Grant County OKs one-year pilot for Jonesboro-funded deputy after debate over liability and costs

The Grant County Council voted to approve an addendum allowing one deputy, paid for by the City of Jonesboro, to serve on county patrol for a one-year pilot period, subject to a contract between the county and Jonesboro and agreement with the union.

The pilot was approved after discussion about officer staffing, liability and whether the county should accept a $170,000 contribution Jonesboro has offered to fund deputies. The motion — framed as a one-year “sundown” trial and limited to a single deputy — passed on a roll call. Council members voting in favor included Connor, Scott, Hicks, Fleming and Middlesworth.

Why it matters: The agreement aims to increase police presence in Jonesboro while preserving county patrol coverage elsewhere. Supporters said the extra deputy would improve response times and daily policing; critics warned the arrangement could create liability and long-term budget pressures if other towns seek the same deal.

Sheriff Adele Garcia told the council that Jonesboro’s payment would allow the sheriff’s office to add personnel without reallocating existing deputies. “By adding additional deputies, that will increase response time,” Garcia said, adding the county’s patrol districts could be adjusted so Jonesboro received more frequent patrols. Garcia also described recruiting difficulties and said the sheriff’s office could hire quickly if the council approved the post.

Jonesboro’s mayor, who spoke to the council in person, said the city has already provided some vehicles and other town services to the county and framed the offer as a partnership. “We are a partner with you,” the mayor said, urging the council to approve the pilot and saying Jonesboro would be willing to start with one deputy for six months if that eased concerns.

Council members raised several concerns during the debate. One member asked about potential additional liability if county deputies perform policing inside a municipality; another asked how the county would respond if more towns asked for similar arrangements. Council member Connor proposed language to make the position clearly contingent on continued funding and to add an addendum clarifying the union’s understanding that the position could be terminated if Jonesboro stopped paying.

The motion that carried included three conditions: (1) the salary ordinance amendment to fund one deputy; (2) an addendum clarifying the transfer of assets and the staffing/vehicle list; and (3) union notification and agreement about the temporary, funded nature of the position. Council members also asked staff to ensure the county–Jonesboro contract and an amended asset list reflect only the vehicles and equipment needed for one deputy.

Next steps: County staff and the sheriff’s office will finalize the contract language and the addendum and work with a union representative to confirm how the temporary position will be administered. The pilot is subject to termination if Jonesboro stops funding the position.

Ending: The one-year pilot is now authorized; the council and sheriff’s office said they will monitor staffing, response times and the contract terms while preparing any technical amendments that reflect the single-deputy arrangement.