Benton County and four cities — Cave Springs, Decatur, Gentry and Highfill — have reached a preliminary agreement with Pafford Medical Services to provide Emergency Medical Services (EMS) to much of the western portion of the county. The agreement was necessary after the current provider, Northwest Health, decided to exercise an early termination of the current contracts, citing financial reasons. The annual amount for the subsidy to Pafford Medical Services will total $1,512,000 per year for four years with the amount being split proportionally between the county and the cities. The agreement was reached after a Request for Qualification process was initiated earlier this summer and concluded with the preliminary agreement between Pafford Medical Services, County Judge Barry Moehring, Cave Springs Mayor Randall Noblett, Decatur Mayor Bob Tharp, Gentry Mayor Kevin Johnston and Highfill Mayor Michelle Rieff. The preliminary agreement will now be considered by each of the cities’...
Read MoreBenton County Government welcomes Deborah Fischer as the new County Comptroller. Fischer will begin her work for the County effective October 17, 2022. She is taking over the position from Brenda Peacock who will retire from the County after 8 years of service effective December 31, 2022. Peacock will work with Fischer through the end of 2022 to complete a smooth transition. Fischer comes to Benton County with 35 years of experience in accounting, finance, and as a director. She comes to the County after previously working for the Hidalgo County Auditor’s Office in Edinburg, Texas as the Director of Accounting. She also previously worked for the Hidalgo County Auditor’s Office for nine years as the Grants Accounting Supervisor. In addition to serving as the Comptroller or Chief Financial Officer, Fischer will develop the County budget through collaboration with elected officials and department heads. She will manage accounting, payroll,...
Read MoreJoin Northwest Arkansas volunteers at the second annual Pick Up Where You Play community cleanup. The Benton County Environmental Division invites the public to the second annual Pick Up Where You Play community cleanup in Siloam Springs. Environmental Division officers and local volunteers will gather on Saturday, October 15 on Davidson Road in Siloam Springs from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. for a community litter cleanup. Volunteers will meet at the intersection of Davidson Road and Hico Street. Volunteers will be provided with supplies to collect litter from the side of the road. The goal of the event is to clean up debris left behind on our local roadways and promote ecological awareness. Volunteers interested in participating should email the Benton County Environmental Division at: Litter@BentonCountyAR.Gov. Free t-shirts will be given out to all volunteers while supplies last. Please email your name and preferred t-shirt size to the Environmental...
Read MoreA ceremony will be held to honor Benton County Judge Bruce Rutherford who served as judge between 1989-1996 The Benton County Quorum Court passed a resolution in August 2022 to dedicate and honor former Benton County Judge Bruce Rutherford. Rutherford initiated building the Benton County Administration Building and was still serving as County Judge when the building was opened in 1996. The Administration building has become the center of operations for Benton County services. A plaque unveiling ceremony will be held in the lobby of the Administration building on Thursday, September 29th at 5 p.m. with a short reception afterwards. The public and media are invited to attend the dedication ceremony in honor of former Benton County Judge Bruce Rutherford. About Bruce Rutherford’s Legacy Bruce Rutherford first served Benton County as a Deputy Sheriff between 1982-1988. Shortly thereafter, he was elected in office as County Judge where he would...
Read MoreThe Benton County Intergovernmental Cooperation Council met and recognized the need to expand the jail on September 14, 2022. The Benton County Intergovernmental Cooperation Council unanimously adopted a resolution in support of the November 8, 2022 ballot questions to expand and operate the Benton County Jail. The Council recognizes that Benton County’s continual population growth has put a strain on the criminal justice system and has led to overcrowding of the current jail facilities. An expansion is needed to provide adequate facilities for the future population of Benton County, increase mental health assessment, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation programs among other improvements. “I am thankful the mayors of our great communities have recognized the importance of preserving our quality of life here in Benton County, and ensuring the safety of our families in the future,” said Benton County Sheriff Shawn Holloway said “The unanimous passage of this resolution is...
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