Sebastian County cuts ribbon on crisis stabilization unit

• Group Insurance Programs, Holiday Leave, Vaca-

tion Leave, and Sick Leave (6A-D): New sections providing standard language about topics typically addressed in personnel policies — counties should feel free to adjust details about insurance benefits, leave accrual, carryover hours, and the like. • Leave Without Pay (6F): New; if a county allows leave without pay, such as when an employee seeks leave but does not have paid leave available and does not qualify for Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) leave, this should be addressed in the personnel policy to ensure consistent and equal treatment of employees. • Military Leave and Jury Duty Leave (6G-H): New; required by law. • Mediator Role of County Judge (8F): The only significant change to the grievance procedure is this optional provision allowing a county judge to serve as mediator in an attempt to resolve disputes by agreement before a formal hearing.

• Issues Not Addressed in the Personnel Policy (10):

No matter how great the personnel policy may be, you will encounter issues that are not addressed in the policy. This provision allows county elected officials to interpret the policy and issue memorandums to address questions/issues not covered by the policy.

Top left: Sebastian County Judge David Hudson, Fort Smith Chamber of Commerce President Tim Allen, Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck, and Logan County Judge Ray Gack stop to talk during a tour of the CSU. Top right: Rain pushed the ribbon cutting inside. In this photo state Rep. George B. McGill (far left) and state Rep. Clarke Tucker (far right) hold either end of the ribbon while Judge Hudson does the honors. Above: Five West Sebastian County CSU Program Director Joey Potts gives Gov. Asa Hutchinson a tour of the facility. Gov. Asa Hutchinson helped Sebastian County officials cut the ribbon for Arkansas’ first crisis stabilization unit (CSU) Feb. 28, 2018, in Fort Smith.

Five West Sebastian County CSU will have 16 beds and be staffed by medical and therapeutic staff. The CSU will serve Sebastian, Crawford, Logan, Franklin, Scott and Polk counties and their cities.

The ceremony drew a crowd that included state officials, such as state Rep. George B. McGill and state Rep. Clarke Tucker. Tucker served on a task force that recommended the opening of CSUs to alleviate jail overcrowding. With a CSU, a person suffering a mental or behavioral episode can be diverted from jail to the CSU for treatment. Three more CSUs will open this year in Craighead, Pulaski and Washington counties.

Sebastian County Judge David Hudson and Sebastian County Sheriff Bill Hollenbeck spoke at the ceremony. The Governor was the featured speaker.

“I commend Sebastian County officials for their extraordinary leadership on this important issue, as well as the tremendous support from the Fort Smith community,” Hutchinson said. “County Judge David Hudson and Sherriff Bill Hollenbeck were instrumental throughout this whole process, and their efforts will no doubt make a positive difference for many Arkansas families.”