Hempstead County Quorum Court adopts 2026 budget

HOPE – At the December Hempstead County Quorum meeting Thursday night, JPs adopted the Budget Ordinance. The budget is proposed at $23,476,651.26.

The Court adopted a resolution authorizing and approving to propose a 3/4 cent sales tax to “support the operation, maintenance, capital equipment replacement, construction needs and other operating expenses associated with Southwest Arkansas Regional Medical Center or its successor in Hempstead County, Arkansas.” This action was to allow attorneys to look at the measure and get it ballot ready.

Teresa Smith gave a FEMA update. The county has currently received $161,790.11 and have about $115,000 still pending to be sent. Once all is in, she will file on her salary because that will be done on a percentage basis of the total project. That could be $10,000 to $50,000 more depending on the grand total.

JP Steve Atchley asked Smith if there are grants available to help repair tornado sirens. She stated Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development District might be the agency to ask. Arkansas Department of Emergency Management and Hazard Mitigation did not have any at present that she was aware of.