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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.