The decision by the Baxter County Quorum Court earlier this week to move the date for the jail expansion special election was prompted by both legal and practical considerations, according to Sheriff John Montgomery. Those considerations led to shuffling right up to the convening of the quorum court meeting Tuesday evening.
The move was prompted by a decision by the Mountain Home City Council five days before the quorum court meeting to hold a special election on September 12 calling for a levy of a 3/8 percent sales and use tax that would benefit the city’s fire and police departments.
The quorum court was set to act on a request to hold a special election on October 10 concerning two sales and use tax measures for expansion and operation of the Baxter County Detention Center. With the annual school election set for September 19, voters were set to go to the polls three times within 28 days.
With the clock ticking on a 60-day window in which a special election not tied to another election must be held following the passage of an ordinance, Baxter County Sheriff Montgomery says in the final hours before the quorum court meeting, county officials reexamined their plan. The school election was part of the examination.
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Montgomery says there were also practical reasons for the election date change.
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While the elections seeking funding in support of public safety will be held on the same day, only registered voters in Mountain Home will be able to consider both measures.
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Montgomery says discussion regarding the need for the jail expansion has been ongoing for about two years. However, he says he is still meeting with groups to address the topic and will meet with citizens individually.
He says for those who have questions about the planned expansion or would like to tour the current jail and see the issues firsthand that have led to the special election, call the Sheriff’s Office at 870-425-7000.
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