JP COGER’S WASHINGTON COUNTY UPDATE — 6/29/25. We need to hear from you.
- Beth Coger
- Jun 29
- 4 min read
Elected Officials need to hear from you!! Save this contact information: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1M90HMXWclgwjzC67qzl31FFOOqrD4GsbcWBRDKnfLso/edit?usp=
🚨 UPCOMING EVENTS & IMPORTANT INFO:
🗓 Washington County Quorum Court County Services Committee Meeting is Monday, June 30, 2025 | 6:00 PM, Washington County Courthouse, 280 N. College Ave, Fayetteville. This is an in-person only meeting. It will be livestreamed on the County's YouTube channel.
Agenda Highlights:
➡️ Item 7.1 — ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING A POLICY FOR EARLY RELEASE OF INMATES BASED ON MERITORIOUS GOOD TIME AND/OR FOR LABOR PROVIDED TO PUBLIC ENTITIES. This ordinance references Ark Code Ann. § 12-42-111 et. seq.
➡️ Item 8.1: ORDINANCE ESTABLISHING THE COUNTY PLANNING BOARD "IN A MANNER CONSISTENT WITH STATE LAW." This ordinance references Ark. Code Ann. § 14-17-103 which becomes effective 8/5/25, the same date as this ordinance intends to become effective. Except for the appointment of some new Planning Board members, this is the first I’ve heard anything about changes to the Planning Board or its makeup since this letter from Judge Deakins dated 10/16/24 where he said he no longer considered “...Mr. Joe Maynard as fit for service on our planning board.” Wisely, the Quorum Court did not take action on that.
This ordinance, if passed, will abolish the current planning board and allow the County Judge to create a new county planning board on 8/5/25. Please read the entire ordinance here. It does a lot more than what I’ve mentioned.
Think how this could potentially affect zoning.
⚠️ It is my opinion this proposal goes far beyond a simple restructuring — it gives broad new authority to the County Judge. I am not saying that's not in compliance with the new law. I don't know if it is in compliance. We have real lawyers for that. I do know this is something that should be given due consideration and not passed at one meeting.
➡️ Item 12 — Concerned Citizens of the Ozarks: Wind Farm Discussion. I placed this item on the agenda to provide the public with information about industrial wind farm projects, including the one near Lincoln and the impact they have on communities. I hope this sparks many more public conversations.
📝 LAST WEEK'S MEETING NOTES:
The Washington County Election Commission met Thursday, 6/26/25. You can watch the meeting https://www.youtube.com/live/vby5TZ4QKpA?si=G5_RIdU4-fN5E75n
Note: I was unable to attend due to prior commitments, and the county only posted notice of the meeting last week — after my last newsletter went out.
🏡 Property Tax Estimator:
Thanks to our dedicated Tax Assessor Russell Hill and his office, you can now estimate your annual property taxes based on your home's purchase price.
Scan the QR code below or use this link: https://www.washingtoncountyar.gov/government/departments-a-e/assessor/tax-estimator
⚖️ Criminal Justice Reform: It’s Time to Follow Through
Because this newsletter already covers so much material, I am just sharing a tiny bit here this week with regard to justice reform.
So, what is a robust pretrial services program?
✅ It's a proven alternative to unnecessary incarceration.✅ It reduces jail populations by addressing people held only because they can't afford bond.✅ It uses evidence-based tools to assess risk, public safety, and recommend release conditions.✅ It helps ensure people appear in court while protecting community safety.
This is a key piece of criminal justice reform recommended by the National Center for State Courts. It's time to follow through — for fairness, public safety, and fiscal responsibility. Read the complete Criminal Justice Assessment Study here.
🚔 DETENTION CENTER SNAPSHOT (as of 6/28/25):
Total Detainees: 702
Homeless/Seven Hills Shelter Addresses: 83
“309” Trustees: 41
ADC Commitments (awaiting state prison beds): 105
Failure to Appear Charges: 219
Holds for Other Departments: 229
💡 UPCOMING: Finance & Budget Committee
Tuesday, July 8, 2025 | 6:00 PM
Washington County Courthouse
For this meeting, I have prepared and submitted a resolution calling for a fiscal impact study concerning the jail addition/Covid Mitigation Project. Please let me know if you have any questions.
🛠 COUNTY JOB POSTINGS (as of 6/29/25):
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.91 / HR | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $19.27 - $21.24 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | 24.38 hr - 26.86 (DOE) | |
Temporary | Open Until Filled | 14/Hr | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $16 - $17.62 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.25 - $23.42/hr | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.91 - $24.14 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | 16.64 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $18 Hr | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $21.25 - $22.31 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $29.92-$32.98 | |
Full Time | Open Until Filled | $16.90-$31.10 |
The Road Department and Sheriff's Office are always hiring.🔗 See All Open Positions Here📞 Road Department: 479-444-1610📞 Sheriff's Office: 479-444-5700
👥 Stay Engaged — Your Voice Matters
The County makes big decisions that affect all of us — from land use to criminal justice to how your tax dollars are spent. I’ll keep you updated, but your participation is what drives accountability and change.
If you have questions, concerns, or want to get involved, please don’t hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for reading, staying informed, and showing up.
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