JP Coger's Washington County UPdate 5/31/26

Beth Coger
May 31
6 min read

Updated: Jun 1

🏛️ This Week in Washington County 5/31/26

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This week's newsletter highlights several issues that deserve close public attention, including a proposed pretrial services program, significant courthouse renovation contracts, upcoming planning and election matters, and new data from the Washington County Detention Center. As always, my goal is to provide information that helps you stay informed about how your county government operates and how your taxpayer dollars are being spent. _______________________________________

THIS WEEK IN WASHINGTON COUNTY:

📅 County Services Committee meets Monday, June 1, 2026 • 6:00 PM - Read agenda HERE. This meeting will be live-streamed on the County’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/washcoar

Agenda Highlights:

Item 5: Juvenile Detention Report - Chris Tinsley

Item 7: An Ordinance Establishing Pretrial Services in Washington County -

As many of you know, I have long advocated for the creation of a robust pretrial services program in Washington County, consistent with the recommendations made in the 2020 National Center for State Courts Criminal Justice Assessment. This is an issue that is very close to my heart.

I have some concerns regarding both the timing and structure of the proposed ordinance. Personally, I would have preferred to see implementation considered after the first of the year, when the county will have new leadership. We have already waited six years since the assessment study, so six more months is not that long and we can still be doing work in the background to be ready.

Pretrial services necessarily involve issues relating to criminal law, court procedures, and statutory requirements. I believe the program should be overseen by one of our Circuit Judges as a function of the court system and not the County Judge who is an administrator.

Despite those concerns, I think it is good to have this discussion and I appreciate the efforts of JP Rivera Lopez.

📅 Election CommissionTuesday, June 2, 2026 • 9:00 AM, 2621 S. Brink Drive, Election Commission Office, Fayetteville, Arkansas- Read agenda HERE.

This meeting will cover important information about the November 3, 2026 election, including early and election day voting locations, dates and deadlines, budget and more.

This meeting will be live-streamed on the County Election Commission’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpX-GrzfCvEF0PszfEr6V3Q

📅 Planning CommissionThursday, June 4, 2026 • 5:00 PM - Read agenda HERE. This meeting will be live-streamed on the County’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/washcoar

DSD Razorback Division Dump Site High-Intensity Cup Staff Report - Conditional Use Permit (CUP) request for a “High-Intensity CUP to operate a construction spoils dump site. Location: 15953 Harp Road (WC 3803), Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704. Property Owner: James C. Spears Living Trust. Applicant: Carly Spencer. 18.35 acres total. Currently Zoning: Agriculture/Single-Family Residential 1 unit per acre.

Skelton CUP Staff Report - CUP request for operation of a small-scale lumber shop. 80’ x 50’ shop building. Location: 18036 Express Road (WC 3232) Cane Hill, Arkansas 72717. Property Owner: Richard D. II & Lindsey N. Skelton. Applicant: Odyssey Engineering. Currently Zoning: Agriculture/Single-Family Residential 1 unit per acre.

Barber Minor Subdivision Staff Report - Land Development Hearing - Location: 12265 Greasy Valley Rd (WC 8), Prairie Grove, Arkansas 72753. Property Owner/Applicant: Ryan P. & Terrah J. Barber. Currently Zoning: Agriculture/Single-Family Residential 1 unit per acre. Request to split parent lot into two lots - each new lot will be 2.50 acres.

Devault Minor Subdivision Staff Report - Land Development Hearing - Location: 12796 Jimmy Devault Rd (WC 627), Farmington, Arkansas 72730. Property Owner: Norwood Group LLC. Applicant: Atlas Professional Land Surveying. Request to split the parent tract into two lots - both new lots will be 2.96 acres each after split.

J & C Landworks Minor Subdivision Staff Report - Land Development Hearing - Location: 11134 E Mount Olive Rd (WC 312), Elkins, Arkansas 72727. Property Owner: J & C Landworks, LLC. Applicant: James Layout Services, LLC. Requests to split parent lot into two lots - each new lot will be 1.06 acres.

Cedar Bluff Estates Minor Subdivision Staff Report - Land Development Hearing - Location: 20465 Cedar Bluff Rd. (WC 373), Fayetteville, Arkansas 72703. Property Owner/Applicant: Lynnhaven & Company LLC. Request to split the 16.53 acre subject property into four lots. Lot 1 = 3.81 acres; Lot 2 = 6.87 acres; Lot 3 = 2.22 acres; Lot 4 = 3.63 acres.

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🔍 TRANSPARENCY CORNER AND FOLLOW THE $$$$$$

Contract 2026-125 - Washington County & Paragon Architecture - Scope of work includes renovation of the existing 5th floor of the 5-story courthouse building - approximately 15,500 SF, conceptual planning, potential future renovation of the remaining four floors, updates to public restrooms, assessment of building systems, and construction delivery to be Design-Bid-Build.

Fixed Fee of $340,000.00

Reimbursable Expenses (estimated) $3,560.00

Location: 280 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Contract 2026-126 - Washington County & Paragon Architecture - Project described as: “Washington County Courthouse Renovation #26-TBD, 100 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas 72701, Approximately 15,500 SF renovation of the existing 5th floor of the 5-story courthouse building.”

Fixed Fee of $340,000.00

Reimbursable Expenses (estimated) $3,560.00

Location: 100 N. College Avenue, Fayetteville, Arkansas

These are two separate contracts with different project addresses, yet both reference a fifth-floor renovation and contain identical fee amounts. (My scanner/printer died and I cannot scan all the pages of this contract. I will have them all next week)

My Thoughts

I recognize that county buildings require maintenance and occasional renovation. However, I am concerned by the number and cost of major contracts that have recently been executed by the County Judge. Based on the information currently available, these projects represent a significant financial commitment.

When I speak with constituents across Washington County, particularly those who live outside our cities, the concerns I hear most often involve roads, bridges, drainage issues, and other infrastructure needs. Many residents want to see county resources focused on maintaining and improving the infrastructure they rely on every day before undertaking large-scale renovations of office buildings or other county facilities.

As additional information becomes available regarding these projects, I will continue to share it and follow how taxpayer dollars are being spent.

CCOrder2026-12 - On 4/30/26, The Reserve at Wildcat Creek - Part 1; Part 2 and Part 3 - 2954 Wright Avenue (WC 872), Fayetteville, Arkansas 72704 was heard in the Planning Board meeting and the vote resulted in a “tie.” The developer appealed. This Order by County Judge Deakins grants approval of the preliminary plat and orders the Planning Department to continue processing this application.”

This will allow the development of thirty-eight (38) lots, with thirty-seven (37) buildable and one (1) non-buildable for detention/common area. Lots range from 1.0 to 4.68 acres. Subdivision is 80.27 acres in total, located near the intersection of Strawberry Plant Road (WC 873) and Wright Avenue (WC 872).

Invoice from AAA Risk Management - $513.00 for insurance endorsement to add a 2026 Toyota Rav4 #5708 $33,834 to the county’s insurance policy (IT Department.

Order 2026-063 - An invoice for $10,017.13 was paid from Fund 3502 Mental Health Court Grant Fund when it should have been paid from Fund 3535 Community Rebuilding Initiative. This order corrects that error.

Notice of Appeal and Notice of Filing Record -

- Russell Hill, Assessor v. Natallen Holdings, LLC, David Mazzanti, and Sooiekidz Nonprofit d/b/a The Hill School - Washington County 72CV-26-2357. Read more HERE.

📊 Washington County Jail Data Dashboard

⚖️ Detention Center Data

Snapshot Date: May 30, 2026

Individuals Incarcerated in WCDC: 710

Homeless/Unsheltered: 80

🔎 Public Data Resources

Detailed reports are available here:

Detainee Charge Report:https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-f-z/sheriff/detention-information/detainee-charge-report

You can check the “Calls for Service” board here.
Here’s a list in alphabetical order to search for people.

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🧾 County Bid Postings (as of 05/31/26):

ACTIVE BIDS: None as of 5/30/26 at 8:00 PM

Bid 2026-12 - Opened 5/26/26 - Fuel Island Canopy. Sign-in Sheet. Tabulation Sheet. Award Letter - It looks like this was the only bid received. Total for Project: $126,284.68

You can view all closed bids here.

View all RFQs and bids [here].

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🧑‍💼Here are the Washington County Job Openings as of 05/31/26

While several positions appear to have been filled since last week, the Road Department continues to have a notable number of openings. If you are looking for employment or know someone who is, please consider sharing these opportunities.

Job	Type	Application Deadline	Salary
Operator IV- Roads 0200459	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$21.25-$23.42
Operator IV- Roads 0200471	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$21.25-$23.42
Adult Detention Officer (4599040)	Full Time	Open Until Filled	$21.91 / HR
Deputy First Class - Patrol (Certified Only) (4640865)	Full Time	Open Until Filled	24.38 - 26.86/hr
Deputy Public Defender - (0417.007)	Full Time	Open Until Filled	$76,606.40 - $84,448
Election Poll Worker	Temporary	Open Until Filled	14/Hr
Juvenile Detention Officer 0444032	Full Time	Open Until Filled	$21.25 - $23.42/hr
Master Operator II- 0200451	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$25.40 - $28
Operator I- Roads 0200418	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$18.61-$20.51
Operator I- Roads 0200458	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$18.61-$20.51
Operator I- Roads 0200476	Full Time	Open Until Filled	$18.61-$20.51
Operator II- Road 0200407	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$19.95-$21.98
Operator III- Road 0200409	Full Time	06/05/2026 4:30 PM	$20.58-$22.68