GRAVETTE — About 30 northwest Benton County residents attended a “county hall” meeting last Monday evening at the Billy V. Hall Senior Center in Gravette. The meeting, arranged by county judge Bob Clinard, was attended by several elected officials and representatives from several county departments.

This was the third such county meeting, part of Clinard’s efforts to inform the public of how the county operates, to hear comments, answer questions and seek solutions to problems.

“It makes me happy when people get involved in the operations of the county,” the judge told the attentive and courteous crowd.

He introduced county assessor Bear Chaney, county collector Gloria Springs, justice of peace Steve Curry, county director of planning Christopher Ryan, comptroller Richard McComas and other county representatives.

Roads and Trash

“Roads” was a favorite topic of discussion and the judge briefly explained the complexity of road maintenance, listened to concerns and promised to seek answers concerning several problem areas.

Almost half of the hourlong meeting dealt with “trash” along county roads and the problem of dump sites. One site which drew particular attention was the “railroad bridge” area southwest of Gravette, a problem dump site for many years.

Jay Oliphant from Gravette expressed the need for more county dumpsters in rural areas. Thejudge explained that since dumpsters are not “overseen” to control what is being dumped that people abuse the service.

“They’re (the dumpsters) hard to control,” the judge said. “Education of the public and people accepting personal responsibility” is needed. He mentioned that expanding the twice-a-year countywide clean up might be a consideration.

(See related article in this issue concerning the county-provided solid waste/recycling service available each Saturday).

Oliphant sought information concerning costs of holding a special election for Maysville area voters to consider having the county collect fire dues. The size of the district involved and other factors were not available for a definitive answer. The county collector advised there is a 10 percent collection fee if the county is the collection agency.

Major Projects

Judge Clinard told the group the county has three major projects underway, including a $6 million juvenile justice center, which he said is about two-thirds completed.

A second project is the renovation of the original public service building located west of Bentonville on Highway 102. He said it will house the county election commission, the public defender, and additional space will be available for the county extension service which presently occupies the structure which was built in the late 1970s.

Work on a new west-side road department facility at Decatur is underway, Clinard reported. He noted that about two-thirds of the road department operation will be located atthe new site. He said the department will operate more efficiently and the county can be expected to save an estimated $150,000 in fuel costs annually.

Assessment Information

In discussing the threeyear cycle of property assessment recently completed, the Judge noted the deadline to appear before the equalization board has passed. He added that he is hearing several appeals each day from those who are appealing the board decisions.

“It is time consuming,” he noted, but “appealing to the judge for a final decision is part of the process.”

County assessor Chaney said that persons who missed the equalization board deadline may appeal to the board next year. Chaney suggested that a person may visit his office, which could be a first step in trying to solve a problem.

A question concerning the possibility of converting county vehicles to natural gas drew a “not at this time” response from the judge because of conversion costs. Clinard noted the national gasoline/petroleum problem is political and economic.

“We ought to be using our own (America’s) resources instead of sending our money overseas to people who want to kill us,” he added.

Free Paper Shredding

A question concerning the county’s free shredding service resulted in the following information to The Eagle Observer: The free service is available at the County Courthouse from 8 a.m. until noon the second Saturday of each month. Because of road construction in the courthouse area, people are advisedto enter the building from the north side off Second Street.

Steele James, county veteran’s service officer, was introduced. His office is located at 215 E. Central, Room 305, in Bentonville. James said he encourages all vets to visit his office so their records and information can be entered into a new data base.

“This provides safe storage for information and can speed results,” he explained.

For information, call 464-6123.

One other topic discussed involved constables, one of whom is elected in each of the county’s 13 townships. Clinard said he has learned the county judge determines the number of townships for the county and the number in Benton County will remain at 13.

He also explained that the county quorum court, comprised of 13 justices of the peace, is completing work on the county’s annual budget. Because of gain in the county’s population, the number of JPs will increase to 15.

News, Pages 2 on 11/02/2011