Jonesboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jonesboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Municipal liens for unpaid code enforcement charges
The city is recovering code enforcement cleanup costs by placing liens on 14 properties, totaling about $4,775. Council members framed these as removing neighborhood blight.
Police facility purchase at 1709 East Highland Drive
Police have been scattered across five temporary sites since the Justice Complex closed, including three community centers. Buying the Shelter Insurance building for $2.75 million (plus a $3 million loan at 4.83%) would consolidate police and give community centers back to the public — but one councilman wants the inspection and financial analysis before committing.
Crisis response funding for police mental health work
Jonesboro will apply for $50,500 with no local match to buy a safety-equipped vehicle, iPad and laptop so the crisis response coordinator can handle mental health crisis visits.
Camping ban in city parks and parking lots
A first-reading ordinance would ban camping outside designated areas in parks and city-owned parking lots, giving rangers and police an enforcement tool after past issues at Craighead Forest.
E-911 emergency communications center
The city is spending $2.17 million on Motorola radio equipment and dispatch consoles for the E-911 center, including a 180-foot tower. The good news: a $3.5 million federal appropriation just got approved, so this project is federally funded.
E-911 radio equipment upgrade
The city is spending $2.17 million on Motorola radio equipment and dispatch consoles for the E-911 center, including a 180-foot tower. The good news: a $3.5 million federal appropriation just got approved, so this project is federally funded.
Washington Avenue corridor lighting
The city accepted the low bid from Wilkins Electric to finish a street lighting circuit on Washington Avenue from Marion Berry to Borgman Street, extending the downtown-to-ASU pedestrian lighting project.
Higher fines for city code violations
An ordinance would raise the catch-all maximum fine for code violations from $500 to $1,000 (up to $4,000 for repeat offenses), matching state law. Existing specific fines don't change — it just gives judges more room on serious cases.
Police Staffing Shortage and Incentives
The police department is 13 officers short — about 35 in non-functioning capacity — limiting proactive enforcement like jaywalking stops. Seven new hires entered the academy last week, with full staffing targeted by December.
Pedestrian safety on Johnson Avenue and Main Street
Four years of data show 94 pedestrians hit by vehicles, 11 fatally, concentrated on Johnson Avenue and Main Street. The city is weighing more signals, no-right-on-red rules, education campaigns, and a comprehensive safety plan.
Condemnation of 2210 Willow Road
The city moved to condemn a house deemed unfit for human habitation after inspection and notice requirements were met. It's part of ongoing code enforcement against derelict properties.
Fire Department vehicle replacement
The Fire Department will replace its oldest support vehicles, 2011 and 2012 Explorers, with two new Chevrolet 1500 crew cab trucks serving as battalion chief vehicles. The $130,000 comes from a budget amendment, and low state-contract inventory made quick action necessary.
Downtown pedestrian safety
After a pedestrian was struck in a downtown crosswalk while she had the walk signal — with no citation issued to the driver — residents pleaded for all-red crossings, signage, lower speeds and a consistent police process for pedestrian collisions. Staff reported the Johnson Avenue HAWK signal is working (74.67% compliant crossings) and a study of downtown all-stop signal conversion is underway.
Downtown Main Street building facade failure
A Main Street building's brick facade started falling off, forcing an evacuation and road closure. The building was shored up with an engineer's sign-off and the road reopened, but permanent repairs have no timeline yet.
Craighead Forest Park incidents
The mayor praised park rangers and police for responding to a fire that burned about an acre and a serious vehicular attack at Craighead Forest Park on the same day.
Condition of old City Hall / patrol building on Washington Avenue
The old City Hall on Washington, housing patrol and traffic, is described as a 1960s building with a roof that's leaked 12 years, asbestos, mold, and trees growing on the roof. The long-term plan is to demolish it and build a new $20M+ police station downtown once funding exists.
School traffic patterns update
Jonesboro Public Schools asked the city to shift the one-way times on Wilkins Avenue and Hillcrest Drive around school drop-off and pick-up. Drivers near the campuses should watch for the new windows once the council approves it.
Airbnb party problems and privilege license enforcement
Council Member David McClain described a massive overnight party at a short-term rental in his neighborhood. The city attorney is drafting stronger privilege-license rules but says tracking unlisted rentals is hard and a tracking firm could cost about $80,000 a year.
Problem Airbnb / short-term rental parties
Residents from two neighborhoods described chaos at short-term rental properties — a May 16 party with 100 cars, broken glass, and police calls until after 5 a.m. The city attorney pointed to existing privilege-license revocation rules (Sections 42-146 to 42-150) and said the city is researching stronger enforcement options.
Bulletproof vest grant for police equipment
The city won a $42,358 federal grant to buy 40 tactical body armor systems for officers, easing pressure on the city budget.
Department staffing shortages and animal shelter capacity
Animal Control, street workers, and code enforcement are short-staffed; the city added kennel capacity to reduce euthanasia at its always-full shelter.
Panhandling and loitering at intersections
Council members revisited how to address panhandling at busy intersections after the attorney general's challenge last summer; legal limits and past lawsuits (Hot Springs lost) push the city toward asking the state legislature to act.
Summer safety and youth programs
With schools out, the mayor urged drivers to watch for children, promoted pools, splash pads, the DARE Gen Cadets program, the Youth Advancement Council, and coordinated police presence for summer gatherings.
Police Recruitment Incentives and the Blue Envelope Program
The mayor and police chief are working on recruitment incentives for the police department, and the chief highlighted a first-in-the-state blue envelope program to make traffic stops safer for drivers with autism.
Condemnation of 1205 N. Floyd Street
The city is moving to condemn a house on North Floyd Street that was inspected and found unfit for people to live in. The full council makes the final decision.
GOJO radio upgrade to AWIN
The transit bus fleet will move onto the same state AWIN radio network police and fire use, keeping the older system as a backup — improving emergency coordination if buses are ever needed for mass transport.
Police and traffic safety grant applications
The city will pursue three grants: a federal Byrne justice grant, a state traffic enforcement grant, and a federal Safe Streets and Roads for All grant.
Huntington Avenue lighting pedestal utility request
A request for City Water and Light to provide free utility service to a lighting pedestal along Huntington Avenue — a small but visible lighting improvement in that area.
New taxicab service approved
Gustavo Flores-Cabrera got the council's sign-off to run a taxi service in Jonesboro after a hearing with no opposition. More transportation options, especially for folks without cars.
Police Lawsuit Immunity Ruling
A Jonesboro police officer won an appeals court ruling that caps damages in a 2017 crash lawsuit at $50K, so the city’s financial exposure is limited. Why care? It’s a taxpayer-money story and a police-accountability story rolled into one.
Bus shelter lighting and safety
The city is adding LED lighting and real-time arrival screens to bus shelters across town — 45 new shelters on top of existing ones, out of roughly 140 bus stops total. Free utilities will power them.
Potential First United Methodist Church site for police station
The mayor told the council the city has received an initial proposal to possibly use the First United Methodist Church facility as a police station; drafts will be circulated for council review.
2025 Crime Statistics and Police Technology
Police reported 2025 crime numbers are down again, crediting community tips and technology like cameras and license plate readers. A recent success: AI camera tracking helped find a missing teen in 10-degree weather. A $3.5 million federal grant will fund more upgrades.
Condemnation of derelict properties
Three nuisance condemnations came up; one was tabled because the property sold, and the owner of another applied for a demolition permit the same day. The city keeps pressure on blighted structures.
Winter storm response and city facilities closure
The mayor thanked street, sanitation, police, fire and E-911 staff who worked through the ice and snow, and acknowledged resident frustration with delayed trash pickup after the MLK holiday.
Axon body camera, vehicle camera, and Taser agreement renewal
The police department wants to renew its Axon contract early to lock in pricing and save about $200,000. The chief says the city also gets new equipment by summer instead of waiting until 2027, and can exit with 30 days' notice if funding dries up.
JET bus stop safety at Harrisburg Road Dollar General
A resident warned that the bus stop beside Dollar General will become more dangerous once Harrisburg Road becomes five lanes, with pedestrians darting in front of cars. She urged the city to plan safety measures before an accident happens.
Police Misconduct Lawsuit
Jonesboro and its police chief are denying a lawsuit that claims a police beating happened. The case is worth watching because it could affect police accountability and put taxpayer money on the line. For now, it’s allegations versus denials—no outcome yet.