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1. What is Amendment 79?

Amendment 79 provides up to a $350 tax credit on your principal place of residence and limits how much the assessed value can increase.

2. How do I apply for Homestead Credit?

There are 3 ways to apply for the homestead credit, they are as follows: 

• Fill out an Application
• Call the Assessor's Office at 501-622-3730 and request the application be mailed to you
• Apply in person at:
  200 Woodbine
  Hot Springs, AR 71901

3. What are the limitations on Assessed Value?

Assessed value is 20% of value, not all property is at 20% due to limitations set by Amendment 79. If real estate is not at 20% of the value, the increase will be 5%, 10% or no increase. (New construction, newly discovered, change in use or substantial improvement does not qualify for limitation it will be assessed at 20% of its value.)

Increases

• 5% increase: Principle place of residence.
• 10% increase: All property this is not your principle place of residence.
• No Increase: Principle place of residence, you are 65 or older or you are disabled (proof of age, proof of disability must be provided in order to qualify for the freeze.)

4. Do I have to reapply for homestead every year?

No, once you qualify for the credit it will remain on the property as long as it remains your principle place of residence. If the status changes it is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Assessor’s office of the change.

5. Is the homestead automatically applied?

No, the owner must fill out a homestead application.

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1. What is Public CourtConnect?

CourtConnect is a portal to public case information for courts using the ACS Contexte Case Management System. This portal allows you to find public information on cases if you know the name of a person on the case, or if you know the Case ID.

2. What information is available in Public CourtConnect?

Currently you may find information on cases from Arkansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, from the Circuit Courts in every county in Arkansas and from the District Courts in the following areas:

• Arkadelphia
• Batesville
• Crawford County
• Crittenden County
• Faulkner County
• Hot Springs
• Little Rock
• Malvern
• Mena
• Pulaski County
• Van Buren County
• Searcy

CourtConnect Information

CourtConnect provides access to basic information about the case including:

• The parties
• The attorneys
• The judge
• The filings on a case
• Charges and dispositions
• Future events
• Judgments

Some courts report statistical information by paper cover sheets to the Administrative Office of the Courts. For these paper-reporting courts, currently you may find limited information on cases such as:

• Basic case information, Case ID and Description.
• Limited parties
• The judge
• Charges and dispositions

CourtConnect also links to case images for some public court records so you can see the actual documents filed on the case. Some information in court cases is not considered public information under Arkansas Supreme Court Administrative Order 19, and will not be available on the Internet.

3. Who should I contact if I can’t find what I’m looking for?

Please contact the Supreme Court Clerk’s office at 501-682-6849. To contact the Court of Appeals please contact the Supreme Court Clerk’s office at 501-682-6849,

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1. Can I camp at Cedar Glades Park?

NO overnight camping.  

• We do not have R/V hook ups!
• It is not an R/V park
• No water
• No electricity
• No dump station

2. What about the climbing wall?

The climbing wall is opened up by reservation only.

• Call 501-623-2854
• $5 cost per person
• We like to have 10 or more people
• We can provide harnesses

3. Where can I get a map of the trails?

An app called MTB Project provides some great maps of many of the trails in Arkansas including Cedar Glades. Most of the time you can find one in the Kiosk at the park.

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1. What are the acceptable forms of payment?

Acceptable forms of payment are cash, or money order. 

2. What documents are required to obtain a marriage license?

To obtain a marriage license, both individuals will need to be present, with their drivers licenses and sixty dollars ($60) cash.

If one or more of the individuals are under the age of 18, please call the County Clerk's office for additional required documentation.

3. What is required to perform wedding ceremonies in Arkansas?

To perform wedding ceremonies in Arkansas, you must register your Minister's Credentials within a County Clerk's office located in Arkansas. The fee to register credentials in Garland County is $5.

4. Where is the County Clerk's Office located?

The County Clerk's office is located at the Garland County Courthouse, 501 Ouachita Ave, on the First Floor, Room 103.

5. How do I register to vote?

 Individuals, who are at least 18 years of age, may register in person or by mailing a completed Voter Registration form to our office.

6. Does the Garland County Clerk's Office issue Apostille, Certification or Notary Services?

The County Clerk's office does not issue Apostille or Certification. The Arkansas Secretary of State's office provides this service.

To obtain an Apostille or Certification from the Arkansas Secretary of State, please visit their office Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

The office is located at:
Victory Building
1401 West Capitol Building Number 250
Little Rock, AR 72201

Phone: 501-682-5070 or 501-682-3409

Please visit the Arkansas Secretary of State Website for additional information on Apostille or Certification.

The County Clerk's Office does not offer Notary Services.

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1. Can I apply online?

answer here

2. Do I have to license my pets?

Answer here.

3. Where can I sign up for utilities?

Answer here

4. How do I contact a city/county department?

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

5. Where can I find the answers to my frequently asked questions?

Use the FAQs module to easily find answers to the questions you ask the most.

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1. What should I do if I have questions about Emergency Preparedness?

There are numerous resources available for information regarding preparation for disaster events, however, you may call our office at 501-767-3911 and we will put you in touch with the correct agency.

2. What if I have damages during a disaster event?

First thing is safety and if you need immediate emergency services call 911. If you need assistance after the event contact our office at 501-767-3911 and we will direct you to the correct agency.

3. Am I required to display my new address on my residence or other building?

Yes. Garland County Addressing Ordinance 0-16-16 of May 9, 2016, requires that all homes, businesses, shops, boat docks, and other inhabited structures, must display their address conspicuously above, on, or at the side of the proper door, and must be visible from the street or roadway. For more information, please call Emergency Management at 501-767-3911.

4. What is a floodplain?

Areas of Garland County that are subject to flooding during a major rain event, in which the capacity of creeks, streams, rivers, or lakes are overrun, are considered Special Flood Hazard Areas, as determined by FEMA. For more information, please call Emergency Management at 501-767-3911.

5. How do I know if I am in a Special Flood Hazard Area?

You may check you address online at FEMA and enter your address for a determination, or contact the office of the Garland County Floodplain Administrator at 501-767-3911.

6. What if I am in one of the Special Flood Hazard Areas?

If any portion of your land parcel falls within an area designated as a Special Flood Hazard Area, you must apply for a Floodplain Permit to develop/build, per Garland County Ordinance 0-09-58 of December 15, 2009. For more information, please call Emergency Management at 501-767-3911.

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1. Do I have to pay the Animal Care and Shelter Voluntary Tax?

No. It is completely optional, but if you wish to pay all or any portion of the voluntary tax, please make the notation on your tax bill.

2. Do my personal property taxes have to be paid at the same time as the real estate tax?

Yes. State law requires personal property to be paid before or at the same time as real estate.

3. Who is my check made payable to?

Checks should be made payable to Rebecca Dodd Talbert, Tax Collector.

4. What are your hours?

Our office hours are Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

5. How are my taxes calculated?

Taxes are calculated by multiplying the “taxable value” times the millage rate of the school district you live in.

6. When are taxes due?

Taxes are due March 1st payable by October 15th. If the 15th falls on Saturday or Sunday, they are due the next business day.

7. Can I make partial payments on my taxes?

Yes. The law allows us to accept partial payments on current taxes of any amount at any time from the time you receive your bill and October 15th. Partial payments are not accepted on delinquent taxes.

8. How do I get a copy of my receipt?

Visit the Garland County Tax Search website to get a copy of your receipt. 

9. How do I change my address?

You must change your address in the Tax Collector’s office by calling 501-622-3710 and in the Assessor’s office by calling 501-622-3730.

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1. How do I register for collection services?

We have the registrations forms available in the office and online. If the home is owner-occupied, we will need the Owner Services Form (PDF) submitted. If you don’t own the home, there are other forms to choose from.

2. Am I required to use GCDES house-to-house collection services?

County Ordinance 0-02-48 (PDF) requires the solid waste service at all livable residences in the County. Access the Ordinances.

3. Where should my cart be located for pick-up?

The cart needs to be placed at the end of your driveway, near the road. Place cart 2 feet from the road. Leave at least 3 feet between your cart and any mailboxes, utility poles, vehicles, etc. Place cart out no later than 6 a.m. on your service day and pull away from roadway as soon as possible. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

4. What is the holiday schedule?

If your service day falls on Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Years Day, your service will be the next day. No other service days will be affected during the week of the holiday. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

5. Will inclement weather affect my trash service?

Our inclement weather policy is to pick up as soon as the roads are safe. For more information, please call our office at 501-622-3658, or our contractor Town and Country Sanitation at 501-760-2298.

6. How much does the service cost?

The rate is currently $18.00 per month per trash cart plus taxes. New accounts will have a one-time Set-up Fee of $15.00 per cart plus taxes. New customers are charged a $30.00 Deposit. This is a flat-rate service fee and not based on your use of the service. We send out statements once every three months (April, July, October, and January for the previous three months of service). For more information, please call our office at 501-622-3658.

7. Are there any discounts available?

We offer an annual discount. When you receive your first bill of the year (Jan-Mar charges mailed out in April), you can choose to pay for the whole year and receive a 10% discount. Discount does not apply to taxes. Payment must be received in the office by the May 5th of each year. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

8. How can I pay my bill?

We accept credit/debit cards online. Checks, money orders, cashier’s checks can be mailed to the office. Our office accepts all payment methods on current accounts. You can also pay your bill by phone at 1-888-647-8925.  Delinquent accounts must be paid by guaranteed funds. Automatic Bank Draft is also available on a quarterly or annual basis. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

9. What if I have to move out of my house or the house is otherwise vacant?

You need to contact our office and fill out the Cancellation Form (PDF) to close your account and stop charges, regardless if you own or rent. The trash cart will need to be picked up and must be accessible to County employees. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

10. What can I put in my trash container?

We only accept household trash. You must place your trash in your own container and it’s illegal to use a cart that belongs to someone else. You can’t place any burned items or yard waste in the cart. All items must fit in the cart. If it sticks out of the cart or prevents the cart from closing, we will not empty it. Recyclable materials such as plastics and cardboard can be taken to one of our Recycling Stations. Please call the Landfill at 501-623-8243 and ask for Recycling information. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

11. Will you shut off my service if I don’t pay my bill?

We will continue to pick up your trash to ensure its proper disposal. However, if you are delinquent with the Solid Waste Office, you will be unable to pay your Property Taxes according to County Ordinance 0-01-14. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

12. I am renting/leasing-to-buy. Who is responsible for paying the trash?

The owner of the property has the option to pay the bill or transfer the responsibility to the occupant, regardless of rental status. We have a Landlord Notification Form (PDF) and Contract Sale Form (PDF). For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

13. I own the home but don’t live in it. Do I need to do anything?

All owners are responsible for helping our office bill the correct person. If the home is occupied by someone other than the owner, you and the occupant will need to complete and submit the Landlord Notification Form (PDF). If you are selling under contract, you and the buyer can complete and submit the Contract Sale Form (PDF). All non-resident property owners need to submit a Landlord Agreement (PDF). This form has the information regarding your responsibility as a property owner. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-622-3658.

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1. What and where can I Recycle?

Please view the Recycle Center Brochure (PDF). For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-623-8243.

2. What are the fees and rentals?

See the commercial Rental brochure (PDF). For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-623-8243.

3. Do you take paint?

We do not take paint. For more information, please call Environmental Services at 501-623-8243.

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1. What is the deadline to assess personal property?

The deadline is May 31 of each year.

2. What is personal property?

Every tangible thing being the subject of ownership, and not forming a part of any parcel of real property.

Examples of personal property: 

• Airplanes
• ATVs
• Boats
• Campers
• Farm equipment
• Jet skis
• Livestock
• Motorcycles
• Trailers
• Vehicles
  
  
  

3. What is business personal property?

Every tangible thing being the subject of ownership, and not forming a part of any parcel of real property.

Examples of Business Personal Property

All assets owned by the business such as:

• Equipment
• Fixtures
• Furniture
• Inventory
• Machinery
• Supplies
• Tools
• Vehicles
• Any other non-inventory items

4. I work in Little Rock and live in Garland County, can I assess in Little Rock?

No, you assess personal property in the county you live in.  However, personal property is assessed where it resides. If you have personal property that resides in a different county, you would declare it in that county.

5. Can I assess personal property online?

Yes, however if it’s your first time to assess in Garland County you are are required to assess in person. Thereafter you can assess online, by phone at 501-622-3730 or in person at the Assessor's Office, located at:

200 Woodbine
Room 123
Hot Springs, AR 71901

6. Can I assess my business online?

Yes, but the first time you assess the business you are required to assess in person. Visit our website to assess online.

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1. Is it required to assess real estate every year?

No, real estate is automatically assessed each year. It is the responsibility of the property owner to notify the Assessor of all changes made to the real estate.  If you remove, add or the use changes (residential changed to commercial), you are required to give the information to the Assessor.

2. How often is property revalued?

Garland County is completing a 5-year reappraisal, all property has been revalued for 2017.  The next reappraisal will be completed in 2022.

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1. Can I set up a payment plan for my Circuit Court fines?

The amount of your payments and when it is due should be listed in your paperwork from circuit court. If it is not, we can set your plan up for you.

2. Can the person who put money on an inmate's books take the money off of his books?

No. Once the money is put on an inmate's books, we have to have the inmates signature on the receipt when it is taken off.

3. If I had cash on me when I came in, why can't I get cash back?

It is required that we issue a debit card for all money released.

4. What is my Circuit Court Case Number?

It is on the paperwork that you have previously signed in court. If you don't have it, we can look it up for you or you can look it up on CourtConnect.

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1. Can traffic tickets be paid in your office?

No. Tickets must be paid at District Court, 607 Ouachita Avenue. Phone number 501-321-6765.

2. Can you tell me how much my ticket will be?

No. You must call District Court at 501-321-6765 to find out your ticket amount.

3. Do you accept commissary money for inmates?

 We have a kiosk in the Detention Center Lobby that will accept credit/debit card deposits for the inmates.

4. Do you charge for fingerprinting?

We do not do fingerprints at this time.

5. What form(s) of payment do you accept?

We accept money orders or cash.

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1. Can you evict someone from my home?

Landlord-tenant agreements are civil by nature. We are not allowed to get involved in any civil matter without an Order from a Judge of Jurisdiction. If a tenant has been lawfully served with a Notice to Quit and has not moved within the required time limits, we will issue the tenant a citation for Failure to Vacate After Notice, with a District Court appearance date. We cannot assist in removing the tenant or their belongings.

2. Do you deliver Emergency Messages and/or do Welfare Checks?

Under extreme, confirmed circumstances, deputies will deliver emergency messages to family members or check on the welfare of elderly and juvenile persons. We will not, however, relay messages or act as a "mediator" for divorce/custody matters or as a harassment tool.  Any abuse of this system can result in the offending person(s) being charged criminally.

3. Does Garland County Sheriff's Office have a Noise Ordinance?

Garland County Sheriff's Office does have a noise ordinance. In order to act on this ordinance, we have to have a complainant that is willing to file a report and press charges. This will require you to attend court appearances and follow through with any and all stipulations ordered by the Court.

4. Does Garland County Sheriff's Office have an Animal Control Unit?

Garland County Sheriff's Office has contracted with Hot Springs Animal Control to provide for the pick up and removal of vicious and stray dogs, cats and other animals, under very specific guidelines and hours. The Sheriff’s Office serves as a point of contact to relay calls to Animal Control and they are responsible for retrieving said animals. The Sheriff’s Office does not pick up, or attempt to find and locate, any vicious, injured or stray animals.

5. Will a Deputy assist in "Keeping the Peace" calls for property or children?

We cannot assist or stand by while you gather property items, without an Order from a Judge of Jurisdiction directing us to do so. Further, we cannot interfere, intervene or assist in any child custody or visitation matters without an Order from a Judge of Jurisdiction.

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1. What is this and why is it on my tax bill?

The garland county quorum court passed Ordinance No. 0-16-86, also known as the “Voluntary Animal Care and Shelter Tax” which levies a voluntary tax of $10 to be billed on the current tax bill.

2. Do I have to pay this tax?

It is completely optional, but if you wish to pay all or any portion of the voluntary tax, please make the notation on your tax bill.