Pending approval of the Clark County Fair Board and the Clark County Quorum Court, members of the fair board and the Clark County Budget and Finance Committee reached an agreement Tuesday about renting the kitchen area of the Arts and Crafts Building at the Clark County Fairgrounds.

The kitchen area will be used to prepare meals for the inmates at the Clark County Jail. The meals are currently provided by Baptist Health Medical Center-Arkadelphia. That contract will end at the end of the year.

“We are very grateful for the opportunity to have provided this service for the past 13 years, as it has not only been a source of revenue for our hospital but also has allowed us to provide a service to the community,” Greg Stubblefield, hospital administrator, said. “With the change in our hospital status from acute care to a critical access hospital in 2004, we have realized that revenue from non-patient related sources results in a negative impact to our financial statement. I am sure [the county] will understand the financial dilemma in which we find ourselves, especially in light of the economic times in which we operate.”

The committees had two lease agreement proposals from which to choose. Under the conditions of one proposal, the tenant would pay the landlord monthly installments of $300 for a total lease payment of $10,800 for three years. The tenant would be responsible for insurance, maintenance and all utilities and services.

The second proposal stipulated that the tenant would pay monthly installments of $2,000 for a total lease payment of $72,000 for three years. The landlord would be responsible for all utilities and maintenance and insurance. The tenant could take out additional insurance if desired.

Frances McGill questioned where those representing the fair board came up with the $2,000 figure. Elaine Cox explained that the average monthly expenses for gas, electricity and water were $276. This is without the building being used much throughout the year — only six or seven times.

The insurance was projected to increase by $200 because of the change to a commercial kitchen.

JP Brown Hardman, member of the budget and finance committee, said he calculated $1,500. This allowed for a $700 increase in utilities used per month, $200 insurance, $300 rent, $200 maintenance and $100 water.

Members of the fair committee had accounted for more money spent on utilities and maintenance for the $2,000 figure.

“There are a lot of unknowns,” Ray Smith, who represents the fair committee, said. “There is not a way right now to figure out what the difference would be.”

Hardman said, “I don’t know if we could come to a final conclusion until we know the costs.”

Several of those present wondered if it would be possible to have a set amount and then after a year on the lease adjust it. McGill wanted to secure that the fair association had a $300 per month rent profit from the lease agreement.

“I like the fact that we have a known amount to budget for,” Hardman said.

Smith said, “Personally, I like the fixed amount. Two thousand dollars may be high, but it may not be.” He suggested that the two committees meet in the middle and set $1,750 or $1,700 per month.

Clark County Sheriff David Turner said that even budgeting $2,000 should save the county money from the current situation with the meals coming from the hospital.

New equipment will have to be purchased to make the kitchen a commercial one. There was discussion at a previous meeting that the equipment could be left in the building once the lease had ended. However, Clark County Judge Ron Daniell said he found out that since the equipment would be purchased with county money it could not be left there.

The two committees agreed the county would pay $1,700 per month for the first year. After that year, the costs for utilities and maintenance would be figured and the amount adjusted so that the Clark County Fair Association will gain $300 per month profit from the lease agreement.

The agreement will have to be approved by the Quorum Court and the Clark County Fair Board.

The Quorum Court will meet on Monday.

The public is invited.