A recent event in Harrison gives Boone County Officials an opportunity to update the status of the county.

The release from the City of Harrison written by North Arkansas College Student Intern Ashley Copeland is below:

The Harrison Regional Chamber of Commerce recently hosted its annual State of the County Breakfast, bringing together local leaders, community members, and business representatives for an update on Boone County. Chamber President Jeff Nielsen welcomed the audience and introduced the program, noting the importance of community engagement and collaboration in addressing the county’s challenges and opportunities.

The Chamber recognized the sponsors who made the event possible. Bank OZK served as the prime sponsor, with Jeff Gibbs offering remarks on the bank’s continued support of the Chamber and its initiatives. Cromwell Architects & Engineers, represented by David Long and David Mortensen, was the secondary sponsor. Their firm is leading the Boone County Courthouse project, which has been a major focus in recent months.

County Judge Robert Hathaway delivered opening remarks and emphasized the spirit of cooperation among county officials. He then invited David Mortensen to the podium for a construction update. Mortensen reported that progress on the courthouse is on track, with no major issues encountered so far. He assured the community that the project is moving smoothly and that an open house tour will be scheduled upon its completion.

Following these updates, a panel discussion was held featuring Judge Hathaway, County Treasurer Sandy Carter, County Clerk Crystal Graddy, and Chief Deputy Tim Roberson, who was representing Sheriff Roy Martin. Nielsen moderated the panel, guiding the discussion through key topics including taxation, infrastructure, public safety, elections, finances, and workforce concerns.

Hathaway spoke on the issue of road maintenance, acknowledging that the proposed half-cent road sales tax had not passed the Quorum Court but stressing that road improvements remain a top priority. He highlighted the importance of strong infrastructure in attracting new residents and businesses, as well as in retaining the county’s current population.

Roberson addressed the sheriff’s office funding needs, particularly the jail sales tax set to expire in 2026 unless renewed by voters. He explained that this tax funds the jail’s salaries and operations, and that without it, the department would lose two-thirds of its budget. Roberson also spoke on crime trends within Boone County, noting that while overall activity has remained steady, scams and fraud are becoming more common. He encouraged residents to remain vigilant, reminding them that “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is.”

County Clerk Crystal Graddy discussed recent legislative changes regarding voter registration and ballot initiatives, outlining how these updates could affect Boone County voters. In her role as the county’s HR Director, she also shared efforts to strengthen employee benefits, with particular attention given to the development of health insurance coverage for county staff.

Treasurer Sandy Carter provided an optimistic financial outlook, reporting that county revenues have increased by five percent compared to previous years. She noted that sales tax collections are up and that Boone County is in one of its most stable financial positions in recent memory, providing a solid foundation for the future.

The panel concluded with an audience question-and-answer session, giving community members the chance to engage directly with officials on topics of interest.

The State of the County Breakfast once again proved to be an important forum for transparency and community dialogue. Attendees left with a clearer picture of Boone County’s current strengths, its ongoing challenges, and the dedication of local leaders to ensuring progress in the years ahead.