Resolution in Garland County shows justices support mileage to increase public safety officials

GARLAND COUNTY, Ark. – A resolution passed at the Monday night Garland County Quorum Court meeting guarantees support from justices of the peace to impose a mileage come November which will fund salaries for public safety officials and more, but not everyone is on board.

The budget for the year is determined in November and this resolution guarantees that justices of the peace will put the mileage in the budget, creating a way for these positions to be hired earlier.

It’s almost summertime and an influx of tourists are headed to Lake Hamilton, the bath houses, and more in Garland County, meaning the sheriff’s department and public safety officials will be busier than they already are.

According to Sheriff Michael McCormick, his staff has been stretched thin for too long and they need more help.

The mileage will provide long-term funding, according to the county judge. Enough for salaries for 10 sheriff’s deputies, four 911 communications operators and two prosecuting attorney staff members.

The sheriff said his deputies respond to every call, but they’re getting more and more violent calls, which they want to send two deputies out to, however they don’t have the staff for it right now.

People did speak out in opposition, not wanting the mileage at all, while others say this isn’t the way to go about getting it.

“It would’ve been difficult if it had gone to a general vote, which would’ve been in December and put everything off another 8 months before we got the deputies on the street,” McCormick said.

Justice of the Peace for District 1 Micah Braughton spoke out in opposition.

“I think it’s a good end, which is to get the deputies that you need, but I don’t think it’s a good means, by forcing a tax that the people are not voting for,” Braughton said.

The mileage will be added to the 2025 budget, but having this support early allows for the county to start recruiting for these positions ahead of time, trying to meet what some say is a desperate need.

This passed with a vote of 9 to 4.

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