[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6509875,"mediaKeyId","5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a","parentId",5419152,"title","Votes at a glance: Washington County Quorum Court — key actions and outcomes from the July meeting","audioSeconds",1253,"startMs",7041239,"endMs",8294391,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a&start=7041&end=8294","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a/thumbnail_7041239.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6509875/Washington-County/Arkansas/Votes-at-a-glance-Washington-County-Quorum-Court-key-actions-and-outcomes-from-the-July-meeting","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509875-e22b1df87651eba6ea76b5747ea0b9ec/orig.mp4?Expires=1770964598&Signature=dw23ewhwmMbaW8M51lG2F7abQy-cu22iWPeHnqMdFOA-AUB7SDfGBPQ~l5MvGBYRsbNPpc3dzm0TpE456Mqlfmc4kheh2RAmVWkbbhRo2e5h6nWVYCZ6GP9wzphhFLUCBRk9e~c5J-6GRqNp0qBeWMqfML58VyzHepLRlJvZzLrWfBGQZDjv8jjce9Ee0WWrkIgyUuCLOiScwxb8-j-TwdNGEDbqdkUNngkAN8XS9NtJaxRFSImloMqrN-OK9XC905TpPz7Q9s7rZQOa~qvLbCZ8rAcsOqInBsveqpGWeA0Wu3p2IUShRz7xYNhAgtMRcVOhXun8L6bc-nztDlvnAA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Washington County","date","2025-07-18T01:50:04.627Z","article","Below are the key formal actions taken at the Washington County Quorum Court July meeting, summarized for quick reference. Each entry lists the motion, the outcome and the immediate next step if recorded.

- Item 8 — Ordinance repealing ordinance 2023‑26 (second reading attempt): Motion to suspend rules and move to third reading failed (motion did not achieve the required count). Result: third reading deferred to next month.

- Item 9 / 9.1 — Ordinance adopting a new county planning and zoning ordinance: Motion to suspend the rules and move to third reading failed; Item 9 will return to the next quorum court meeting for further consideration.

- Item 12 — Ordinance denying a conditional use permit recommended for approval by the Planning Board (Genesis RV Park CUP): Motion to approve the denial carried. Motion by Justice Lyons; second by Justice Koger. Roll call recorded 12 in favor of denying the CUP and 1 opposed. Outcome: CUP denied (ordinance adopted).

- Item 13 — Ordinance ratifying a conditional-use permit recommended for approval by the Planning Board for the Woolsey Wood project: Court passed the ordinance (motion to pass by Justice Ricker; second by Justice Lyons). Outcome: CUP ratified.

- Item 14 — Ordinance ratifying a conditional‑use permit recommended for approval by the Planning Board for AKH Property LLC: Court passed the ordinance after staff review and applicant coordination. Outcome: CUP ratified.

- Item 15 — Ordinance establishing a policy for early release of inmates based on meritorious good time and/or labor provided to public entities: Motion to pass carried. Outcome: policy adopted; implementation details to be handled by sheriff/corrections and county attorney.

- Item 16 — Consent agenda (items 16.1–16.5): Adopted as presented. Items included budget amendments and grant‑recognition ordinances for assessor, court security grant, juvenile court, and bridge/grant funds. Outcome: adopted.

- Item 16.6 — Ordinance amending the county attorney budget for 2025 (pulled from consent for discussion): Motion to adopt passed (motion by Justice Lyons; second by Justice Dennis). Outcome: budget amendment adopted.

- Item 17 — Resolution authorizing the Washington County judge to apply for a grant on behalf of Washington County (Community Rebuilding Initiative): Motion to pass by Justice Seki; second by Justice Dean. Outcome: resolution adopted; authorization to submit grant application. Any award will require subsequent appropriation vote.

- Item 18 — Ordinance amending membership of the Washington County Planning Board (added to the agenda by amendment): Moved to second reading; court discussed compliance with new state law and counsel cautioned that existing planning ordinances and prior ordinances would need coordinated amendment. Outcome: moved to second reading for next month.

Other items: appointment of Jerry Kopke to the Washington County Library Board was confirmed by the court; the minutes of the June 19, 2025 Quorum Court meeting were approved.

If an item above will require future action (large‑scale development approvals, health‑department signoffs, or appropriation for awarded grants), the court directed staff to bring follow‑up materials and staff reports back to the court for review and formal appropriation.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regular Quorum Court Meeting 07/17/25","oneSentenceSummary","Summary of ordinances, motions and votes taken at the July Quorum Court meeting, with brief descriptions and next steps where applicable.","taxTitle","Washington County, Arkansas","taxId",4592,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509880,"Quorum Court authorizes judge to apply for grant to expand Community Rebuilding Initiative facilities",1421,8287465,9708995,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a&start=8287&end=9708","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a/thumbnail_8287465.jpg","/articles/6509880/Washington-County/Arkansas/Quorum-Court-authorizes-judge-to-apply-for-grant-to-expand-Community-Rebuilding-Initiative-facilities","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509880-d26989b87bdd4d1346599964289a87b7/orig.mp4?Expires=1770964598&Signature=B9QzymoSvSkp-p-hERPtI1rqNgdx6Wh8jwlTAeFUtYHQ40ubx86kIwpS5yLPfUDIHUOWMfXThDplbW7VBI72GMyY5vb6va-Ks0-fc6agpC44EUXOAgPmV~nx0lxmC-2oWVhbHaWzN3MgAcK26TlsQNkEVVRr2DOBo9mCGp3cOPYSeUhKjudWVrf73O-3n2ML-ecMU9yli86Q9rwvZHVOLaARd0~bVHW-f0~uTN7iFYMsW86mAo7mTlo4HUC592lQMFgoMw5vmKbFmyS1iW9qusMSUTF7lAgE9EtuEjNqBznM9LUET5lv1~q0ogz~RmO6HN0BZAZTM4k5J7fSAC~BCQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Quorum Court voted to authorize County Judge to apply for grant funding to renovate the former jail facility and support the Community Rebuilding Initiative (CRI). The resolution authorizes the judge to seek a grant the county estimates at $1.5 million for remodeling the former women's jail into expanded CRI facilities.

Supporters said the CRI program has shown promise and that restoring county property to programmatic use would create workforce‑training opportunities and regional partnerships. Justice Seki moved to pass the resolution and Justice Dean seconded; the court adopted the resolution.

Several justices noted questions about operating costs and future staffing needs. Justice Ricker warned the court it may need to increase jail staffing and jailer positions if the county expands residential reentry operations. County Judge and other supporters said the grant application simply authorizes pursuit of funding; any award and associated operating plans would return to the court for final approval.

Members of the public offered mixed views. An earlier letter from a formerly incarcerated resident, read aloud by Arlene Jones, described the value of reentry services but urged investments that reduce recidivism through jobs, health care and housing rather than longer incarceration. Other public commenters asked whether the proposed laundry and kitchen improvements were the best use of grant funds and suggested alternative uses for the facility that could generate revenue or community services.

The resolution passed; court members said the grant application would not commit the county to expenditures without further detailed proposals and appropriations. If awarded, the county expects to return with specific project plans, budgets and any necessary operating‑budget requests for court approval.","The court voted to authorize the county judge to apply for grant funding to renovate and expand the Community Rebuilding Initiative (CRI) facility; supporters said the funding would restore a county asset and expand program capacity, while opponents urged caution about long‑term operating costs and prioritization of county needs.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509884,"Residents urge Washington County to enforce fire and health rules at Eagle Crest Recovery site",214,560834,774960,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a&start=560&end=774","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a/thumbnail_560834.jpg","/articles/6509884/Washington-County/Arkansas/Residents-urge-Washington-County-to-enforce-fire-and-health-rules-at-Eagle-Crest-Recovery-site","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509884-d749a813b17de46308b22a54a0ca45a3/orig.mp4?Expires=1770964598&Signature=Ezx62BI~hOU2MH42l2Iqvm8q75ktUfxa4l37x7l4KAC7mo70WzP2UwJ-9TI-IECLXS~HAQmS3AsbFlty3vUQldtZcX9w1XzmbpE5qvcVCEa-8AIwQOT1jauWBGw5luNA6uG6x8wBr2UkisjO3LJyzzixFprXCChJ~njYl6EzZuNy~0Tg4j6JzLUHNR7KbzbNyHRjUrbXrEYO3QprMO5WiFmKsVMH8mOqeBx-ktm3Wo8NEUwkUW1-z~824Z4Fz54c~HxBvfpAwiV50uAzEh8ni70uOEqMIEw5WsPQCPmXhbJGRSqE1YwW46DKA5CABiEOPQ47WL-U6eL0pO3no9V47w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Several residents used the citizen‑comment period to press the Quorum Court to uphold conditional‑use permitting and insist on fire‑safety and health‑department compliance for Eagle Crest Recovery, which neighbors and commenters described as operating as a commercial inpatient treatment facility in a rural zone.

Charles McKinney told the court federal law does not prohibit a county from requiring a conditional‑use permit (CUP) for a commercial treatment facility and argued Eagle Crest is a commercial operation, not a single‑family home. “No provision of federal law requires classification of Eagle Crest as a single family home or gives it an exemption from CUP procedures,” McKinney said. He urged the court to uphold the CUP requirement and have Eagle Crest come into compliance.

Mary McKinney and other nearby residents raised public‑safety concerns tied to a recent ISO rating downgrade for the Nob Hill Fire Department and said the facility was operating without required fire sprinklers and with an inadequate water supply. “Voting in favor of repealing this CUP is willful disregard of known risk,” Mary McKinney told the court, urging the justices to wait for an Arkansas attorney‑general opinion before making a decision.

Stacy Bennett, who referenced licensing documents, said Eagle Crest had previously received a six‑month Arkansas Department of Human Services license for up to 15 beds and that state and international fire code require R‑2 sprinkler systems for 16 or more beds. Bennett said the facility had represented it would install sprinklers if required but that required septic testing and DEQ approvals remained incomplete.

Speakers urged the court to distinguish inpatient commercial treatment centers from small group homes and to enforce health‑ and fire‑code requirements rather than repeal CUP oversight. No formal action on Eagle Crest was taken during the meeting; the subject was raised during public comment and will be addressed through the county’s permitting and enforcement processes.","Multiple residents told the Quorum Court they are concerned Eagle Crest Recovery, an inpatient substance‑use treatment facility, has operated without required fire sprinklers and adequate septic approvals and urged the court to uphold conditional‑use permitting and wait for an attorney‑general opinion before acting.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6509888,"Washington County Quorum Court denies Genesis RV Park conditional-use permit over safety and infrastructure concerns",4180,2855487,7036035,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a&start=2855&end=7036","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419152-a6caa0faef49f7e950c9c68a782c3b3a/thumbnail_2855487.jpg","/articles/6509888/Washington-County/Arkansas/Washington-County-Quorum-Court-denies-Genesis-RV-Park-conditional-use-permit-over-safety-and-infrastructure-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6509888-6b8a32d6f245facbfeac6ccd559ef2f1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770964598&Signature=kTPkfgZ1J-GU4oyjTDjKZ1-gX9G6jJBgn7RuGMzC5tyY9I94RWMnPWh-G6aRx4jZ9cey0kzO8st4blaH0DYWj9jgidievqLmkp8QDdyqcaYuRF49prdNClpf3ltpvlssusUNrR5dGd1CVJLAdxSUiYfoX2zmJPoJR55dAcvcgh0QQRM0uJwF~BoEKKis9d-kRFL95O2nnN2dBqD9PrPwxH3HYb0xytS1rxaaeB6jHpu7hIc1ImeWXSILudbBz9j59xVN4A1jSXdjoK7~w1fzeHo5E86LosIxVnktcAatnKtl-U6qmF3AJKuOQJJBuVXuLAZa5iZfDvluhqk8y3KzEA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Washington County Quorum Court on its July meeting denied a conditional-use permit for the proposed Genesis RV Park on Natural Walk Road, rejecting the planning board’s recommendation and citing public safety and infrastructure concerns.

The planning department’s director, Dr. Atta, told the court the planning board approved the project on May 1 by a 4–1 vote and that the application would allow up to 41 RV pads built in three phases. Dr. Atta summarized technical details: the project proposes three septic systems (primary and alternates) and a drilled well as the primary water source with a Springdale Water connection as backup. He also said 11 property owners within the required notification radius were notified and staff received about 28 emails and phone calls opposing the project (Dr. Atta, planning director for Washington County).

Opponents, most of them nearby residents, pressed the court on road width, steep grades, blind curves and emergency response. Amber Henderson, a Natural Walk Road resident, told the court the road is narrow, has steep grades and low water pressure and that neighbors had signed a petition opposing the CUP. “This is a very steep grade. So what if one of these camper people don't know how to drive their new RV or camper? They're gonna die or they're gonna kill somebody,” Henderson said.

Other neighbors described limited sight lines for schoolchildren getting off buses, repeated emergency-response delays, and frequent crashes along the approach roads. Zachary Pugh, another nearby resident, said some stretches are narrower than the 20-foot standard and that increased RV and boat traffic would worsen congestion and safety risks.

Applicant representatives and engineers said the CUP is a land‑use approval, not final construction approval, and they must still satisfy large‑scale development, health‑department and fire‑safety requirements before any phase can open. Will Keltstrom, representing the applicant’s engineer, said the conditions attached to the CUP would require state approvals and that “if they can't make the septic work, they can't build it.” He noted the project’s entrance drive would be 36 feet wide and that the applicant planned to drill a semi‑public well; engineer Jason Ingalls said drillers reported adequate capacity at the proposed site.

Justices weighed planning staff expertise and the planning board recommendation against resident testimony about local safety. Justice Ecki voted against denying the CUP, but the motion carried: Justice Lyons moved to approve an ordinance to deny the conditional-use permit; Justice Koger seconded; the roll call vote recorded 12 in favor of denial and 1 opposed (Ecki). The court adopted the ordinance denying the CUP.

The court's order denies the permit; the project would need to reapply if proponents wish to pursue the development again. The county planning director said that if the owners later submit a new application, each phase must pass a separate large-scale review and final inspection before it may become operational.

The decision follows a large public turnout: the planning board had seven members initially consider the CUP (four voted for approval, one against), neighbors submitted multiple written complaints, and seven residents testified at the planning board. Planning staff noted the CUP, if approved, would allow phased construction (15 pads per initial phase) and that final approvals would require health‑department signoffs for septic and documented fire‑safety compliance before any pads are occupied.","After extended public comment and debate, the Washington County Quorum Court voted to deny a conditional-use permit for the proposed Genesis RV Park on Natural Walk Road, citing road safety, water and septic questions, and neighborhood opposition. The planning board had earlier recommended approval.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Votes at a glance: Washington County Quorum Court — key actions and outcomes from the July meeting

Quorum Court authorizes judge to apply for grant to expand Community Rebuilding Initiative facilities

Residents urge Washington County to enforce fire and health rules at Eagle Crest Recovery site

Washington County Quorum Court denies Genesis RV Park conditional-use permit over safety and infrastructure concerns