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Quorum Court approves tax levy, multiple grants and appropriations; transfers emergency dispatch consoles
Summary
The Benton County Quorum Court approved a property tax levy (mills set for general, road and ambulance funds), authorized several grant applications and passed multiple appropriation ordinances, including a transfer to replace a lightning-damaged road pickup and a transfer of dispatch consoles to Madison County.
The Benton County Quorum Court voted on a package of resolutions and appropriation ordinances during its October 2025 session, approving a property tax levy, grant applications and several budget amendments.
Key outcomes:
- Property tax levy (Resolution, 2025 levy collected in 2026): The court set Benton County General Fund millage at 5.0 mills, the Road Fund at 1.9 mills and the ambulance service improvement district at 0.2 mills. Justice Jeff Dunn sponsored and moved the resolution; the court approved it by roll call (13 ayes, 2 absent).
- Grant authorizations: The court authorized the county judge to apply for several grants, including a $10,000 Arkansas Alternative Dispute Resolution grant (no county match), a $10,000 Administrative Office of the Courts Court Improvement Program (CIP) grant, and a U.S. Department of Justice State Criminal Alien Assistance Program (SCAP) application. Each resolution was presented by the sponsoring justice and approved by roll call.
- Walton Family Foundation tree grant: The court authorized application for a Walton Family Foundation tree grant (fund year '26); the motion passed by roll call.
- Appropriations and transfers: The court approved an appropriation ordinance (item 12f) containing net-zero transfers, including an article to move funds from heavy equipment to vehicles to cover replacement of a road department pickup that was totaled after a lightning strike. The court also approved an appropriations package (12g) that included a $9,000 planning department vehicle purchase, $5,000 truck repairs, $20,900 engineering costs, and $79,000 to outfit Beaver Lake Patrol from a dedicated fund. A separate facilities appropriation (12h) of $35,000 for initial engineering and architectural design also passed.
- Intercounty transfer: On third reading the court approved transfer of SENCOM dispatch consoles (personal property) to Madison County; motion carried by roll call (13 ayes, 2 absent).
- Appointments and first readings: The court confirmed Brian Armas as an alternate on the Planning Board of Appeals (resolution passed with one abstention). Several ordinances were taken up on first reading only, including creation of an Industrial Development Authority and an ordinance calling a special election related to Rocky Branch Fire Protection Association dues; those items will return for later readings.
All roll-call outcomes recorded in the transcript show consistent tallies of 13 ayes with 2 absent for most votes unless otherwise noted.
