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Drew County Judge Jessie Griffin opened the Drew County Quorum Court for its regular February meeting at 6 p.m., on Monday, February 9. The meeting began with a prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by county business.
County Treasurer Charlie Searcy presented the January financial report, noting that the county's general fund is approximately $55,000 in the red compared to the same point last year. Sales tax revenues were reported as down roughly $40,000, while other revenue categories also showed decreases.
Searcy explained that sanitation funds reflect a negative balance of approximately $141,000, largely due to the purchase of a crusher machine in January using grant funds. Without that expense, finances would be comparable to last year’s position, he said.
Court members were also reminded of the importance of the upcoming countywide sales tax vote, which Judge Griffin said remains critical to county operations, including funding for law enforcement and other departments. Justices stressed the need for public participation and voter turnout.
Despite the early-year shortfall, Searcy noted the county remains solvent.
“We are in good shape,” Searcy said.
The court unanimously accepted the treasurer’s report.
Scott Hayes with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service presented the annual report for Drew County, outlining activities in agriculture, 4-H youth development, and family and consumer sciences.
Hayes said the Extension Service completed 17 agricultural demonstration and research projects in 2025, covering areas such as rice, hay, cattle, horticulture, forestry, and pond management.
Court members praised the Extension Service’s outreach efforts and discussed potential future projects, including a possible community garden tied to 4-H programs.
Lela Wilson spoke on behalf of the Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Department, outlining ongoing financial challenges facing the rural department, which serves approximately 65 square miles and more than 300 households.
The department currently charges $50 annual dues and bills 194 households, but only about 50 percent of residents paid in 2025, generating approximately $6,250—less than the department’s basic operating costs.
Wilson noted aging equipment, including a 1979 fire truck and turnout gear exceeding NFPA safety guidelines, and asked the court to consider options for collecting fire dues through property taxes or utility billing.
Court members discussed alternative funding methods, including grants and partnerships with water associations, and agreed to explore options further.
The quorum court approved Appropriation Ordinance 2026-09, authorizing acceptance of a federal SS4A grant to develop a Drew County Safety Action Plan. Judge Griffin said the program will utilize vehicle-mounted technology and data collection to improve road safety and planning at no cost to the county, as funds will be reimbursed through the grant.
Justices also unanimously approved Appropriation Ordinance 2026-10, allocating $255,125 to replace two county bridges, including structures on New Hope and Green Hill roads and one bridge in South Wilmar. Griffin said bids have already been received and construction is expected to take approximately three weeks, weather permitting.
The court adopted a resolution to apply for a 50/50 Rural Community Grant to purchase water tanks for volunteer fire departments throughout the county, amending the resolution to apply countywide.
Justices also approved a resolution adopting the county’s Hazard Mitigation Plan, a required document that allows the county to remain eligible for certain state and federal disaster-related funding.
The meeting concluded with a discussion of road maintenance issues and storm-related damage before the court adjourned.
