Jonesboro Finance & Public Safety Committees Discuss Shelter Insurance Building Purchase - August 6, 2026

The Finance & Administration Council Committee and the Public Safety Council Committee held a special called joint meeting on August 6, 2026, to discuss the proposed purchase of the Shelter Insurance Agency building for use as an interim police department facility. The meeting was discussion-only; no votes were taken on the proposal itself. Members present were Joe Hafner (Chair), John Street, Anthony Coleman, David McClain, Ann Williams, Charles Coleman, and Brian Emison.

Consent Calendar

• No consent calendar items were considered. The meeting was dedicated solely to public discussion of the Shelter Insurance building purchase.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) expressed that she was neither for nor against the purchase but questioned whether it is the city's top priority. She raised concerns about the city's existing financial tightness, the pending November safety tax, the need to consider costs of renovating the Caraway facility, the number of officers still to be hired (17), and the lack of public transparency regarding the mayor's offer on the building. She also mentioned the unresolved Danny Kapales investigation as a trust factor for taxpayers.
• Chief Rick Elliott rebutted Ms. Lack's concern about additional costs for the Caraway facility, stating that moves involve only personal effects and computers, with furniture staying in place, and that any painting is routine maintenance. He noted the Shelter building includes over $150,000 in furnishings.

Discussion Items

• Proposal Overview: Mayor Harold Copenhaver introduced the proposal, noting the city has searched for a suitable temporary facility for a year. The Shelter building at 14,418 square feet on 2.05 acres at East Highland Drive has 51 parking spots, is well-maintained, and includes approximately 95% of its contents (furniture, fixtures) in the sale. The purchase price is $2,750,000.
• Planned Use: Chief Rick Elliott stated that 30+ officers and staff would move into the Shelter building, housing police administration, records, criminal investigations, community outreach, recruiting, and DARE. Vacated spaces (parks department, old City Hall on Washington) would consolidate into the existing Caraway facility, accommodating evidence/ICAC, patrol, mental health, training, warrants, court services, and the real-time crime center.
• Financing: Finance Director Steve Purtee explained that the total cost (purchase + renovation $250,000 + IT infrastructure $80,000) is $3,000,000. The city would use a short-term Amendment 78 loan from Arvest Bank at 4.83% interest over five years, with monthly payments of about $700,000 annually. Interest cost would be $382,820, but offset by approximately $237,000 in interest earnings on the $3 million kept in reserves, resulting in a net financing cost of $145,043 over five years. Insurance savings from vacating the Justice Complex and old City Hall would be about $14,000 annually. The loan could be prepaid without penalty.
• Budget Impact: Purtee noted that sales tax returns are trending ahead by about $840,000 over the previous year, with general fund revenue ahead by about $200,000. Uncommitted franchise fees of about $427,000 are also available. The obligation would be repaid from the general fund.
• Timeline: Mayor Copenhaver projected the property would go to Finance Committee review on August 11, city consideration soon after, closing on or around August 21, and renovations beginning within three days. The move-in timeline is about two months, with demolition of the Washington Avenue facility possible by year-end.
• Long-Term Plan: Chief Elliott confirmed the long-term plan is to build a new police station downtown, costing $20–25 million, but funding is not currently available. The Shelter building is an interim solution that could last a few years or up to 20 if the safety tax fails.
• Council Questions:
  • Brian Emison supported the financing approach and asked about room to grow; Chief Elliott said the Shelter building will have one office left upon occupancy, with plans to add two more, and Caraway has adequate parking.
  • Charles Coleman expressed excitement but urged speed in giving officer raises and noted community pressure to vacate the E. Boone Watson Center; Chief Elliott said he could move out by October.
  • John Street asked about parking adequacy (51 spots) and supported the purchase; Chief Elliott confirmed 31 staff, no need for additional parking.
  • David McClain requested a full financial analysis showing the impact of the $700,000 annual payment if the department is fully staffed, and raised concerns about building inspections (roof, water spots, termite). He asked for a roof inspection report.
  • Kevin Miller stated the building opportunity is “very good” and supported moving forward.
  • Anthony Coleman asked who the appraiser was (answered: Preston King) and echoed the need for financial projections including officer salaries.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken; the discussion was informational only. The proposal will be considered at the next Finance & Administration Committee meeting on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, followed by full city council consideration.
• The city will provide Councilmember McClain with a financial analysis of the $700,000 annual impact and will consider obtaining an independent building inspection report.
• The meeting adjourned with a motion by Anthony Coleman, seconded by Brian Emison, passed unanimously (6 ayes).