The Drew County Quorum Court met at 6 p.m. on Monday, August 12, in the District Court building. After an invocation and the Pledge Of Allegiance, the roll was called and all of the Justices of the Peace were present except for Ben Higginbotham. The meeting agenda and the minutes from the July meeting were approved.
County Treasurer Charlie Searcy stated that nothing out of the ordinary has gone on so far this year. At the end of July 2023, the county had $7.1 million net assets. At the end of July 2024, net assets totaled $7.152 million, showing a $50,000 increase in revenue.
“We’ve had a really good year this year collecting sales tax and interest rates being high has really helped generate additional revenue,” Searcy said.
County Judge Jessie Griffin noted that the county won a safety award recently. He couldn’t recall the exact score but said the county scored in the 90th percentile.
With election season fast approaching, Judge Griffin encouraged any interested parties to volunteer and help out at the polls.
Judge Griffin also noted that there are several roads in the county that need repair. He stated that the county is working on these roads, and encouraged all of the justices to inform him of any roads that may be in disrepair.
Judge Griffin announced that he had made two appointments recently. Marty Baker was appointed to the Intermodal Board and Cecile Smithson was appointed to the Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County’s advisory board.
The judge also added that new curtains and blinds for the courthouse have been ordered. An engineering firm has also come in to discuss updates to the restrooms.
Judge Griffin said that the county only owns one back-load trash truck. They kept this one as a backup but sold the others for $56,000.
The county health department received a grant for $647,000 to do the remodel that was discussed several months ago. The county will be responsible for $64,000 which is the 10 percent match.
Judge Griffin stated that he had asked a representative from BHMC-Drew County to come give an update on the hospital for several months and no one has shown up. Judge Griffin made the point that if they can attend the Monticello Economic Development Commission’s meetings there is no reason they can’t attend Quorum Court meetings. He added that he was unhappy with the situation and that with the county owning the building, the Quorum Court deserves an update.
The court approved an Appropriation Ordinance to spend $5,000 for a wireless microphone system for the courtroom.
The court also approved an ordinance that would increase the salary slot for the Licensed Master Operator at the landfill. The appropriation adjusted the slot to $46,000 to finish out the 2024 year.
County Clerk Stephanie Chisom informed the court that the county has received $27,075 in reimbursements from the primary elections. This brings the current total to $30,936. Following the upcoming general election, there will be more funds that could equal or surpass the current amount.
The court decided to delay reviewing policies and procedures until January. This will allow them to focus on reviewing budgets starting in September.
The next Quorum Court meeting will be on Monday, September 9, with the budgetary meeting taking place at 5 p.m. and the regular Quorum Court meeting at 6 p.m.
