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.
A-State infiltration partnership for retention ponds
The city wants to spend $52,000 from the capital improvement budget on a partnership with Arkansas State University to test engineered biofilter media in stormwater retention ponds. The idea is to make ponds lower-maintenance and better at recharging the aquifer.
Summit Utilities sidewalk and landscaping obligations
Summit Utilities asked to skip a required sidewalk and most of the required landscaping at its new equipment storage building because the costs weren't budgeted. The board refused, and staff will handle compliance through the certificate-of-occupancy process with a firm deadline.
Gates and signage at Craighead Forest Park
Council has discussed gates at Craighead Forest for years — Council Member John Street has pushed it for nine years. Gates are on a new top-10 capital wish list, and new signage about no smoking and ranger contact is coming in weeks.
ARcare clinic drive-through pharmacy at 22211 Fowler Avenue
ARcare is converting the former Morgan Stanley building into a health clinic and wants a drive-through pharmacy lane so elderly and disabled patients can pick up medications without leaving their cars. The lot is already 12% over the coverage cap, so drainage and green space trade-offs were the main sticking points.
Craighead Forest Park playground replacement grant
The city's most-visited playground is 21 years old and wearing out. A $1 million state grant could fund a new inclusive playground and chemical-free splash pad, but requires a ~$500,000 match — raising questions about how that competes with East Jonesboro Park funding. The Rotary Club may lead a capital campaign to help.
Election Ballot Guide
Jonesboro voters are heading to the polls soon, and this guide lays out exactly what's on the 2026 Craighead County ballot. No spin, no endorsements — just a plain rundown of what you'll actually see when you step into the booth.
Early Voting
Early voting starts October 19 in Craighead County, giving Jonesboro voters a chance to cast ballots before Election Day and skip the lines. If your schedule is packed or you just don’t want to wait, this is your shortcut to voting.
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.
Joe Mack Campbell Park expansion grant
The parks department will pursue a $1.61 million federal grant to buy about 38 acres, add walking and biking trails, ADA parking and eventually more recreation facilities — half the cost covered by a local match of land donations, private donations and city funds.
Comprehensive growth plan preview
The city is holding a four-day design week March 30–April 4 at the YMCA building where residents can shape the comprehensive growth plan and Master Street plan.
Annual mill tax levies (library, fire and police pensions)
The committee renewed the annual property tax levies funding the library and the fire and police pension funds — about 2 mills total. Chairman Hafner stressed these aren't new taxes, just the yearly procedural step of levies voters already approved.
Heartland Self Storage rezoning and Briar Lane road connection
A rezone at 3030 Whiteman Creek Drive would let a self-storage facility build a road connecting to Briar Lane. Longtime residents Tony Green and Robin Jordan oppose it, fearing traffic on their quiet dead-end street.
Whiteman Street Creek to Briar Lane road connection
A rezone at 3030 Whiteman Creek Drive would let a self-storage facility build a road connecting to Briar Lane. Longtime residents Tony Green and Robin Jordan oppose it, fearing traffic on their quiet dead-end street.
Drainage easement abandonment hearing in Southern Hills
A 73-year-old resident says the city is requiring her to mow a city-owned drainage ditch she can't afford to maintain, with erosion threatening the street and prior rodent problems after adjacent land was cleared.
Bond projects: 911 center and Caraway Road
A $2.17 million Motorola deal will modernize radios and dispatch consoles for the 911 center, funded largely through a federal appropriation and capital improvement revenue bonds.