JONESBORO, Ark. — On Monday, Nov. 9, the Craighead County Quorum Court will convene at 5:30 p.m. in the Quorum Court room at the Craighead County Courthouse Annex, 511 S. Union St., to hear a presentation on the county’s 2027 budget. The meeting will be livestreamed on Facebook and YouTube for residents who cannot attend in person.

2027 Budget Presentation

The budget presentation is the sole item listed under new business for the full court. While the agenda does not include a vote on the countywide budget, the packet provided to commissioners contains October financial reports. No total spending figure for 2027 is disclosed in the materials, but the discussion will give officials and the public insight into the county’s fiscal outlook.

Solid Waste Authority Funding Request

Following the budget presentation, the Finance Committee will consider a $6.7 million spending proposal from the Craighead County Solid Waste Disposal Authority. The authority projects $7.49 million in revenue and $6.70 million in expenses for 2027, leaving an estimated $784,000 surplus. This marks a significant improvement over the 2026 budget, which projected only about $54,000 in surplus.

Key components of the 2027 proposal include:

• Maintaining projected revenue from tipping fees and sales taxes at $6.55 million.
• Adding $186,000 in landfill‑gas revenue, expected to begin in October 2027.
• Reducing projected landfill closure and post‑closure expenses from $950,000 to $450,000, attributed to a smaller amount of open landfill space requiring closure.

The authority sent the proposal to County Judge Marvin Day and local mayors on Oct. 30. Under Arkansas state law, a majority of the authority’s member governments must approve the budget before it can receive final approval.

Other Agenda Items

The Finance Committee will also receive reports from the county collector and treasurer. The Transportation Committee is set to review the October road report and consider items involving Pine Log Road and U.S. Highway 63.

In addition, the full court will review minutes from its Oct. 26 meeting, where it approved longevity pay for certified sheriff’s deputies and increased detention housing rates. Effective Jan. 1, the daily rate for adults housed on behalf of jurisdictions within Craighead County will rise from $55 to $65.

Public Participation

A public comment period is scheduled before the committee meetings, giving residents an opportunity to voice concerns or support for the budget items and the solid waste proposal. The county encourages community members to join the livestream or attend in person to stay informed about how local funds will be allocated in the coming fiscal year.

Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.