JP Coger's Washington County UPdate 6/28/26
- Beth Coger
- Jun 28
- 6 min read
WHEN PROCESS BECOMES MORE IMPORTANT THAN PEOPLE
One of the most disappointing decisions I have seen this year was Washington County Judge Patrick Deakins’ refusal to accept an $81,000 grant from the Arkansas Access to Justice Foundation that would have funded a Social Work Coordinator in the Public Defender's Office.
This grant would not have increased local taxes. It would have provided services to people involved in our criminal justice system while helping connect them with treatment, housing, employment, and other resources that reduce recidivism and improve public safety. It would have helped keep people out of jail. Our Public Defender's Office spoke eloquently about how it would help do that and more.
The attorneys and staff in the Public Defender's Office devoted considerable time and effort to securing this grant. After they succeeded, I sponsored an ordinance so Washington County could accept it.
Instead, County Judge Patrick Deakins has refused to execute the grant agreement. That is not leadership. That is a toddler tantrum. This means we will not have the benefit of this position.
His explanation was not that the grant was unlawful, financially unsound, or contrary to county policy. Instead, he stated there had been a "lack of proper processing" and insufficient oversight. When I asked what specific policy had been violated (see that email HERE), what procedures were not followed, whether those concerns could be corrected, and whether he would reconsider if they were addressed, those questions went unanswered. (see Deakins’ “response” HERE). Please note how he did not provide specifics and the information I requested.
Every organization should have good procedures. If those procedures need improvement, then improve them.
But rejecting an $81,000 grant that would benefit Washington County residents should have been the last option—not the first.
Good leadership solves problems.
Good leadership brings people together.
Good leadership does not allow procedural disagreements to become barriers to helping people.
The people who ultimately lose are not elected officials. They are the Washington County residents who would have benefited from the additional support this grant would have provided.
The easiest decision was to reject the grant. The leadership decision would have been to figure out how to accept it and make it happen.
TRANSPARENCY CORNER AND FOLLOW THE MONEY$$
↪ Wright, Lindsey & Jennings Legal Services Invoice May 2026. $6,897.80 paid to WLJ law firm for 17.8 hours legal services and $667.80 expenses Terminella v. Washington County.
↪ Order No. 2026-83 Motorola Solutions Equipment - Five Years. $751,348.50 total amount of contract. $147,488.56 for first year. $134,277.86 for each remaining four years.
WASHINGTON COUNTY MEETINGS THIS WEEK:
📅 Washington County Quorum Court County Services Committee meets for its July meeting on Monday, June 29, 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
At the conclusion of the meeting, after all decisions have been made, there will be a twelve-minute public comment period with a three-minute limit for each individual to comment on items on the agenda or other items.
↪ The agenda includes a “Buildings and Grounds Update” by Director Angela Ledgerwood.
I expect Monday's presentation by the Building & Grounds Department to focus on the county's infrastructure and maintenance needs. Those needs are real, and maintaining county buildings is an important responsibility. However, every dollar spent on one priority is a dollar that cannot be spent elsewhere.
As we enter the 2027 budget process, the Quorum Court will have difficult decisions to make. We have limited resources, and we must carefully balance competing priorities—including infrastructure, public safety, criminal justice, employee needs, and the staffing requests that many elected officials are expected to bring forward.
My concern is not that Building & Grounds is asking for resources. Every department should have the opportunity to make its case. My concern is that we evaluate all requests fairly and transparently.
Since 2023, some departments and initiatives have consistently received priority over others.
This budget process should be an opportunity for the Quorum Court to evaluate every request on its merits and determine where taxpayer dollars will provide the greatest benefit to the citizens of Washington County.
📅 Washington County Quorum Court Special Quorum Court meeting will be held Tuesday, June 30, 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 includes two Conditional Use Permit Appeals:
Fox Hunter Landing CUP - Staff Report & Application
HS Studios CUP - Staff Report & Application
Formal Process: The Planning Department will begin the process by presenting the project to the Quorum Court and answering any questions JPs may have. Thereafter, the applicant will be given 30 minutes to present and answer questions from the QC. Finally, the public will be given 30 minutes to address the QC. The QC, by 2/3 vote, may expand any time limits. The QC will then have time to discuss the project among the members.
After the presentations, public input, and discussion, the QC will move forward with an ordinance, either to ratify the CUP or deny the CUP. As with any CUP, that ordinance must be read 3 times before discussion and public comment.
Please note: There will also be a fifteen (15) minute public comment period at the beginning of the meeting. Agenda Item 5 - after adoption of agenda.
↪ Mark your calendars now for July Finance & Budget Committee at 6:00 PM 7/7/26 and Planning and Zoning Board Meeting Thursday, 7/9/26 at 5:00 PM. I will have more on those meetings next week.
WASHINGTON COUNTY MEETINGS FROM LAST WEEK:
A special meeting of the Washington County Quorum Court Finance and Budget Committee was held Thursday, 6/25/26. Watch the meeting HERE.
Read Outline and Summary HERE
Below are some highlights, but read the Summary above and watch the meeting for full details:
Special Budget Workshop Gives Early Look at 2027 Budget Priorities
Last week the Quorum Court's Finance & Budget Committee held a special Budget Workshop led by Comptroller Paul Sherman to explain how Washington County's budget is developed and managed. While no votes were taken, the discussion offered an early look at what is likely to be debated during the upcoming 2027 budget process.
Among the topics discussed were employee compensation and the county's step plan, staffing requests, Building & Grounds and infrastructure needs, information technology, county debt, financial reserves, budget controls, automation funds, capital purchases, annexation's impact on county finances, and efforts to tighten spending on items such as food purchases and discretionary expenses.
📊 Washington County Jail Data Dashboard
⚖️ Detention Center Data
Snapshot Date: June 26, 2026
Individuals Incarcerated in WCDC: 723 (up substantially from last week)
Homeless/Unsheltered: 65 (-5 from last week)
ADC Committed: 153
Courtesy Contract Hold: 84
Failure to Appear: 77
Hold Other Department: 212 (view that list HER E)
🔎 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 06/26/26):
ACTIVE BIDS:
Bid 2026-15 - Fire Alarm Replacement System Juvenile Detention Center - Bids due: 4:00 PM, July 13, 2026; Bids Opened: 7/14/26 at 9:00 AM.
See the Bid Tabulations for the Mobile Shelving HERE.
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🧑💼Here are the Washington County Job Openings as of 06/26/26
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.91 / HR | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | 24.38 - 26.86/hr | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $76,606.40 - $84,448 | |
Temporary | Open Until Filled | 14/Hr | |
Full Time | 07/10/2026 4:30 PM | $45572.80-$50211.20 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.25 - $23.42/hr | |
Full Time | 07/12/2026 4:30 PM | $18.61-$20.51 | |
Full Time | 07/10/2026 4:30 AM | $21.91 - $24.14 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.91 - $24.14/hr |
Please share these job openings with your friends and family.
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