The Independence County Quorum Court convened Monday night, hearing from a concerned resident about traffic safety and addressing routine tax levies for the upcoming year.
Kathy Stobaugh, a resident of Quarry B Road, expressed concerns about speeding vehicles in her residential area, stating the road sees heavy traffic from its location near an industrial park. “There is a lack of respect for the homes, people, and animals – it’s just not right. … It’s an accident waiting to happen,” Stobaugh told officials. She highlighted particular dangers from semi-trucks hauling steel, worrying that mismanagement could cause a serious incident.
According to Stobaugh, sheriff’s deputies have patrolled the area, but enforcement efforts appeared insufficient, especially during peak speeding times around lunch or at the end of the workday. Despite speed limit signage and outreach by County Judge Kevin Jeffery, including direct appeals to local industries to encourage safer driving, Stobaugh said these measures were short-lived. Sheriff Shawn Stephens reported observing only minor speed infractions during radar checks and noted the county lacks electronic speed display signs.
Stobaugh suggested installing a speed bump to address the issue, referencing a similar measure funded by property owners at Eagle Mountain. However, Justice of the Peace (JP) Johnny McMullin opposed the idea, citing liability concerns, while JP Brent Henderson added that such installations often lead to other nuisances, such as drivers honking to disturb residents. Stobaugh emphasized the growing need for a solution due to the changing dynamics in her neighborhood, underscoring the presence of children and individuals with disabilities. Judge Jeffery suggested the county could send a formal letter to industry leaders to reinforce requests for safer driving practices.
In other matters, the quorum court passed an annual ordinance levying school, municipal, county, and improvement district taxes to be collected in 2027. Millage rates will remain consistent with previous years. School district rates range from 35.90 mills in Hillcrest to 45.00 mills in Southside, while municipal rates include 5.0 mills for Batesville and 2.5 mills for Oil Trough, among others. Improvement districts will employ fixed assessments, such as $2.00 per acre for the Departee Creek Watershed.
Sheriff Stephens also provided updates on the jail population and law enforcement activity. As of Monday, the jail held 86 inmates, approaching its maximum capacity. Last month, 91 individuals were booked, while 103 were released, including transfers to the Arkansas Department of Corrections. In September, the sheriff’s department reported 116 crimes, clearing 95 of them, and served 74 warrants. Property thefts totaled $54,000, with no recoveries this month.
County Treasurer Bob Treadway reported that collections from the county’s 1-cent sales tax are down 4.5% compared to October 2025, though year-to-date revenue remains slightly ahead of last year. Tax revenues contribute to municipal services and fire departments across Independence County. So far this year, 15 fire departments have shared $121,791 in allocated funds.
Judge Jeffery also highlighted the county’s road maintenance efforts, with 16,000 tons of asphalt laid in recent months. Crews have focused on areas affected by last winter’s severe weather, which caused significant damage to roadways. Looking ahead, Jeffery noted upcoming discussions on the county’s health insurance plan as costs are expected to rise. The county is exploring self-funded options, a model adopted by several other counties.
JP Brad Covington was absent from Monday’s meeting.