Hempstead County Quorum Court Reviews Hospital Funding, Passes Ordinances

Hope, Arkansas — September 25, 2025 The Hempstead County Quorum Court convened Thursday evening (9-25) for its regular monthly meeting, beginning with the customary call to order, invocation, and Pledge of Allegiance. A roll call confirmed all justices present, and the minutes from the previous meeting were unanimously approved. The court then proceeded to the reading and approval of three ordinances: • Ordinance 2025-9: Accepted a $16,000 grant for the courthouse security station. • Ordinance 2025-111: Allocated $24,140 from the sale of a surplus vehicle to the Sheriff’s Vehicles budget. • Ordinance 2025-12: Reallocated $45,000 within the County Roads budget, moving funds from Lease Machinery and Equipment to Extra Help ($25,000) and Overtime ($20,000).

A portion of the meeting focused on ongoing financial challenges at the Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center. Justice of the Peace and Budget Committee Chair Ed Darling shared in a recent meeting with Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ staff, local officials, and hospital executives that a discussion centered on securing state grants or appropriations to support the hospital, which is struggling financially. Darling noted that while $7.7 million has been invested by Pafford in upgrades and operations, and both the City of Hope and Hempstead County have contributed $1 million each, the hospital still faces cash flow issues. The recent designation of the facility as “a critical access hospital” could improve Medicare reimbursements, but uncertainties remain about the timing and process for receiving those funds. The meeting then adjourned.

After the meeting, County Judge Jerry Crane announced that the burn ban for Hempstead County has been lifted for now, citing improved conditions. Residents are still encouraged to exercise caution when burning outdoors.