Drew County Judge Jessie Griffin opened the September meeting of the Drew County Quorum Court at 6 p.m. on Monday, September 9. After an invocation by Justice of the Peace Orlando Jones and the Pledge of Allegiance, County Clerk Stephanie Chisom called the roll. All of the Justices except for Steve Pigott and Zachary Hill were present.
Charlie Searcy, County Treasurer, gave the Treasurer’s Report next. As of August 31, County General has a balance of negative $258,027.85 compared to the negative $547,873.69 at the same time last year. In 2023 the Sanitation account had a balance of negative $140,000, and as of August 31, the account had a balance of negative $7,278 which is a $133,000 swing to the good.
“This is probably the first time in 11 years that sanitation has been this close to breaking even,” Searcy said.
The Quarter Cent Sales Tax Fund currently has $6.1 million and County General Excess Fund has $1.3 million.
“We are having one of the better years we’ve had as far as the county is concerned,” Searcy added.
Brannon Hill came before the court to give an update on Baptist Health Medical Center-Drew County. Due to the closing of the Labor and Delivery departments in both Ashley and Bradley Counties, there has been a significant increase in babies delivered at the hospital. The hospital is averaging 35 to 45 babies delivered each month. This number is the second highest in the Baptist system. The Specialty Clinic is adding providers, and an additional provider from Arkansas Cardiology is also being added.
Britt Burris spoke on behalf of the Clear Creek Volunteer Fire Department. He addressed issues in funding the department. He proposed adding customers' dues to their tax bill or water bill as a way to prevent the department from operating in the red. Judge Griffin wants to form a committee to ensure these volunteer departments get the help they need. There was also discussion on further researching available grant funds.
Renee Powell spoke about SafeCare Arkansas. They provide free classes and services for families in need. These services include protective services, support services, and temporary placements as needed.
Doug Owens talked to the court about potentially doing more to fund the Drew County Museum. Judge Griffin said that the court would evaluate this as they were working on the county’s budget.
Owens also pleaded with those present to help maintain and restore history’s historical cemeteries. Judge Griffin assured Owens that this is a project that he wants to see happen and that the initial steps have been taken to get the ball rolling.
Sheriff Tim Nichols presented an appropriation ordinance that would authorize the purchase of a vehicle for the Sheriff’s Department. Sheriff Nichols noted that all of the funds needed for the purchase had already been procured and that the appropriation would only move the $50,000 into the Sheriff’s Department’s account. The county would be out no additional funds because the appropriation would cover the cost of a new Dodge Durango.
With no other items on the agenda, the Quorum Court was adjourned until 6 p.m. Tuesday, October 15.
