Howard County Quorum Court Approves Budget Amendments, Red River Intermodal Ordinance

The Howard County Quorum Court held their regular monthly meeting Monday, with all justices of the peace present except Jerry Harwell.

During the meeting, Howard County Treasurer Sherri Mixon reported that the county’s Contingency Fund has an ending balance of $2,883,402.33. Mixon also noted that county sales tax revenue increased slightly while providing additional details during her financial report.

Following discussion, justices of the peace approved the financial report as presented.

JPs also approved several additional measures, including an ordinance amending the 2026 Howard County Operating Budget Ordinance. The amendment increases the Howard County Road Machinery and Equipment fund by $11,126.66. Officials said the increase comes from a reimbursement through the Association of Arkansas Counties Risk Management Fund claims account for a total loss payment involving a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado.

Another amendment increased the Howard County Election Extra Help budget by $500. The increase comes from a reimbursement stipend payment for the county election coordinator through the State Board of Election Commissioners.

The quorum court also approved a resolution expressing Howard County’s willingness to utilize federal-aid funding for the Plum Creek Bridge replacement project on Silver Road.

Howard County Judge Brent Pinkerton then recognized Dan York of Little River County, chairman of the Arkansas Red River Commission, along with Rich Brontoli of Shreveport, Louisiana, to discuss adoption of an ordinance concerning the Red River Intermodal Authority agreement.

Brontoli provided an overview of the proposed Red River project and explained the impact it could have on the region. He began by discussing the project’s feasibility study.

Brontoli later discussed the current progress of the project, which is now in Phase 1 of a two-phase study.

He also outlined additional benefits the project could bring to the region.

Brontoli concluded by discussing the purpose of the proposed authority.

After further discussion, the quorum court approved the ordinance authorizing the formation of a Red River Intermodal Authority to help establish regional intermodal facilities aimed at promoting economic development.