com or call/text (479) 306-9994 to be added to the list.




 
 
 
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