Hope, Ark. — The Hempstead County Quorum Court moved forward Thursday (3-26) on a series of resolutions and ordinances aimed at stabilizing the county’s hospital and addressing county business, while emphasizing that voters — not justices — will ultimately decide the hospital’s future.
County Judge Jerry Crane called the March 26 meeting to order, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation offered by Justice of the Peace Jessie Henry. A roll call confirmed the presence of justices, and the court approved minutes from its Feb. 26 meeting without objection.
With no old business on the agenda, the court turned its attention to new measures, beginning with Resolution 2026-1, which expresses the county’s intent to accept conveyance of certain hospital facilities and to lease those facilities under prescribed conditions. County officials noted that about 18 months ago, a bankruptcy court awarded ownership of the hospital building and its equipment to the City of Hope and Hempstead County. Operational responsibility was not included in that transfer. Members of the court cited recent healthcare developments across the region, including Baptist Health’s closure of a Fort Smith hospital, while its El Dorado facility remained open after local leaders stepped forward with financial support. Justices said much of the hospital’s equipment is nearing obsolescence and will require replacement if the facility is to remain viable. While community backing exists, court members said additional support will be necessary. Officials also discussed efforts to build regional healthcare networks across Southwest Arkansas, with a clear caveat that no new buildings would be constructed — only upgrades and improvements to existing facilities. The hospital received designation as a rural health center in September 2025, a status that provides access to certain funding mechanisms. However, officials said the hospital continues to operate at a financial loss. Sarah Giammo, special counsel for the Hempstead County Quorum Court on hospital-related matters, was at the meeting to answer any questions. Several justices reflected on the hospital’s legacy, recalling the time when it was known as Hempstead County Hospital. They also repeatedly emphasized the action before them was procedural. The court was not approving a tax or long-term hospital plan but rather allowing county residents to make that decision at the ballot box. That theme carried through later votes, including passage of Ordinance 2026-3, which levies a three-fourths of one percent (0.75%) county sales and use tax for hospital and related healthcare facilities, set to terminate on Sept. 30, 2026. The ordinance was read in full on first reading, with the court suspending the rules to allow second and third readings by title only. The measure passed by a majority vote of justices after being amended to specify that all proceeds would be directed solely to Hempstead County. The court followed with Ordinance 2026-4, calling for an emergency special election on a separate proposal to levy a countywide 0.75% sales and use tax for hospital and healthcare facilities through Sept. 30, 2036. That ordinance was also read in full initially, then approved after second and third readings by title only. Again, officials stressed that the vote merely placed the issue before the electorate.
In other business, the court approved Resolution 2026-2, formally declaring a vacancy in Justice of the Peace District 1 following the death of longtime JP James Griffin. Dr. Claudia Griffin, who won the Republican primary for the seat on March 3 by a wide margin and faces no Democratic opponent in the general election, is positioned to assume the office once election results are certified. Resolution 2026-3 also received approval, authorizing an amended interlocal agreement between Hempstead County and the City of Hope governing the distribution of district court costs and filing fees. The adjustment was required to meet updated online filing requirements.
Hempstead County Sheriff James Singleton addressed the court and publicly commended Deputies Ricky Pennington and Matthew Whitney for their actions during an emergency response to a vicious animal attack in Washington, Ark. Singleton praised the deputies for their exceptional courage, decisive action, and life-saving efforts in protecting the public. The members of the court also commended the deputies, asking Sheriff Singleton to convey their commendation.
Public comments also included a presentation from Terri James, who announced the designation of March 29, 2026, as Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Day in Hempstead County. The observance honors the approximately 2.5 million Americans whose lives were affected by the Vietnam War. Shelby Brown, representing the hospital, thanked the court for its efforts to preserve and improve local healthcare. Anna Powell of the Hempstead County Economic Development Council reported progress on certified development properties, noting that one project valued at $340,000 is underway and a second property is expected to seek certification soon. Powell said access to quality healthcare remains critical for a community seeking sustained growth and development.
With no further questions or action before the body, Judge Crane adjourned the meeting.
Write to Rollie Thomas Mullins