reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-217 - Expenditures - Public proceedings and transactions - Filing of report

(a)
Funds of the district shall be expended only upon the order of the board and upon a voucher check signed by the chairman and secretary-treasurer of the board. Every voucher check shall state upon its face to whom it is payable, the amount, and the purpose for which it is used. All voucher checks shall be dated and shall be numbered consecutively in a record to be kept by the board of the number and amount of each.
(b)
All proceedings and transactions of the board shall be a matter of public record and shall be open to the inspection of the public.
(c)
The board shall file with the county clerk in January of each year a certified itemized report showing all moneys received, the date of receipt, and the source from which received. The report shall further show all moneys paid out, the date paid, to whom paid, and for what purpose during the preceding year, together with an itemized list of all delinquent taxes, showing the owner, a description of the property, the years for which taxes are delinquent, and the amount of total delinquency.
Acts 1979, No. 35, § 15; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-937.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-219 - Bonds - Security - Liability of board for bonds and contracts

(a)
It shall be plainly stated on the face of each bond that it has been issued under the provisions of this subchapter, that the bonds shall be obligations only of the district, and that in no event shall they constitute any indebtedness for which the faith and credit of the state or any county or municipality, or any of the revenues of the state or any county or municipality, are pledged.
(b)
No member of the board shall be personally liable on the bonds or for any damages sustained by anyone in connection with any contracts entered into in carrying out the purposes and intent of this subchapter unless he shall have acted with corrupt intent.
(c)
(1)
The principal of, interest on, and paying agent's fees in connection with the bonds shall be secured by a lien on and pledge of, and shall be payable from, the assessments levied against the benefited real property within the district.
(2)
The right to issue subsequent issues of bonds, if the district so determines, can be reserved in any authorizing resolution or trust indenture on either a parity or subordinate lien basis and upon such terms and conditions as the district may determine and specify in the particular authorizing resolution or trust indenture.
Acts 1979, No. 35, § 17; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-939.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-220 - Bonds - Refunding of obligations

(a)
Bonds may be issued for the purpose of refunding any bonds issued under this subchapter.
(b)
Refunding bonds may be either sold or delivered in exchange for the bonds being refunded.
(c)
If sold, the proceeds may be either applied to the payment of the bonds being refunded or deposited in trust and there maintained in cash or investments for the retirement of the bonds being refunded, as shall be specified by the district in the resolution or trust indenture securing the bonds.
(d)
The resolution or trust indenture securing the refunding bonds may provide that the refunding bonds shall have the same priority on assessments or revenues pledged for their payment as was enjoyed by the bonds refunded.
(e)
Refunding bonds shall be sold and secured in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter pertaining to the sale and security of the bonds initially issued.
Acts 1979, No. 35, § 18; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-940.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-221 - Bonds - Tax exemption

Bonds issued under the provisions of this subchapter and the interest thereon shall be exempt from all state, county, and municipal taxes, including ad valorem, income, inheritance, and estate taxes.
Acts 1979, No. 35, § 19; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-941.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-222 - Dissolution

(a)
A fire protection district created pursuant to this subchapter may be dissolved upon a vote of a majority of qualified electors of the district, and the question of dissolution of the district may be submitted to the electors in the same manner as is prescribed in this subchapter for submitting the question of the establishment of the district.
(b)
However, if any district having outstanding bonds or other indebtedness is dissolved, the assessed benefits being levied at the time of dissolution shall continue to be levied and collected until the outstanding bonds or other indebtedness are paid.
(c)
No election on the question of dissolution of a fire protection district may be held within the first three (3) years after the establishment of the district.
Acts 1979, No. 35, § 20; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-942.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-223 - Authority to contract with other governmental entities to provide fire protection services

Fire protection improvement districts or fire protection districts organized under this subchapter are authorized to contract with a city, town, or county, the state, the federal government, or an existing fire protection improvement district or fire protection district for the provision of fire protection services.
Acts 1983, No. 500, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-949.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-225 - Assessment - When annexed into a municipality

No property located within the bounds of a municipality shall be assessed, taxed, or required to pay fees to any fire protection district after March 29, 1995, unless:
(1)
There is a mutual, formal agreement between the municipality and the fire protection district to provide fire protection services to the property; or
(2)
Bonded indebtedness for fire protection equipment or facilities was incurred by the fire protection district prior to the date of annexation of such property and the indebtedness incurred before annexation has not been retired.
Acts 1995, No. 828, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-226 - [Repealed]

Repealed by Act 2021, No. 83,§ 3, eff. 7/28/2021.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 1077,§ 6, eff. 4/17/2019.
Added by Act 2017, No. 703,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 2 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS OUTSIDE OF CITIES AND TOWNS (§§ 14-284-201 — 14-284-227) › Section 14-284-227 - Residency requirement - Definition

(a)
(1)
As used in this section, "firefighter" means a full-time, paid member of a fire protection district who is employed by the board of commissioners of a fire protection district and whose primary duty is fighting fires.
(2)
"Firefighter" does not include the chief or head of the fire protection district.
(b)
A residency requirement for a fire protection district may be established by ordinance or resolution for firefighters or persons applying to be a firefighter only if the fire protection district:
(1)
Uses full-time, paid firefighters and volunteer firefighters;
(2)
Is a volunteer fire department; or
(3)
Uses part-time, paid firefighters and firefighters who are paid an appearance fee.
(c)
A residency requirement that is enacted under subsection (b) of this section shall not affect the residency or employment status of a firefighter who is employed with the fire protection district at the time the residency requirement is adopted.
(d)
For the purpose of hiring, a fire protection district may give preference to a person applying to be a firefighter who is a resident of the state or a county adjacent to the county in which the fire protection district is located.
(e)
This section does not affect a fire protection district's policies concerning:
(1)
The use of a vehicle owned by the fire protection district by a firefighter who is not on duty; or
(2)
Firefighters who, based on their assignment, are required to respond to an emergency or call out within a specific time period.
Added by Act 2023, No. 487,§ 3, eff. 8/1/2023.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 3 - RURAL FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE (§§ 14-284-301 — 14-284-307) › Section 14-284-301 - Definition

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires, the term "rural fire protection district" shall include any city or town which does not have a full-time organized fire department or in which seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the fire fighters employed by the fire department are volunteer fire fighters.
Acts 1979, No. 36, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-944.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 3 - RURAL FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE (§§ 14-284-301 — 14-284-307) › Section 14-284-302 - Applicability

The benefits of the provisions of this subchapter shall be available to rural fire protection districts and services operated not-for-profit providing fire protection services to property owners in areas outside the limits of incorporated cities or towns and to areas partially or totally within the boundaries of cities or incorporated towns in this state which do not have a full-time organized fire department or in which seventy-five percent (75%) or more of the fire fighters employed by the fire department are volunteer fire fighters.
Acts 1979, No. 36, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-944.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 3 - RURAL FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE (§§ 14-284-301 — 14-284-307) › Section 14-284-303 - Establishment

(a)
There is established within the Arkansas Forestry Commission a Rural Fire Protection Service, which shall be assigned to separate divisional status or as a program or section within an existing division of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, as determined by the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
(b)
The Arkansas Forestry Commission shall provide, through the Rural Fire Protection Service, a program designed to encourage and aid localities in the establishment, development, and operation of fire protection districts and programs in rural areas which do not have available the benefits of an organized or voluntary fire fighting service and to assist existing organized or volunteer fire fighting services.
Acts 1979, No. 36, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-944.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 3 - RURAL FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE (§§ 14-284-301 — 14-284-307) › Section 14-284-305 - Rural Fire Protection Revolving Fund generally

(a)
There is created and established on the books of the Treasurer of State, the Auditor of State, and the Department of Finance and Administration the "Rural Fire Protection Revolving Fund", into which shall be transferred or deposited the moneys to be provided by law for the fund, to be used as a revolving fund by the Arkansas Forestry Commission for:
(1)
The acquisition by the Arkansas Forestry Commission of vehicles and for the payment of charges for labor, equipment, and materials necessary to convert the vehicles into firefighting vehicles suitable for rural fire protection service, and to make reimbursement to the fund upon making the vehicles available to rural fire protection districts, as provided by law; and
(2)
(A)
Making loans to rural fire protection districts which apply therefor and which are qualified under rules promulgated by the Arkansas Forestry Commission as qualified rural fire protection districts.
(B)
The loans shall be used by qualified rural fire protection districts to provide moneys required to pay not more than seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost of acquiring, repairing, renovating, or equipping firefighting vehicles which have been converted and adapted by the Arkansas Forestry Commission for rural fire protection use.
(C)
However, the moneys loaned to a rural fire protection district from the fund shall be used exclusively to defray a portion of the cost of acquiring the firefighting equipment from the Arkansas Forestry Commission.
(D)
The Arkansas Forestry Commission may establish a reasonable rate of interest to be charged on loans made from the revolving fund.
(b)
All revenues received by the Arkansas Forestry Commission from the furnishing of firefighting vehicles or equipment to rural fire protection districts, or to other eligible nonprofit organizations which are eligible to purchase the equipment from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and all moneys received by the Arkansas Forestry Commission upon repayment of loans made from the fund shall be deposited into the State Treasury as nonrevenue receipts and shall be credited by the Treasurer of State to the fund, to be used for the purposes of the fund as set forth by law.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1043, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1979, No. 36, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-947; Acts 1993, No. 1095, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 3 - RURAL FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE (§§ 14-284-301 — 14-284-307) › Section 14-284-306 - Acquisition and renovation of equipment

(a)
The Arkansas Forestry Commission may provide through existing facilities, or such expanded facilities as may be required therefor, a program of acquisition of vehicles which are suitable for conversion to fire fighting equipment, and may repair, refinish, and equip the vehicles for use as fire fighting equipment, including the acquisition and furnishing of tanks, pumps, hoses, and other equipment necessary for fire fighting purposes, and, upon renovation thereof, may make them available to a rural fire protection district or other rural fire protection district or service which operates not for profit, and recover the cost of acquisition and repair or refurbishing of the vehicle, plus a nominal charge to cover departmental overhead for the services performed.
(b)
All moneys acquired from the recovery of the cost of the fire fighting equipment by the Arkansas Forestry Commission shall be deposited as nonrevenue receipts in the Rural Fire Protection Revolving Fund in the State Treasury.
Acts 1979, No. 36, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-946; Acts 1993, No. 1095, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 3 - RURAL FIRE PROTECTION SERVICE (§§ 14-284-301 — 14-284-307) › Section 14-284-307 - Loans for purchase of vehicles and equipment

(a)
Rural fire protection districts organized under the laws of this state which operate not-for-profit or any other rural fire protection agency, service, or program which provides rural fire protection to its members or to the public not-for-profit shall be eligible to purchase firefighting vehicles and equipment from the Arkansas Forestry Commission, if the vehicles and equipment are available, to be used for rural fire protection services.
(b)
The Arkansas Forestry Commission may make loans to eligible rural fire protection districts and other qualified districts, services, or programs which provide fire protection to rural areas not-for-profit, who may apply to the Arkansas Forestry Commission, upon forms and in accordance with rules promulgated by the Arkansas Forestry Commission, for loans not to exceed seventy-five percent (75%) of the cost of acquiring rural fire protection vehicles or equipment.
(c)
The loans shall be for such period as may be approved by rule of the Arkansas Forestry Commission, and in no event may any loan be for more than three (3) years.
(d)
The Arkansas Forestry Commission is authorized to establish a system of priorities for determining eligibility for the acquisition of firefighting vehicles renovated by the department which are available for sale to rural fire protection districts and may also establish a system of priorities for eligibility for loans from the Rural Fire Protection Revolving Fund for a portion of the moneys needed to acquire the vehicles by rural fire protection districts.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1044, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1979, No. 36, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-948; Acts 1993, No. 1095, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-401 - Legislative findings

It is hereby found and determined by the General Assembly of the State of Arkansas that additional funding is needed to improve the fire protection services in this state. It is further found and determined that the public policy of this state is to provide adequate fire protection services for property of citizens through the use of properly trained and equipped fire fighters, and that the provisions of §
26-57-614
and this subchapter, are necessary in furtherance of the public health and safety.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-402 - Construction

The provisions of §
26-57-614
and this subchapter are intended to be supplemental to current provisions of Arkansas law, and shall not be construed as repealing or superseding any other laws applicable thereto.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 8.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-404 - Use of funds

(a)
(1)
The funds shall be used:
(A)
To defray training expenses of firefighters at the Arkansas Fire Training Academy and fire training centers certified by the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board;
(B)
For the purchase and improvement of, or for pledging as security for a period of not more than ten (10) years in the financing of the purchase and improvement of, firefighting equipment and initial capital construction or improvements of fire departments;
(C)
For insurance for buildings; or
(D)
For utility costs.
(2)
Municipalities, fire departments, and districts must expend or allocate for expenditure all funds received under this subchapter on or before the expiration of twelve (12) months from the date of receipt.
(3)
Any excess or surplus funds that are not expended or allocated for expenditure within each twelve-month period shall be remitted to the fund no later than sixty (60) days following the expiration of each twelve-month period.
(b)
Equipment funded under this section shall be used by the municipalities and departments located in fire protection districts that have been duly formed or established under the provisions of §
14-284-201
et seq.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 91,§ 2, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 3.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-405 - Payment to rural volunteer fire departments

(a)
No rural volunteer fire department or district shall receive payments or disbursements from the Fire Protection Premium Tax Fund unless the county quorum court and the board of commissioners of the fire protection district designate the current county fire service coordinator or designate a county fire service coordinator who shall be responsible for seeing that standard guidelines established by the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board pursuant to §
20-22-801
et seq., are followed.
(b)
No funds shall be paid to any certified rural volunteer fire department or fire protection district until a written proposal stating the following information has been approved by the quorum court and the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board:
(1)
Amount of funds requested;
(2)
Purpose for which funds will be expended;
(3)
Plans for training of fire fighters; and
(4)
Anticipated time of completion of project.
(c)
(1)
Rural volunteer fire departments and fire protection districts shall supply such statistical and operational information to the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board and quorum court as required.
(2)
The quorum court of each county shall file reports on January 15 annually with the State Auditor and Department of Finance and Administration stating how such funds were expended during the preceding twelve (12) months.
(3)
Each rural volunteer fire department and fire protection district which receives such funds shall file reports on December 1 annually with the quorum court stating how such funds were expended during the preceding twelve (12) months.
(4)
If any quorum court, rural volunteer fire department, or fire protection district fails to make such reports, the fire department or district shall not be eligible for new or additional funds until the reports are filed.
(5)
Any rural fire department or district which fails to expend funds in due compliance with the provisions of this subchapter shall not be eligible for new or additional funds from the Fire Protection Premium Tax Fund until the department or district reimburses the fund in the exact amount of those moneys improperly retained or expended.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 3; 1992 (1st Ex. Sess.), No. 10, §§ 5, 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-406 - Areas with no rural volunteer fire department or fire protection district - Areas in two or more counties

(a)
(1)
Pursuant to §
14-284-201(a)(2)(A)
, in any area in any county in which there is no rural volunteer fire department or fire protection district which qualifies for funds under the provisions of this subchapter, the quorum court is authorized, in its discretion and with the approval of the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board, to designate any unincorporated area of the county to be served by a municipal fire department, if approved by the governing authorities of the municipality.
(2)
(A)
In addition to funds the municipality is otherwise entitled to under this subchapter, the municipality serving any such designated area shall receive the funds that the rural volunteer fire department or fire protection district would have been eligible to receive.
(B)
The funds shall be used by the municipality to provide training, to purchase equipment necessary to provide fire protection in the designated unincorporated area in compliance with this subchapter, to purchase insurance for buildings, or to pay utility costs.
(b)
(1)
No municipality shall receive funds under this subchapter unless it is willing to provide fire protection through mutual aid agreements in areas within five (5) miles of its corporate limits.
(2)
A municipality shall not be required to respond when, in the opinion of proper municipal authorities, its municipal property or fire classification rating would be jeopardized.
(c)
(1)
A rural volunteer fire department or fire protection district that qualifies for funds under this subchapter and that provides fire protection services in two (2) or more counties shall be eligible to receive moneys from each of the counties under §
14-284-403(a)(2)
.
(2)
The county quorum court of each county shall apportion the funds to the fire departments or districts eligible under this subsection in accordance with §
14-284-403(a)(2)
.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 91,§ 3, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 3; 2003, No. 200, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-407 - Fire protection services organization of volunteer fire department or district after January 1, 1992

Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent the organization of a volunteer fire department or district pursuant to the provisions of Arkansas law. If such a volunteer fire department or district is organized after January 1, 1992, the Department of Finance and Administration shall distribute funds provided by §
26-57-614
and this subchapter upon due compliance by the volunteer fire department and district with the eligibility requirements of this subchapter and §§
20-22-801
-
20-22-809
.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-408 - Direct contributions - Provision of water

(a)
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent quorum courts and governing bodies of municipalities from contributing funds directly to any volunteer fire department or district serving such county or municipality.
(b)
Nothing in this subchapter shall be construed to prevent county, municipal, or local water utilities or associations from contributing water free of charge for fire fighting and training activities to volunteer fire departments and districts.
Acts 1991, No. 833, §§ 5, 6.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-409 - Maintenance of real property of rural volunteer fire department

The county judge of any county is hereby authorized and empowered, in his or her discretion, to grade, gravel, pave, and maintain real property of a rural volunteer fire department, including roads or driveways, as necessary for the effective and safe operation of the rural volunteer fire department.
Acts 1991, No. 833, § 7; 2003, No. 102, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-410 - Certification of fire department required

No fire department shall receive funds under this subchapter after January 1, 1998, unless the fire department is certified by the Arkansas Fire Protection Services Board.
Acts 1993, No. 1208, § 1; 1995, No. 1112, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-411 - Mayor - When member of county intergovernmental cooperation council

For the purposes of this subchapter, the mayor of any city or incorporated town whose fire protection district extends into an adjoining county shall be a member of the county intergovernmental cooperation council of the adjoining county.
Acts 1995, No. 1147, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 284 - FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICTS (§§ 14-284-101 — 14-284-412) › Subchapter 4 - INSURANCE PREMIUM TAXES (§§ 14-284-401 — 14-284-412) › Section 14-284-412 - Washer-extractor requirements

(a)
To be eligible for funding under this subchapter, a fire department shall have access to a washer-extractor capable of one hundred gravitational force (100 g-force) of spin installed by January 1, 2022, as certified by the county fire coordinator, except as provided under subsections (c) and (d) of this section.
(b)
Funding withheld under subsection (a) of this section is not subject to redistribution under this subchapter and shall be released upon certification of installation under subsection (a) of this section.
(c)
(1)
A fire department may enter into a written interlocal agreement with another fire department in the state that has met the requirements of subsection (a) of this section to be in compliance with this section.
(2)
The written interlocal agreement under subdivision (c)(1) of this section shall address access to the washer-extractor and require reasonable notification for the access.
(d)
To meet the requirements of this section, an intergovernmental council of a county may purchase a washer-extractor to be used by all fire departments in the county and installed at a central location in the county chosen by the county fire coordinator.
Added by Act 2017, No. 962,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 285 - MUNICIPAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-285-101 — 14-285-105) › Section 14-285-101 - Definition

For the purposes of this act, "municipal recreation improvement district" means a municipal improvement district formed under Acts 1881, No. 84, as amended, or Acts 1929, No. 64, as amended, for the sole purpose of acquiring, constructing, operating, or maintaining a recreational facility.
Acts 1985, No. 179, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-150.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 285 - MUNICIPAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-285-101 — 14-285-105) › Section 14-285-102 - Time and manner of payment of annual installments

(a)
Payment of the annual installments of the assessments of benefits by municipal recreation improvement districts located within second class cities shall be due on the same dates as ad valorem real property taxes and the annual installments shall be collected by the county collector at the same time and in the same manner as the collection of ad valorem real property taxes.
(b)
If the annual installments are delinquent at the time the realty subject to a lien for delinquent annual installments is sold for delinquent taxes, the State Land Commissioner shall recover the delinquent annual installments at the time of the sale thereby relieving the district of the requirement of instituting a civil action for foreclosure.
(c)
Therefore, any questions arising regarding the interpretation of any provision of this act shall be resolved in such manner as will result in the implementation of the legislative intent expressed above.
Acts 1985, No. 179, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-151.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 285 - MUNICIPAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-285-101 — 14-285-105) › Section 14-285-103 - Collection of annual installments

(a)
The county collector of each county wherein is located all or part of a municipal recreation improvement district formed in a second class city shall collect the annual installments of the assessment of benefits by the district and the amount shall be collected along with and at the same time as ad valorem real property taxes.
(b)
The county collector shall not accept payment of ad valorem real property taxes unless accompanied by payment of annual installments of the assessments by the municipal recreation improvement districts.
(c)
All municipal recreation improvement districts shall report their assessments of benefits to the county collectors at such time and in such manner as required by the county collectors.
(d)
A municipal recreation improvement district may enforce collection of a delinquent assessment by a proceeding in the circuit court of the county in the manner as provided for municipal property owners' improvement districts under §
14-94-122
.
Acts 1985, No. 179, § 3; A.S.A. 1947, § 20-152; Acts 2007, No. 152, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 285 - MUNICIPAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-285-101 — 14-285-105) › Section 14-285-104 - Withdrawal

(a)
If a municipal recreation improvement district is composed of two (2) noncontiguous areas, one (1) of which lies outside the boundaries of the municipality, then the separate area which is located outside the boundaries of the municipality may withdraw from the district if no recreational facilities have been installed in the area.
(b)
(1)
The area may withdraw from the district by a petition filed with the municipal clerk. The petition shall be signed by both a majority of the landholders in the area to be removed and the owners of a majority of the land in the area.
(2)
The area shall be removed from the district and the boundaries of the district revised accordingly, upon the clerk determining the sufficiency of the petition.
(c)
The landowners in an area that withdraws from a municipal recreation district pursuant to this section shall continue to pay the assessments of the district until all bonds existing at the time the petition is filed are repaid.
(d)
The landowners in an area that withdraws pursuant to this section shall pay all assessments made prior to the withdrawal from the district.
Acts 1991, No. 413, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 285 - MUNICIPAL RECREATION IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-285-101 — 14-285-105) › Section 14-285-105 - Release

(a)
In a municipal recreation improvement district which is composed of two (2) noncontiguous areas, one (1) of which lies outside the boundaries of the municipality, the separate area which is located outside the boundaries of the municipality shall be deemed to be released from the municipal recreation district if the area meets the criteria of this section. The release shall become effective October 13, 1993. However, if, before the release becomes effective, a majority of the landholders in the separate area file a petition with the district seeking to remain in the district, then the area shall not be released from the district.
(b)
To be eligible for release from the district, the following criteria must be met:
(1)
The area lies at least one (1) mile outside the boundaries of the municipality;
(2)
The municipal recreation improvement district has been in existence for at least ten (10) years; and
(3)
The municipal recreation improvement district does not have recreation facilities located in the area.
(c)
Upon the release of an area, any unpaid taxes assessed shall be forgiven. This section shall not be construed to require any municipal recreation improvement district to refund any taxes paid on property located in areas released from the district in accordance with this section.
Acts 1993, No. 394, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 286 - FIRE ANT ABATEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-286-101 — 14-286-116) › Section 14-286-101 - Definitions

For purposes of this subchapter:
(1)
"Red Imported Fire Ant" means solenopsis invicta.
(2)
"Board" means the board of commissioners of each red imported fire ant abatement district.
Acts 1997, No. 590, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 286 - FIRE ANT ABATEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-286-101 — 14-286-116) › Section 14-286-102 - Elections - Calling elections

(a)
The county board of commissioners shall call a special election in the county, city, or designated area of the city to determine whether a red imported fire ant abatement district shall be established for the area upon the filing of petitions with the county court of any county containing the signatures of ten percent (10%) or more of the qualified electors of all or any defined part of any county, or all or any defined part of any city, as determined by the total number of votes cast for Governor at the last general election by the qualified electors of the county, city, or designated portion thereof, requesting the establishment of a red imported fire ant abatement district in the county or a designated portion of the county or in the city or designated portion of the city and requesting that assessed benefits be made on the property located in the district to finance the operation of the district.
(b)
Petitions filed pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall specifically define the area proposed to be included in the red imported fire ant abatement district and shall specify the maximum assessed benefits which may be levied against property within the district for the support of the district. In no event shall the assessed benefits in any district exceed an amount equal to one percent (1%) of the assessed valuation of real property in the district.
(c)
The quorum court of the county may on its own motion enact an ordinance directing the county court to call a special election in the county, city, or designated area of the city to determine whether a red imported fire ant abatement district shall be established for the area.
Acts 1997, No. 590, § 2.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 286 - FIRE ANT ABATEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-286-101 — 14-286-116) › Section 14-286-103 - Elections - Time - Ballots

(a)
The special election called by the county court to submit the question of the establishment and financing of a red imported fire ant abatement district to the electors of the proposed district shall be held in accordance with §
7-11-201
et seq. at the next special election date under §
7-11-205
.
(b)
At the election, the question of establishing and financing the district shall be placed on the ballot in substantially the following form:
"FOR the establishment of a Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) abatement district in __________________ County, __________________ (city), __________________ (designated area) and the establishment of assessed benefits on real property in the district in an amount not to exceed one percent (1%) of the assessed valuation of real property in the district to finance the district __________________.
AGAINST the establishment of a Red Imported Fire Ant (Solenopsis invicta) abatement district in __________________ County, __________________ (city), __________________ (designated area) and the establishment of assessed benefits on real property in the district in an amount not to exceed one percent (1%) of the assessed valuation of real property in the district to finance the district __________________."
Amended by Act 2021, No. 610,§ 22, eff. 1/1/2022.
Acts 1997, No. 590, § 3; 2005, No. 2145, § 56; 2007, No. 1049, § 78; 2009, No. 1480, § 96.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 286 - FIRE ANT ABATEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-286-101 — 14-286-116) › Section 14-286-104 - Boards - District established - Members

(a)
Upon approval by the voters of the red imported fire ant abatement district and the levy of assessed benefits to support the district, the county court shall enter an order establishing the district as described in the petitions and shall appoint five (5) qualified electors of the district as a board of commissioners for the district. Two (2) members of the commission shall be appointed for terms of two (2) years and three (3) members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years.
(b)
All successor members shall be appointed by the county court for terms of three (3) years.
(c)
Vacancies occurring on the board for reasons other than the expiration of a term shall be filled by the county court for the unexpired term.
(d)
The members of the board shall serve without compensation, but shall be entitled to actual expenses incurred in attending meetings in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00) per day for each member of the board.
Acts 1997, No. 590, § 4.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 286 - FIRE ANT ABATEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-286-101 — 14-286-116) › Section 14-286-105 - Boards - Officers - Director - Employees - Functions - Cooperation of county

(a)
(1)
The board shall annually choose from among its members a chair and a secretary-treasurer.
(2)
The chair and secretary-treasurer shall furnish bonds conditioned upon faithful performance of their duties in the amount of five thousand dollars ($5,000) each. The cost of securing and maintaining the bonds shall be paid from funds of the district.
(b)
(1)
The board shall employ a director who shall have such training, experience, and qualifications as may be prescribed by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, and an entomologist associated with the University of Arkansas system. The board may employ such other employees as it deems necessary to carry out the purposes of the district.
(2)
Employees of the board shall have such responsibilities and receive such compensation as may be prescribed by the board.
(c)
The county in which any district is located shall cooperate with and assist the board by providing suitable office space and meeting facilities for the board and its staff.
(d)
(1)
The board shall meet at least quarterly and at such other times as it may deem necessary to properly carry out its responsibilities.
(2)
Meetings shall be called by the chair or a majority of the members of the board.
(3)
Three (3) members of the board shall constitute a quorum and any substantive action of the board shall require an affirmative vote of at least three (3) members of the board.
(e)
(1)
A University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service specialist involved in fire ant education or the county agent chair, or both, shall serve as ex officio members of the board and shall serve without compensation.
(2)
The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service specialist and the county agent, or their representatives, shall cooperate with and assist the board by furnishing the board with such surveys, maps, information, and advice as may be helpful to the board in carrying out its responsibilities and to assist in such other manner as may be reasonably requested by the board.
(f)
The board shall be responsible for approving materials used in the red imported fire ant abatement district and shall be responsible for certifying applicators using those materials.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 473,§ 10, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 1997, No. 590, § 5.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 17 - PUBLIC HEALTH AND WELFARE IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-282-101 — 14-287-105) › Chapter 286 - FIRE ANT ABATEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-286-101 — 14-286-116) › Section 14-286-106 - Boards - Annual report

Any county or city creating a red imported fire ant abatement district will be responsible to the Fire Ant Advisory Board. The board of commissioners of each red imported fire ant abatement district shall submit to the Fire Ant Advisory Board an annual report of any abatement program initiated including information regarding the techniques used, their effectiveness, and any problems encountered in the program, the cost of such techniques, and moneys collected.
Acts 1997, No. 590, § 6.