The Drew County Quorum Court held their monthly meeting on Monday, April 10. All of the court members except for one, Ben Higginbotham, were present, and there were many other elected officials in attendance as well as a few guests.
County Judge Jessie Griffin discussed the proposed detention facility that would be shared with Bradley County. According to Cliff Gibson, he has been in talks with representatives from the state. They are asking Drew County to refrain from taking actions to end the current contracts, and to allow them to find a solution because there is still interest in seeing the project come to fruition. Gibson also noted that if this project were to be completed it would allow Drew Co. to cease operations of the county jail, which according to Drew County Treasurer Charlie Searcy, is an expensive of over $1 million annually.
The court also heard a report from Drew Health Systems Chief Operating Officer, Jenny Guthrie. Guthrie stated that March was the end of the fiscal year for the hospital. She also said that staffing continues to be an issue at the hospital. It was also noted that the merger with Baptist Hospital is still pending, with Baptist waiting to receive addition reports from Drew Memorial. Guthrie said that the hospital has been in contact with the company that is responsible for these reports and has stressed the importance of receiving them in a timely manner.
Guthrie also added that the funds that have been requested from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) are still pending the hospital providing additional paperwork and clarifying items on the paperwork that has already been submitted. The July 1 date for the Baptist merger is still the targeted date. Gibson said that there is a letter of intent being drafted by Baptist that will be sent to Drew Health Systems and Drew Co. for review. Gibson stressed that this is not a contract, but it will serve as a framework for the future contract.
Bettina Randolph, director of the Boys and Girls Club, discussed the need for a new facility due to the future demolition of the City Park Elementary building. Randolph said their contract would end this summer, and that they are currently looking for a building that will fit their needs and that they can afford. Randolph added that they will continue to offer their services, even if it means downsizing. Randolph noted, “We do not want to be a disservice to the community.”
Amanda Nall spoke on behalf of the committee in charge of putting Our Festival in McCloy park. She said that last year’s festival saw an attendance of 4,000 to 5,000 people over the weekend. There were 100 vendors and 15 food trucks as well. The plan this year is to put on an even bigger festival. The committee is planning to bring in three tribute bands which they feel will draw a bigger crowd. Nall asked the court to consider a monetary donation to help offset some of the cost they will incur.
Sheriff Tim Nichols gave a report, and stated that not much has changed since last month. He is currently taking applications for a deputy, and has interviewed several candidates already. Sheriff Nichols states that there have been an alarming amount of calls that center around mental health concerns. He also added that there are some “horrible drugs” going around that are causing hallucinogenic reactions and other mental issues. The detention facility needs to find someone to repair the leak in the basement, and the person who is working with it has been ill lately. The roof also needs repair and is waiting insurance approval.
Judge Griffin appointed Tim Kessler to the Intermodal Board for a three year term. He also reappointed Michael Efird for an additional three year term.
The court also approved the ordinance to purchase Fire Station No. 3 for use as the Office of Emergency Management building. According to Gibson, the only hold up is waiting for the city attorney to draw up a contract, and said contract be reviewed by the county.
