The Bradley County Quorum Court met Monday, November 17, at 6 p.m., with all members present. Following prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, the court opened the floor for community comments.
Leeanna Williams, chief operating officer of Bradley County Medical Center, updated justices on potential healthcare cuts tied to the “Big Beautiful Bill.” She also discussed possible funding opportunities through the Rural Healthcare Transformation Program. A notice of funding was issued in late September, and the state had until November 5 to collect proposals from hospitals and submit them to the federal government.
Williams said that if the program moves forward, it could support initiatives such as healthy-eating programs, expanded telehealth and recruitment assistance for rural hospitals. She also informed the court that the hospital will soon seek bids for a new generator capable of powering the entire facility, including equipment such as the MRI machine. The project is expected to cost between $2 million and $2.5 million.
Community member Arletta Allen publicly thanked Sheriff Herschel Tillman for sending Arkansas Department of Correction crews to assist with cleanup in the St. Paul community. She also reminded the public about a community-wide Thanksgiving food drive organized by several local churches. The goal is to provide 100 families with boxes containing items for a full Thanksgiving meal. Donations — including stuffing mix, canned goods, turkey or ham, instant potatoes, boxed macaroni and cheese and storage boxes — may be dropped off at Immanuel Baptist Church through Saturday, November 22.
In his report, County Judge Klay McKinney requested that the levy report be postponed until December. He said the Cleveland County School District is voting this week on a proposed millage increase, which would affect the report. The court approved the delay.
McKinney also noted that early voting is underway in the special election on the proposed county jail, with 253 ballots cast as of Monday. If the measure passes, the county will notify the bond company and advertise for architectural bids for two weeks. Once an architect is selected, design work will begin. McKinney answered several questions from quorum court members about the process. “If the vote doesn’t pass, we will need to go to Plan B. We still have a jail problem,” McKinney said.
Under new business, McKinney recommended one-time Christmas bonuses for county employees, emphasizing their hard work throughout the year. The court unanimously approved the bonuses. Members also received the preliminary 2026 budget for review.
With no additional business, the meeting adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 15, at 6 p.m.
