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The Drew County Quorum Court met at 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 11, with Justice of the Peace Steve Pigott leading the invocation and County Judge Jessie Griffin leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes from July’s meeting were approved, and the agenda was amended to allow Circuit Clerk Beverly Burks to present a resolution.
Judge Griffin reported that efforts are underway to secure water tanks for all of the county’s volunteer fire departments. The tanks would provide on-site water storage for firefighting needs. He also said the county is willing to work with local water associations to pursue grants for system upgrades, but noted that none of the associations have responded to his outreach.
Prosecuting Attorney Frank Spain requested $6,000 annually from Drew County’s Administration of Justice Fund to help pay the salary of the Victim Witness Coordinator in his office. The position is currently funded by a federal grant, but Spain warned that state officials have projected a sharp decrease in available grant money this year, with some recipients possibly losing funding entirely. The proposed appropriation, which would not affect Spain’s regular budget, would also serve as the county’s matching share if state-level grant funding is secured. The quorum court will vote on the request at a later meeting.
In old business, justices revisited an appropriation ordinance tabled last month to fund improvements to the Drew County Farmers Market. The measure moves $34,000 from County General and $15,000 from unappropriated funds into the Miscellaneous Fund to cover the cost of pouring a concrete slab and constructing a covered shed. The project’s previously awarded grant did not fully cover expenses. The ordinance passed.
Under new business, the court approved an emergency ordinance amending Solid Waste Collection Ordinance 2025-04. The change clarifies and confirms a verbal agreement to repeal portions of the ordinance related to dumpster-only trash collection. The county will contract with Big Smith Waste Services to handle solid waste not placed in residential cans, eliminating the county’s responsibility to provide the service. The emergency clause was invoked, making the ordinance effective immediately.
Circuit Clerk Beverly Burks presented a resolution seeking court approval to apply for a $75,000 grant to upgrade her office’s software system, which utilizes the ACT Datascout program. Passage of the resolution is required for the grant application.
