Jonesboro task force debates downtown vs. Caraway Road for new E‑911 center; no site vote, meeting set for Oct. 21

The Capital Improvement Bond Task Force for the City of Jonesboro on Tuesday discussed competing proposals to locate a new E‑911 real‑time intelligence center and, eventually, a combined police headquarters either on Washington Avenue downtown or at a Caraway Road site but did not take a vote. The committee agreed to meet again on Tuesday, Oct. 21 at 4:00 p.m. to vote on a site recommendation to send to the Public Safety Committee.

The discussion centered on three criteria the task force had listed in advance: economic impact, city financial impact and public safety implications. Officials and public commenters weighed construction and site‑preparation costs, property acquisition and the operational effects of separating the E‑911 center from investigators and patrol staff.

The city has set aside $5.5 million from bond proceeds for the project, but speakers said both site estimates exceed that figure. Councilman Emmiston and others summarized staff estimates showing the Washington site would be about $654,000 cheaper for the first phase (the E‑911 center) when demolition, asbestos removal and drainage improvements are included; the combined Phase 1 (E‑911) and Phase 2 (police…