Jonesboro finance committee forwards sports-rental contracts, sponsorship and multiple grant applications to full council

The City of Jonesboro Finance Committee on June 4 voted to forward a package of resolutions to the full City Council, including two fourth‑of‑July sports complex rental agreements, a five‑year softball‑field sponsorship, a state traffic‑enforcement grant application and a parks trail grant application.

The committee moved each item to full council after short presentations and questions about costs and implementation. The items advanced were: a $1,000 rental agreement with East Arkansas Broadcasters for Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex (3021 Dan Avenue); a $1,000 rental agreement with Saga Communications of Arkansas LLC d/b/a Jonesboro Radio Group for Southside Sports Complex (301 Stadium Boulevard); a $7,500 sponsorship with Dairy Queen of Jonesboro for naming recognition at one Southside softball field (paid as $1,500 per year over five years); an application to the Arkansas State Police FY 2026 Selected Traffic Enforcement Program requesting $103,600.75 of a $156,028.75 project (with a $52,420 local in‑kind match) that would fund overtime enforcement and purchase 125 child safety seats; authorization for the mayor and city attorney to sign the City’s annual Federal Transit Administration certifications and assurances for the Jonesboro Economical Transportation system; and an application to the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism Great Strides/Trails for Life grant requesting the maximum $250,000 to build a smoke‑free bicycle track at a city park, with a required 25‑year maintenance pledge and no local cash match.

Committee members asked for more detailed expense tracking for the Fourth of July events (noting city staff and personnel costs beyond the $1,000 rentals). Staff said they will prepare an expense report — expected by the last finance meeting in July — that itemizes city expenditures and staff time for those events.

On the traffic enforcement grant, committee members asked how the grant alters normal police activity. Staff explained the grant pays overtime for targeted enforcement hours focused on seat belts, speed, DWI/DUI and distracted driving; overtime hours and related benefits are reported as the local match. Staff noted the grant also supports child passenger safety clinics and the purchase of 125 child safety seats.

Parks staff described preliminary sites for the Trails for Life grant if awarded: a planned park in northeast Jonesboro and possible downhill bike trails reusing an old city landfill area. Staff said planning is ongoing and that the parks and connectivity committee will provide updates if the grant is awarded. Staff also gave updates on other trail and street projects, including a shared use path alongside Johnson (permit received from the Arkansas Department of Transportation), a connection from Flint to Culver House/Short Street expected soon, design work on the Marion Barry overpass in coordination with Arkansas State University, and right‑of‑way work on Aggie Road.

All items were forwarded to full council for formal consideration and final vote. Committee discussion emphasized follow‑up reporting on event costs and that staff would provide project‑status updates for the parks and trail work.

Votes at a glance

- Resolution 25‑057: Contract with East Arkansas Broadcasters to rent Joe Mack Campbell Sports Complex for Fourth of July fireworks for $1,000 — motion to forward to full council approved by the committee (vote tallies not specified).

- Resolution 25‑058: Contract with Saga Communications of Arkansas LLC d/b/a Jonesboro Radio Group to rent Southside Sports Complex for Fourth of July fireworks for $1,000 — forwarded to full council (vote tallies not specified).

- Resolution 25‑060: Contract with Dairy Queen of Jonesboro for sponsorship recognition for one Southside softball field, $7,500 total ($1,500/year for five years) — forwarded (committee amended title to correct sponsor name; vote tallies not specified).

- Resolution 25‑064: Authorize application to the Arkansas State Police FY 2026 Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (total project cost $156,028.75; requested $103,600.75; local match $52,420 in‑kind); includes purchase of 125 child safety seats — forwarded.

- Resolution 25‑066: Authorize the mayor and city attorney to certify annual Federal Transit Administration certifications and assurances required for JET operations (referencing 49 U.S.C. 53) — forwarded.

- Resolution 25‑067: Authorize application for the FY 2026 Great Strides/Trails for Life grant (requesting $250,000 with no local match) for construction of a smoke‑free bicycle track; pledge to maintain facility for 25 years — forwarded.

Background and next steps

Committee members asked staff to provide the detailed expense report for Fourth of July events at the next appropriate finance meeting, and parks staff agreed to circulate a project‑status summary for trails and parks projects if the grant is awarded. Each forwarded resolution will appear on the full City Council agenda for final action and any recorded roll‑call votes there will be part of the public record.

(Reporting by committee proceedings; no council final votes on these items took place during the finance committee meeting.)