The Baxter County Quorum Court voted to table a proposed ordinance that would establish a one-year moratorium on virtual currency kiosks in unincorporated areas of the county. The decision came during a 30-minute meeting on Tuesday, where seven agenda items were considered. While six items passed unanimously, the ordinance addressing virtual currency kiosks prompted significant debate.

Justice of the Peace William Waldrop motioned to table the ordinance, citing forthcoming discussions on the matter by the Arkansas State Legislature in January. Justice of the Peace Lisa House seconded the motion. Sheriff John Montgomery, who introduced the measure, expressed concern about the timing, noting that Justice Department and FBI statistics estimate that approximately 90% of transactions at such kiosks are fraudulent or illegal. Montgomery highlighted that if the county ordinance were adopted following its third reading in December, the moratorium could take effect in January 2027. He warned, however, that waiting for statewide action might postpone regulation until July or August.

The potential for litigation also factored into the debate. Several justices of the peace raised concerns about whether a county-level ordinance might infringe upon citizens' rights to engage in a lawful business. When the motion to table the ordinance went to a vote, JPs Mike McDonald, Bob Nault, Rick Steiner, and Maryanne Edge opposed it. However, the motion carried with a narrow 5-4 majority.

In other business, the quorum court unanimously approved a series of budgetary ordinances and resolutions:

- Ordinance appropriating $8,802.19 in fees and reimbursements from August to the sheriff’s office 2026 budget. - Ordinance 2026-50 to allocate $10,435.88 in reimbursement funds collected in September to the Juvenile Services Department. - Ordinance 2026-51 to transfer $22,000 from county general funds into the Circuit Court Division 3 2026 budget. - Ordinance 2026-52 to transfer $250,000 from county general funds to the County Maintenance Shop 2026 budget.

The court also confirmed several appointments and reappointments to local fire protection district boards. Dale Wheeler and Sherry Milhon were reappointed to the Henderson Volunteer Fire Department Board of Commissioners, while Julie Wood was appointed to the Cotter/Gassville Rural Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners.