Pulaski County justices voted unanimously to send ordinance 25I‑68 to the full quorum court with a due‑pass recommendation. The ordinance would amend the county budget to appropriate contingency funds (fund 18‑07) for two purposes: one‑time expenses for phase 2 construction of Providence Park and the county’s contribution to a Group Violence Intervention (GVI) program.

Justice Blackwood moved the recommendation and described Providence Park as an expansion of a previously funded housing and services project. County staff explained phase 2 funds will cover off‑site utilities and “vein” infrastructure (gas, electrical and utility connections) so future phases and individual units can tie in without duplicating major infrastructure. Staff said phase 1 will house roughly 100 residents and that the full project could reach about 400 residents at build‑out in multiple phases.

On the GVI program, court discussion noted Little Rock and North Little Rock each contributed about $250,000 to launch the initiative and that Jacksonville plans to participate. County staff said the county’s share would cover assessments and the first two years of programming; one staff estimate put the county’s recurring share at about $100,000 annually, though staff said grant funding is expected to offset some costs. A member of the public who identified herself as Christina K.G. urged support for the GVI program, saying, "I support any program where it's gonna help reduce, street violence and homicides."

During the discussion, justices asked for clarifications about the contingency balance, whether the two appropriations were related (they are not), the county’s total prior investment (the initial investment cited for Providence Park was $5,000,000), and how many housing units future phases would add (staff estimated roughly 75–100 additional units per major phase, cumulative to about 400). One staff figure cited a contingency reduction of $2,350,000 to cover the requested items and indicated remaining construction fund balances if the full amount were spent would be about $2,000,066.50; justices asked for follow‑up visits and encouraged a site tour.

The roll call shows 15 ayes and no nays; the item will move to the full quorum court with the due‑pass recommendation.

Votes at a glance:
- Ordinance 25I‑68: Amend 2025 annual budget to appropriate contingency funds for Providence Park Phase 2 and county contribution to GVI. Vote: 15 ayes, 0 nays.

Court members asked staff to provide more detailed cost breakdowns and to coordinate a site visit before final action by the full quorum court.