The Bradley County Quorum Court met Tuesday, Jan. 20, for its regular monthly meeting, with two members absent.
Leeanna Ashcraft, chief operating officer of Bradley County Medical Center, addressed the court regarding funding tied to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. Ashcraft said Arkansas is expected to receive approximately $208 million for 2026 through the act. She noted additional details are forthcoming regarding how much funding BCMC will receive and how the money may be used.
Ashcraft also told the court the hospital is currently hiring for a marketing position, saying BCMC believes expanded marketing efforts will help promote its services to larger facilities.
The court approved the December meeting minutes, along with the treasurer’s report and the sheriff’s report.
In his report, County Judge Klay McKinney said work has begun on digging an additional half cell at the county landfill to provide capacity through the end of the year. McKinney said two cells remain in the current section and plans are underway to clear an additional five to six acres in the near future to create new cells.
Under new business, McKinney discussed rental fees for the new Bradley County Services Building on Smith Road. He said the building has already been rented several times at the current rate of $800, which includes a refundable $200 security deposit. McKinney noted the building costs approximately $24 per day in electricity and proposed lowering the rental fee for public use.
The court unanimously approved reducing the rental fee to $500, plus a refundable $100 security deposit. The court also approved a special rate for county employees of $250, plus a refundable
$100 deposit.
The Bradley County Services Building can accommodate up to 300 people, with seating and tables available for up to 250 guests. Rentals are limited to one day.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned. The next Bradley County Quorum Court
meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 17, at 6 p.m.
