Pulaski County justices forward ordinance to recognize reimbursement funds for crisis stabilization unit amid service gap

Pulaski County justices voted 15-0 to send Ordinance 25-050 to the full court with a due pass recommendation. The ordinance as read would amend the 2024-25 annual budget to recognize and appropriate reimbursement funds for the county's crisis stabilization unit.

During discussion, justices raised concerns about the unit's operational status. Multiple speakers said the crisis stabilization unit is closed or transitioning after the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) pulled out or reduced operations. A county staff speaker explained that the ordinance involves reimbursement funds and described that "when we get billed, it's basically a reimbursement for services that have been rendered already." The staff member added the county is actively seeking a service provider to fill the resulting gap.

Justice Stowers told the court his understanding that one reason UAMS pulled out was the lack of utilization by law enforcement, saying "law enforcement would just rather take them to the jail," rather than transport people experiencing mental-health or substance-use crises to the stabilization unit. Other justices asked to be kept informed of developments and requested notification when the county secures a new vendor or if there are delays in resuming services.

After the discussion the court approved sending Ordinance 25-050 to the full court with a due pass recommendation by roll call (15 ayes). No specific dollar amounts, contract names, or vendor details were provided in the meeting record.