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Desha County court delays $10,000 grant request from local nonprofit
Summary
The Desha County Quorum Court voted Aug. 21 to defer a $10,000 funding request from Widows Empowering Widows and Reaching Others until the county’s 2026 budget review after hearing a presentation on murals and county budget pressures.
The Desha County Quorum Court voted unanimously on Aug. 21 to defer a $10,000 funding request from the local nonprofit Widows Empowering Widows and Reaching Others until the county adopts its 2026 budget.
Ms. Lydia Davis, who represents the nonprofit, told the court she had reduced an earlier request from $12,000 to $10,000 and said the money "would be used for murals depicting those in the community, past and present, of outstanding leadership and service to others." JP 8 Dollie Wilson praised the group's work and said it would benefit growth in Dumas and Desha County.
Desha County Judge Wayne Smith urged caution. He said he did not "want to be in the same position as some of the other counties were in" and that "we need to watch the budget closely," noting projected tax revenues are down as some farms and businesses have closed.
After discussion, JP 3 Patricia Watkins moved that the court not fund the organization until the 2026 budget is reviewed; JP 8 Dollie Wilson seconded. The roll call was recorded as nine in favor, none opposed. The court did not approve any funding at the meeting.
The decision leaves the nonprofit's request pending; the court signaled the matter will be reconsidered in the context of next year’s budget process. Routine business at the meeting included approval of the July minutes and acceptance of the treasurer's and sheriff's reports before the discussion on the nonprofit.
