Ark. Code Ann. § 12-42-105: Workhouses and public works

(a) Any person who may be convicted of a misdemeanor or petty offense by any court in this state and who shall be committed to jail to serve a sentence imposed by any court of competent jurisdiction or who shall be in default of the payment of the fine and costs adjudged against him or her may be required to discharge the sentence or fine and costs by manual labor in any workhouse, farm, street, road, bridge, or other public work in the county where the conviction and committal occurred.

(b) However, the workhouse, farm, road, street, bridge, or other public work shall be owned, operated, or conducted by the State of Arkansas, any county thereof, or a city or incorporated town within the State of Arkansas.