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Quorum court moves IDA ordinance to next meeting amid debate over eminent domain, recall and board makeup
Summary
Benton County justices voted to place a proposed three-county Industrial Development Authority ordinance for third reading at the next quorum court meeting, advancing a regional plan tied to a time‑sensitive EDA grant. Justices pressed for guardrails including a recall provision and limits on eminent domain.
Benton County’s quorum court voted Jan. 20 to place a proposed three‑county Industrial Development Authority (IDA) ordinance on the agenda for third reading at the next quorum‑court meeting, setting up a formal vote after a week of additional review and counsel.
The courtroom discussion centered on the IDA’s purpose — to create shovel‑ready, engineered sites intended to attract higher‑wage manufacturing and technology projects — balanced against concerns from several justices about accountability, board composition and the authority’s power to condemn land.
“An IDA exists to do one thing, and that is to solve a real‑estate problem and develop new sites that can accommodate a different class of technology and manufacturing projects,” said Ron Maloney, a regional economic developer with the Northwest Arkansas Council. Maloney said the Council would provide initial office space and staff support to keep IDA operating costs low.
Members who support the IDA pointed to a chance to pursue a…
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