In a special meeting held on September 30, 2025, the Jonesboro Capital Improvement Bonds Task Force focused on evaluating two potential sites for a new 911 center and police headquarters: Carraway Road and Washington. The discussions centered around the economic and financial implications of each site, with a particular emphasis on cost analysis and site improvements.

The meeting began with a review of the economic impacts associated with both locations. However, there were no immediate questions or comments from the task force members regarding the economic assessments presented. The conversation quickly shifted to the financial aspects of the proposed developments.

A key point raised during the meeting was the financial comparison between the two sites. One member highlighted that the Washington site would be approximately $654,000 cheaper than the Carraway Road site when factoring in the costs associated with demolition and site improvements. This included the removal of the Justice Complex and the old City Hall, as well as necessary drainage enhancements. The member noted that if asbestos removal costs were excluded, the savings could exceed $1 million.

The financial breakdown presented during the meeting indicated that the total cost for the Washington site, including all necessary improvements, would be around $30.9 million, which is slightly over $1 million less than the estimated cost for the Carraway Road site. The member emphasized the importance of considering both public safety and financial responsibility in the decision-making process, arguing that it would be imprudent to spend more on the Carraway site when the Washington site offers a more cost-effective solution.

The discussion underscored the task force's commitment to making informed decisions that balance the needs for public safety infrastructure with fiscal prudence. As the meeting concluded, the task force members were left to consider the implications of these findings as they move forward in their decision-making process regarding the new facilities. The next steps will likely involve further analysis and discussions to finalize the site selection.