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The Drew County Quorum Court met Monday, Jan. 12, for its regular January meeting, addressing routine business, major equipment purchases and a pointed dispute over communication between county officials.
County Judge Jessie Griffin called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. Following an invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance, the roll was called, with all justices of the peace present except Donna Usry. The court approved the meeting agenda and passed an ordinance establishing rules of procedure for all regular and special quorum court meetings. An emergency clause made the ordinance effective immediately.
Minutes from the December meeting were approved before Treasurer Charlie Searcy delivered his report. Searcy said Drew County ended 2025 in good financial shape but warned that failure to continue the long-standing county road tax would quickly drain reserves. He emphasized that the tax revenue plays a significant role in funding the Sheriff’s Office and jail employee pay. Judge Griffin echoed Searcy’s concerns and urged support for the upcoming tax vote.
Griffin also reported that he and Monticello Mayor Jason Akers had made appointments to the Drew County Museum Commission and said work at the farmers market is nearing completion.
In new business, the court approved the county’s holiday schedule for the coming year and voted to keep quorum court meetings on the same day and time. Justices also approved an appropriation of $5,000 to split legal fees with the City of Monticello in connection with a lawsuit against the Drew County Museum. The suit was filed by a family claiming ownership of artifacts the museum has held for more than 50 years.
The court then considered two ordinances related to the Arjes Impaktor 250 Shredder. The first ordinance covered lease payments from Oct. 15, 2025, through Jan. 15, 2026, totaling $115,000 in lease fees and down payments to date. The second ordinance proposed ending the lease and purchasing the machine outright, requiring appropriations of $220,205.34 and $107,181.06.
Justice Zachary Hill said he wanted more information before making a decision but was concerned about paying an additional $25,000 in lease fees. Justice Ben Higginbotham argued that purchasing the machine would save money over time. The purchase ordinance passed, with Hill and Justice Frank Appleberry voting against it.
Before any further business was conducted, tensions surfaced when Justice Appleberry called for greater transparency from the county judge. Appleberry made a verbal resolution requesting that Judge Griffin be more forthcoming with information provided to the court, citing a pattern of decisions being made without the justices’ knowledge. The Impaktor purchase was named as a key example.
Appleberry and Hill said the lack of communication makes it difficult to keep their constituents informed. Justice Steve Pigott voiced support for their concerns. It was suggested that Judge Griffin provide the justices with a weekly plan moving forward to ensure better communication and oversight. With this agreement in place, Appleberry agreed to rescind his resolution.
After discussion, the court returned to its agenda, passing an ordinance to purchase a 2027 Mack dump truck using insurance funds from a county vehicle that was wrecked last year. The court also approved an ordinance to appropriate existing funds for upgraded cameras and door locks at the Drew County Jail.
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
