Jonesboro · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Jonesboro public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.