JONESBORO, Ark. — City officials in Jonesboro are considering the purchase of a new interim facility for the Jonesboro Police Department, a move aimed at consolidating operations and freeing up community resources.
During a Finance and Administration Council Committee meeting on Thursday, Aug. 6, the proposal to acquire the Shelter Insurance building at 1709 East Highland Drive was discussed. The $2.75 million purchase would be funded through a $3 million short-term loan under Amendment 78, supported by the city’s general fund, according to Finance Director Steve Purtee.
The plan would address logistical issues caused by the recent closure of the Justice Complex on Washington Avenue, which had forced several police divisions to operate out of temporary locations, including community centers like E. Boone Watson, Allen Park, and Parker Park, as well as the old City Hall building at 410 Washington Avenue.
If approved, the new facility would allow the police department to consolidate operations into two primary locations, ultimately restoring the community centers to public use. Purtee noted that using reserve funds to buy the building had been considered but was dismissed in favor of preserving reserve funds for grant-related programs.
The proposal also takes into account cost savings on insurance. The city currently spends $23,248.20 annually to insure the old City Hall building and the Justice Complex building. Purchasing the Shelter Insurance building would reduce that amount to $9,075 annually, saving $14,173. The old City Hall and Justice Complex buildings would be demolished as part of the plan.
Police Chief Rick Elliott explained that more than 30 staff members would move into the new facility, including administrative records personnel, criminal investigations and recruiting divisions, community outreach, and D.A.R.E. officers. The transition would also entail $250,000 in additional costs for infrastructure updates such as IT systems, servers, and security cameras.
Purtee added that acquiring the Shelter Insurance building would provide the city with a sellable asset once the police department no longer requires it.
No decision was made during the meeting. The Finance and Administration Council Committee is scheduled to review the proposal further on Aug. 11.