Nevada County Quorum Court Addresses Jail Concerns, Youth Achievements, and Community Planning

Prescott, AR — August 12, 2025 The Nevada County Quorum Court convened for its regular monthly session on Tuesday evening (8-12). The meeting opened with an invocation led by Justice of the Peace (JP) Willie Wilson, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. All nine JPs were present: Dennis Pruitt (District 1), Willie Wilson (District 2), Pat Grimes (District 3), Curtis Lee Johnson (District 4), Eric Jackson (District 5), Herbert Coleman (District 6), Regina Irizarry (District 7), Chris Fore (District 8), and Brenda Stockton (District 9). Also attending were County Judge Mike Otwell and the County Treasurer.

The Sheriff’s Office reported significant financial strain at the county jail, citing an aging HVAC system that requires urgent repair or replacement. The outdated equipment has made sourcing parts difficult, and state regulations mandate maintaining specific temperature standards. To comply, the jail has had to reduce its inmate population. The facility, which houses inmates from multiple agencies, including the Arkansas Department of Correction (ADC), is also experiencing delays in reimbursement for housing costs. Real-time payments for overtime and holiday shifts have contributed to deficit spending, though officials anticipate an increase in income soon.

Stacey Stone of the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service celebrated local youth achievements, announcing that Nevada County’s 4-H team won first place in the Arkansas Junior Livestock Quiz Bowl and will advance to the national competition in Louisville, Kentucky. Stone also reported that 131 individuals recently attended Forester Training at UAHT’s Hempstead Hall, and approximately 35 livestock entries are expected at the upcoming county fair.

The new director of the Prescott/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, Valerie Cobb, addressed the court, expressing enthusiasm for her role and a commitment to planning future community events. She pledged to keep both the public and the quorum court informed as initiatives develop.

The court voted to discontinue the county trash pick-up fee. However, a post-vote discussion raised the possibility of revisiting the decision.

Legislative audit findings were also reviewed, with officials acknowledging that resolving the identified issues would require time and diligence—one resolved matter involved the trade-in, rather than the sale, of the county’s trash truck.

Attorney Rowe Stayton informed the court of ongoing efforts to address concerns within the Nevada Board of Education. A community meeting is scheduled for August 21, 2025, where speakers will be limited to 90 seconds each. Stayton emphasized the importance of dispelling rumors and fostering a constructive dialogue. The County Prosecutor advised the court to monitor developments and act only if necessary. With no further comments, the meeting was adjourned.