The Baxter County Quorum Court approved approximately $1.3 million in appropriations at its meeting on August 4, directing funds toward airport hangar construction, a new coroner’s facility, and various other county needs. Presided over by County Judge Kevin Litty, all ordinances and resolutions on the agenda passed unanimously, 9-0.
The largest allocation was $632,973.52 for the Baxter County Airport, passed under Ordinance 2026-37. This funding, which comes from reimbursable state grants, will be used for two construction projects: an 80-by-60-foot clear-span hangar costing $447,703.52, and a six-bay open T-hangar priced at $185,270. Since the grants are reimbursable, the county spends first and receives reimbursement later. According to one Justice of the Peace, Baxter County is fortunate not to have to borrow funds to bridge that gap, a step many other counties take. During the meeting, the airport manager explained that lease prepayments by tenants are helping fund future projects, including a third 80-by-60-foot hangar expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The second-largest appropriation, approved as Ordinance 2026-38, committed $561,926.75 to the coroner’s building fund. Of that amount, $501,926.75 is dedicated to construction-in-progress expenses, while $60,000 will cover architectural and engineering costs. Judge Litty said the facility is expected to have a total price tag of about $1 million, with roughly $200,000 anticipated to come from the county's general fund. Other funding sources include proceeds from the sale of the old health department building.
Under Ordinance 2026-39, the circuit court received $88,632.78 from the circuit court automation fund to purchase audiovisual equipment. The court currently has about $290,000 in the account, Judge Litty reported.
The sheriff’s office collected $25,876.89 beyond its budgeted revenues in June, leading to an appropriation under Ordinance 2026-35. Most of these funds came from auction proceeds, installment fees, and Act 770 fees, with additional contributions from sources such as DWI fines and animal adoptions. The money was divided among the sheriff’s special projects fund, county general, the county jail fund, and animal control.
The smallest appropriation, $13,000, came as Ordinance 2026-36. This amount represents proceeds from the sale of a 2016 Chevrolet Tahoe to Marion County government, which will be used for road construction materials in the 2026 budget.
Three resolutions were also passed. Resolution 2026-16 authorizes Judge Litty to apply for a $15,000 state grant through the Arkansas Rural Development Commission on behalf of the Clarkridge Volunteer Fire Department to support the purchase of a heavy-duty diesel flatbed truck outfitted with a water tank and pump. The department has already secured $25,000 in cash and in-kind donations for the project.
Resolution 2026-17 confirmed the reappointment of Cindy Blankenship to the Gamaliel Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners for a term set to expire in August 2029. Resolution 2026-18 approved the appointment of Beth Vanderstek to the Baxter County Library Board for a five-year term expiring in August 2031.
At the start of the meeting, County Treasurer Jenay Mize reported that sales tax revenues are exceeding projections for both the county's general fund and the jail fund, indicating the county’s budget is in solid financial standing.