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The Baxter County Quorum Court will meet Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at 5:30 PM to consider several ordinances, including the creation of a $50,000 economic development fund that comes after more than a year of debate over how to support the tentative arrival of Aldi in Mountain Home.
During a recent Budget Committee meeting, members approved the economic development fund after the Economic Development Committee sent the recommendation forward. The fund represents a new approach to economic development support, keeping money under county control rather than providing it directly to outside organizations like the North Central Arkansas Economic Alliance.
The debate over economic development funding intensified after county officials publicly confirmed during a May Economic Development Committee meeting that Aldi is the unnamed retailer that has been working to open a location at the former El Chico restaurant site adjacent to Home Depot. The German discount grocery chain’s plans had been kept secret for months at the request of the Alliance.
“All that remains is an easement signature from Home Depot,” County Judge Kevin Litty said during the Economic Development Committee meeting. “The land’s bought. They bought the El Chico. They bought the land next to it.”
The North Central Arkansas Economic Alliance has already invested $30,000 to facilitate Aldi’s arrival, specifically for property improvements requested by the retailer. Officials estimate the store could generate approximately $20.1 million in annual sales, yielding about $115,000 annually in tax revenue for Baxter County after distributions to cities.
During the Economic Development Committee meeting, Justice of the Peace Dirk Waldrop expressed strong opposition to providing funding without clear accountability measures.
“This is not a partnership. This is an investment,” Waldrop said. “If I invest $50,000, I expect a return.”
The Economic Development Committee emphasized that any expenditures from the fund would require committee approval, preventing unilateral spending decisions. County Clerk Canda Reese supported the approach, noting it would create a clear paper trail for taxpayer dollars.
“That’s way better than just a check that goes to something,” Reese said.
Litty proposed that the county could help with Aldi’s site preparation by allowing demolition debris from the El Chico building to be hauled to the county quarry instead of a landfill, potentially saving significant costs. The first bid for clearing the site was $150,000, much of which was landfill costs.
The court will also consider a $64,000 appropriation from the jail sales tax fund for critical maintenance needs, including $54,000 for water softener replacement and plumbing upgrades in the older section of the jail and $10,000 for repairs to specialized jail doors, locks, and hinges. A captain from the Sheriff’s Office who attended the Budget Committee meeting noted that several broken “bean holes” (slots in cell doors for passing items) pose safety risks to jail staff, as they allow inmates to throw objects into hallways.
Budget Committee members expressed concern about the jail fund’s declining balance, which has dropped by over $200,000 from its $400,000 carryover. The jail fund recently took a significant hit from a $102,000 lawsuit settlement. During the meeting, Litty indicated that based on conversations with the sheriff, the remaining budget would be “pretty tight” for the rest of the year.
Additional items on Tuesday’s agenda include $8,395.72 in April fees and reimbursements for the Sheriff’s Office, $5,000 for other fringe benefits across various departments, and a private club permit for Whispering Woods Club at 4245 Highway 177 South. The court will also vote on resolutions recognizing the Arkansas 250 Commission and partnering with the Baxter County Public Library Foundation, and confirming Tink Albright’s appointment to the Cotter/Gassville Rural Fire Protection District Board.
The meeting will take place in the 2nd floor courtroom of the Baxter County Courthouse and is open to the public.
