Jonesboro, Ark. – On Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, Craighead County Justice of the Peace Garrett Barnes will host a Town Hall at 6:00 p.m. in the Round Room of the Craighead County Jonesboro Public Library, 315 W Oak Avenue. Attendees will enter from Madison Street.
Purpose and agenda
Since taking office on Jan. 1, 2023, Barnes has held more than ten Town Hall meetings to keep citizens informed about county operations, answer questions, and gather community feedback. This upcoming session will begin with an update on the Craighead County Quorum Court, followed by two focused discussions on ballot questions that will appear on the November 2026 election ballot.
At 6:15 p.m., Barnes will be joined by Ethan Ivy of Safety First for Jonesboro to explain the public‑safety ballot question, which proposes a measure aimed at strengthening local law‑enforcement resources and improving emergency‑response capabilities. At 6:45 p.m., Robin Martin of the advocacy group Citizens Taxed Enough will discuss the second ballot question, which seeks to eliminate the elected office of Craighead County Treasurer and transfer its duties to the County Clerk’s office, a change supporters argue will reduce wasteful spending.
Why these measures matter to families and communities
Both proposals touch on core concerns for families in Craighead County. The public‑safety measure promises to protect neighborhoods, schools, and places of worship by ensuring that police and first‑responders have the tools they need. The treasurer‑elimination measure is presented as a fiscal‑responsibility effort, aiming to streamline county administration and keep more taxpayer dollars in the hands of hardworking Arkansans.
Barnes has emphasized that the Town Hall is open to the public and media, and that participants may livestream the event or share portions on personal social‑media accounts. This transparency aligns with the county’s commitment to open government and encourages informed voting.
How to get involved
Residents who wish to attend in person should arrive early to secure seating, as space in the Round Room is limited. Those unable to be present can watch the live stream, which will be posted on the county’s official website and social‑media channels after the meeting. Questions may be submitted in advance via the county’s contact form or asked directly during the session.
For more information about the ballot questions, voters can review the official voter guide released by the Arkansas Secretary of State or contact the Craighead County Election Commission.
About Justice of the Peace Garrett Barnes
Garrett Barnes was elected Justice of the Peace in 2022 and has focused his tenure on increasing government accountability, supporting law‑and‑order initiatives, and advocating for prudent fiscal policies. His regular Town Hall meetings have become a trusted venue for community members to voice concerns and receive direct answers from their elected officials.
The upcoming Town Hall offers a valuable opportunity for Jonesboro and surrounding area residents to learn about the ballot measures that could shape the county’s future, ask questions, and make an informed decision when they head to the polls in November.
Original reporting: NEA Report (Jonesboro) — read the source article.
