KINGSLAND — What started as a joke at the Cleveland County Courthouse has culminated in a new era of leadership for the city of Kingsland.
Samantha Johnson, who won the mayoral position in the March Republican primaiy, wasn't originally slated to take office until January 1. However, following the resignation of her predecessor, Johnson has stepped into the role early, bringing changes to city operations, infrastructure, and community events.
Johnson joins the latest episode of the Free Range Conversations podcast to talk about her vision for Kingsland.
Running unopposed in the upcoming November general election, Johnson has wasted no time addressing a longstanding issue in the city: administrative turnover.
'I started thinking about mayors that we had that have stepped down,' Johnson said. 'I just felt like the town needs somebody who’s going to be committed and not give up on them.'
A Background in Crisis Management
Though this is her first foray into politics, Johnson brings 15 years of experience serving families in high-stress situations. As a licensed social worker with Hospice Home Care, she works with terminally ill patients, focusing on mental health and connecting struggling families with resources.
Additionally, Johnson serves as an Arkansas Peer Recovery Supervisor, overseeing specialists who use their own lived experiences to help individuals find long-term recovery from substance abuse and alcoholism. This extensive background in maintaining calm under pressure is a skill set she expects will benefit the Kingsland mayor's office.
City Hall Opens Its Doors
One of Johnson's first major initiatives was unanimously approved by the City Council: opening Kingsland City Hall to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
For the past 12 years, the building has been largely closed to the public during normal business hours.
To achieve this, Johnson restructured the city's administrative staffing. Previously, the city utilized a part-time accountant for 12 hours a week and a water clerk for 20 hours a week, which made it difficult to attract and retain employees who needed a livable wage. Johnson combined the two roles into a single, fulltime Administrative Services Manager position, recently filled by Ty Gonzalez.
'Now when the public has a concern or an opinion, or maybe they want to come in and personally pay their water bill instead of putting it in the drop deposit box, now they can come in and see a friendly face,' Johnson said.
Johnson also plans to lead by example regarding city-wide property cleanups by seeking City Council approval to remodel the interior of City Hall, which she noted currently looks like it was built in the 1970s or 80s and lacks organization.
Tackling Water Department Deficits
Perhaps the most difficult challenge Johnson has tackled in her early tenure is the city's water department deficit. Over the years, lenient enforcement of utility collections resulted in massive delinquent accounts, with some households owing over $1,000. In the past, the city has been forced to write off as much as $30,000 in late water bills, a devastating financial blow to a small rural water system.
Beginning Aug. 5, the city will strictly enforce its cutoff policy for bills not paid by the fifth of the month. Recognizing the burden this might place on residents, Johnson personally wrote letters to affected customers weeks in advance, giving them a brief window to catch up on their accounts, as the city lacks the software to process deferred payment plans.
Her long-term objective is clear: by clearing the debt and stabilizing revenue, she hopes Kingsland can eventually lower water rates for all residents within the next year and a half to two years.
Addressing Animal Control
Public safety, particularly regarding Kingsland's stray dog population, has also been a top priority. Faced with an overpopulation issue and the persistent threat of dog bites, the city's local shelter resources, such as Morning Meadow Animal Rescue, have remained full.
Because Kingsland does not have the budget for a full-time animal control officer, Johnson proactively approached the neighboring Warren City Council and police department. She has proposed a collaborative partnership wherein Kingsland would pay a fee for Warren's animal control officers to safely remove strays, pending final agreement.
Revitalizing Community Life
Beyond administration, Johnson is heavily invested in bringing family-friendly entertainment back to the city. Working alongside the Kickstart Kingsland committee, the city is preparing for a bustling fall season.
The Get Rhythm Music Festival: Set for September 26, this festival celebrates Kingsland native Johnny Cash. The event will feature a Johnny Cash impersonator, Scott Moreau.
Heritage Park Amphitheater: Local builder P.J. Abeyta is constructing a new pavilion and amphitheater at the old school playground. While phase one, the main stage, is slated for completion in time for the music festival, phase two, which includes public restrooms is expected for next year. Holiday Festivities: The city is also planning a Halloween trunk-or-treat hayride, Thanksgiving fellowship meals for families in need, and a Christmas event featuring photos with Santa.
Making Kingsland Home
Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Johnson moved to Arkansas at age seven and lived in larger cities like Conway and Fayetteville before settling in Kingsland 12 years ago to be closer to family.
Looking ahead to her five-year vision, Johnson's goal is to see Kingsland grow economically and socially. 'I want our kids to actually get jobs and be raised here, and not feel like they have to move somewhere bigger to have a real life,' she said.
The full episode of the podcast is streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Cleveland-CountyHerald.com