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in Arkansas. However, the state of Arkansas is three or more years behind the corrections growth curve. Historically, the state built additional prison beds, and then failed to appropriate the mon- ey to operate. Now, even if the state builds the 1,000 additional prison beds proposed, the current county jail back up — with or without any modest growth over the next three years — suggests a current and future need far in excess of the proposed 1,000 state prison beds. A regional jail with state participation could be fund- ed and built much faster than a state prison, but the math of $28 a day makes the state an improbable partner. It is estimated that counties statewide are losing $18 million annually from the differ- ence in the $28 a day and the actual costs of incarceration, medical services and food for state prisoners. Additionally, the appropria- tion for county jail backup for fiscal years 2014 and 2015 has a projected shortfall of more than $10 million. Te General Assem- bly must awaken to the depth of the crisis and fully discharge the constitutional obligations of paying the just debts of the state and providing for adequate prisons.


Te Role of the Association of Arkansas Counties Te Association of Arkansas Counties was recognized in 1967


by the General Assembly of the state of Arkansas, ACA 14-20-107, as the official agency for the counties and to make a continuing study of ways and means to improve county government in Ar- kansas. In the context of intergovernmental cooperation, this role ranges from helping navigate broad issues county officials encoun- ter with state agencies and assisting in the formulation and adop- tion of good government legislation. Te affiliate organizations for county officials likewise undertake this mission. AAC itself is an example of cooperation or association of county governments and officials. We often have found that we can do more together.


Te Unpaved Road User Group/Public-Private Partnership Te County Judges’ Association of Arkansas (CJAA) has decid- ed to affirmatively address concerns arising from restrictions on the use and maintenance of unpaved public roads in rural areas for accessing lands, dwellings, hunting, fishing and enjoyment. Litiga- tion in other states and the federal courts under the Clean Water Act, Endangered Species Act and layers of federal and state laws and regulations have potential adverse impact to use, access and maintenance of public unpaved roads. Arkansas Attorney Gen- eral Dustin McDaniel informed the CJAA to the amicus curae briefs he and other states’ attorneys general filed before the U.S. Supreme Court in Decker v. Northwest Environmental Defense Center (NEDC). Te suit enjoins logging activities and storm water drainage authorized under the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NP- DES) permits. Arkansas similarly has been exposed to restrictions derived from the Endangered Species Act and applied to an area in Polk County known as Wolf Pen Gap. Te CJAA in conjunc- tion with a broad coalition of public-private program partners has been proactive and formed the Unpaved Road User Group. Tis fledging public-private partnership has already programmed several demonstration projects in Arkansas and conducted train- ing for maintenance superintendents and road crews at the CJAA Road Seminar. Polk County Judge Brandon Ellison and Stone


COUNTY LINES, SPRING 2014


County Judge Stacey Avey serve on the committee on behalf of the CJAA; and this program is proof positive that local, state and federal government agencies, private entities and the public can tackle serious issues together to better their communities and the state of Arkansas.


Rural Counties


Rural counties have additional challenges in conveying emer- gency services to their citizens. For years now, we have been seek- ing to address issues facing 911. Recent strides have been made in 911 commencing with the user fee increase in 2009, along with the establishment of dispatcher training through Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy (Act 1171 of 2009); clo- sure of the loopholes on prepaid wireless phone cards (Act 623 of 2013); and recent increases in 911 funding (Act of 1221 of 2013). At the June 19 CJAA meeting, the CJAA will receive an update from Yell County Judge Mark Tone regarding the work of the Arkansas Blue Ribbon Committee on Local 911 System under Act 1171 of 2013. Te Blue Ribbon Committee will serve as an excellent means to conduct a comprehensive study of the system and needs statewide. Enhancement of emergency services in partnership with Arkansas Department of Emergency Manage- ment (ADEM) also has resulted in an opportunity for counties to join neighboring counties in debris removal and debris removal monitoring contracts. Te counties’ respective ADEM region will bid for the contracts. Scott Perkins, AAC communications direc- tor, will unfold more details at the June CJAA meeting. Tis co- operative undertaking will be available to assist counties in their preparation for future emergencies and provide ready access to rea- sonable and competitively bid contract rates. Also, Office of State Procurement (OSP) staff will be at the meeting to help counties better access emergency quotes and the vast areas of cooperative purchasing available through OSP as provided for under the “Ar- kansas Procurement Law,” ACA 19-11-201 et seq. Finally, county procurement may benefit from purchases through National As- sociation of Counties or AAC programs. Be aware that approved purchases for commodities or services other than professional or personal services may be exempt from bidding when made under the competitive bidding or procurement procedures used under a contract by the federal government, another state, an association of governments, including local governments, etc. (ACA 14-22- 106). In the end, county officials should consider the ways their county may benefit from cooperation with other governments or public-private partnerships.


On the Web:


Look for Better Unpaved Roads for Nature and People www.arcounties.org Search “Better Unpaved Roads.”


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Better Unpaved Roads for Nature and People


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