As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over Jonesboro's city hall, the atmosphere was charged with urgency and concern. The city council gathered for their meeting, where Mayor Harold C. Smith took center stage to address pressing issues affecting the community.

One of the most significant topics was the state of the Justice Building on Washington. Currently closed due to structural concerns, the building's compromised rafters were discovered during a routine inspection last week. Mayor Smith reported that immediate bracing is underway, and estimates for repairs are being compiled. The mayor emphasized the building's history of maintenance issues, indicating that the current situation could impact repair costs or even render repairs impractical.

In light of these developments, the city has temporarily relocated all employees from the Justice Building. Mayor Smith expressed gratitude towards Judge Marvin Day and District Court Judges Bolling and Fowler for their cooperation in finding accommodations for district court operations during this challenging time. An insurance investigator is set to assess the damage, with hopes of determining if it was caused by a weather-related event.

In addition to the structural concerns, the council celebrated a recent legislative victory with the passage of a truck ordinance aimed at rerouting large vehicles away from downtown. With approval from the Arkansas Department of Transportation, signage will soon be posted on Johnson Avenue, making the ordinance enforceable starting July 17.

As the meeting progressed, the council remained focused on ensuring the safety and well-being of Jonesboro residents, navigating through challenges with a commitment to transparency and community support. The discussions underscored the city's proactive approach to addressing infrastructure issues while also enhancing traffic safety in the downtown area.