Jonesboro property maintenance code repeal headed to voters
by February 26, 2016 5:02 pm 165 views
Jonesboro voters head to the polls in May to decide the fate of a property maintenance code that has drawn its share of supporters and detractors in the past year. In a short meeting Friday, the Jonesboro City Council set a May 10 special election date on the repeal vote.
It is the same day voters will also decide a vacant city council seat in Ward 6, Position 1. Council member Tim McCall resigned earlier this year after moving out of the ward. The election is expected to cost about $20,000, with the city paying the cost, Mayor Harold Perrin said.
The filing period for the council seat ends March 11.
As for the property maintenance code, Jonesboro City Clerk Donna Jackson certified 3,315 signatures Monday (Feb. 22) after counting signatures for 10 days. Fayetteville attorney Travis Story turned in 5,032 signatures as part of the petition drive.
Supporters of the repeal have said their opposition is due to concerns over due process and questions over the 4th Amendment and the ability of code enforcers to search properties. However, supporters of the code have said it is needed to deal with dilapidated homes and properties.
No dates have been set for early voting, with the decision up to the Craighead County Election Commission.