Lifetime Citizen Portal Access — AI Briefings, Alerts & Unlimited Follows
Pulaski County reviews Baker Tilly fiscal plan proposal and discusses advisory group for Knights of Columbus purchase
Loading...
Summary
Council members reviewed a Baker Tilly proposal for fiscal-sustainability work ahead of budget season and discussed forming an advisory group to evaluate a potential Knights of Columbus property purchase; no contracts or purchases were approved.
Pulaski County council and commissioners discussed hiring Baker Tilly to perform a fiscal sustainability study, property tax parcel analysis, local income tax analysis and a capital plan to inform budget decisions. Separately, the group reviewed progress on a potential Knights of Columbus property purchase and discussed forming an advisory group to review appraisals and performance‑services input before any decision.
Committee member (S4) presented the Baker Tilly materials and said the firm offered an a‑la‑carte scope including a fiscal sustainability plan, parcel analysis, local income tax analysis and capital planning. "We could pick and choose," Committee member (S4) said, recommending the work be timed to inform the county's August budget conversations and suggesting Baker Tilly staff — including Jason Simler — join a future meeting by Zoom.
Chair (S5) and other members emphasized that Senate Bill 1 is an important variable for county finances. "Senate Bill 1 is the biggest concern," Chair (S5) said, noting changes to assessed values and the $3 cap for taxpayers will affect revenue projections.
On the Knights of Columbus property, Committee member (S5) reported that appraisals and an inspection have been completed and are under attorney review. Members discussed forming an advisory group, including department staff and at least one commissioner, to review architects' and performance‑services findings and make recommendations; the commission stressed that such a group would make suggestions rather than final decisions.
No contract award to Baker Tilly was recorded in the transcript; council members generally supported moving forward with further review and scheduling a Baker Tilly Zoom presentation at a future meeting. No formal purchase decision was taken on the Knights of Columbus property; commissioners will await appraisals and attorney review before any formal action.
