The Drew County Quorum Court held their monthly meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, March 11. The roll was called and all court members were present except for Zach Hill who had a previous engagement. After an invocation by Justice Steve Pigott, and the recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, the minutes from the previous meeting were read and approved.
Charlie Searcy, County Treasurer, said that the County General Fund went from $271,000 at this time in 2023 to negative $269,000 at the time of his report. He noted that a large portion of this difference came from paying $215,000 for the final installment of the repairs that were made to the courthouse. The remainder of the difference was due to the timing of certain bills being paid Searcy added.
“We spend more than we take in most of the time,” Searcy said.
Searcy said that February’s sales tax collection was the largest in the county since at least 2002. He added that the Quarter Cent Sales Tax Fund had $4.9 million at this point last year, and is currently at $5.5 million. The General Excess Fund went from $1.233 million last year to $1.279 million today.
“There have been no unusual expenses for the first couple of months this year,” Searcy said. “Everything seems to be going okay.”
County Judge Jessie Griffin opened his remarks by stating that the 2022 audit was complete. He added that the 2023 audit is currently underway.
“One group left on Friday and the other showed up the following Monday,” Judge Griffin remarked.
Judge Griffin stated that he attended a meeting that addressed County Extension programs. He plans to provide monthly updates on these programs. Drew County brought in over $1 million through these Ag and Extension programs. This influx of funds is based solely on products that are produced by timber companies, row crop farmers, and livestock farmers in the county.
Judge Griffin added that the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) wants to see the Adopt-a-Highway Program reinstituted.
On Saturday, April 13, the city of Monticello and Drew County will host a joint community-wide cleanup. The courthouse will have supplies available for those who need them.
Judge Griffin said that he is in talks with Big Smith, the company that is currently picking up the county’s trash routes, to do a bulk pickup soon. They are working out prices and dates, and Judge Griffin said he will keep everyone posted as they work this out.
He also noted that with the solar eclipse coming both city and county law enforcement, and other entities are preparing for the uptick in traffic that is expected in the area on April 8.
The court approved an ordinance that would create two part-time slots in the courthouse for the Growth Opportunity Program through Phoenix Youth and Family Services.
Next, the court approved an Appropriation Ordinance that would increase the county’s contribution to the Senior Citizen Center. The increase would go from $6,500 to $8,000.
The court also passed an Appropriation Ordinance related to grant funds received from Attorney General Tim Griffin’s office. This order would authorize Judge Robert Gibson and Judge Crews Puryear to spend the funds for supportive and restorative services related to clients of the Adult Drug Court Program.
With nothing else on the agenda, the Quorum Court adjourned until the next meeting at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 8.
