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The Drew County Quorum Court convened at 6 p.m. on Monday, July 14, 2025, with all Justices of the Peace in attendance. Justice Steve Pigott opened the meeting with an invocation, offering prayers for flood victims in Texas and the family of the late Judge Richard Tindall. The Pledge of Allegiance was then recited.
County Treasurer Charlie Searcy delivered his Treasurer’r Report. As of June 30, the County General account held a negative balance of $731,866—more than double the deficit at the same time last year, which stood at negative $348,511.61. Searcy attributed the increased shortfall to larger-than-usual expenditures, rising insurance premiums, and recent salary increases for county employees.
Searcy noted that the county remains on stable financial footing. The 1/4 Cent Sales Tax account currently holds $6.9 million, and the General Excess Fund contains $1.38 million, resulting in a total county balance of just over $7 million.
County Judge Jessie Griffin announced that Big Smith Waste Services would no longer be managing the county’s solid waste pickup. Operations will now be handled by Flat Creek Services, LLC, following a company split. Griffin said the contract has been officially transferred, and no service interruptions are expected.
Judge Griffin also reminded the public that new road and stop signs are being installed throughout the county and urged residents not to steal or tamper with them.
The county was awarded a $77,277 grant to reseal and repaint the windows at the Drew County Courthouse. Additionally, Arkansas Game and Fish has provided a $157,500 grant for road improvements. The funds will be used to repair both access roads to Lake Monticello and to make repairs to the road leading to Ozment Bluff. Construction is expected to begin in early 2026.
The landfill recently passed inspection with no deficiencies reported.
Drew County Assessor Cheri Adcock informed the court that the Assessor’s Office will be closed from August 12–15 to allow staff to attend professional training.
The court approved an appropriation ordinance to distribute $30,000 in grant funds received by the Winchester Fire Department.
However, another ordinance — which would have allocated funds for improvements to the Market in the Park farmer’s market — was tabled. Justices of the Peace expressed concerns over unanswered questions surrounding the proposal.
In other business, the court passed an ordinance to again revise landfill fees, enacting an emergency clause and repealing the previously set rates. The new fee structure introduces a sliding scale. Under the new system:
Judge Griffin clarified that most residents will not be impacted by the tonnage rate, as a typical pickup truck bed of trash will only incur the standard $10 usage fee. Slightly larger loads will be charged according to weight. A full copy of the sliding scale is available at the Drew County Solid Waste Office.
With no further business, the court adjourned the meeting.
