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Drew County Judge Jessie Griffin opened the September meeting of the Drew County Quorum Court at 6 p.m. Monday, Sept. 14, with justices of the peace tackling a lengthy agenda that included county finances, bridge work, landfill expenses, the Drew County Museum, the farmers market and proposed regulations for utility companies working in county rights of way.
During the financial report, court members were told county spending continues to reflect higher costs for salaries, fuel and other expenses. County Treasurer Charlie Searcy said there was nothing unusual in the figures compared with typical spending patterns for this point in the year, with property tax collections expected to improve the county's position later in the fall.
One bright spot was sales tax revenue. Searcy told the court the county's June sales tax collection, received in July, was the highest the county has recorded.
The county's quarter-cent sales tax fund was reported at approximately $7.8 million, while the county general sales tax fund stood at approximately $1.4 million.
Searcy said that he will continue watching the numbers to determine whether the increased sales tax collection represents an ongoing trend or was influenced by one-time activity, possibly related to construction.
The court also received an update on delinquent solid waste accounts. Griffin said more than $100,000 is owed by customers who have not paid their trash bills. County officials are working to provide justices of the peace with information concerning delinquent accounts in their individual districts while continuing collection efforts.
Griffin also updated the court on road signage and the county's ongoing road safety planning efforts. He encouraged residents to make sure their addresses are clearly marked at their homes, noting that accurate and visible addresses are important not only for deliveries but also for emergency response.
The county's road safety plan is nearing completion and is expected to identify areas where crashes most frequently occur and make recommendations ranging from road improvements and stop signs to other traffic safety measures.
The court approved Appropriation Ordinance 2026-34 related to the relocation of the prosecuting attorney's office. The appropriation involves $9,065 already available through prosecuting attorney funds. County Clerk Stephanie Chisom said the other counties involved had approved their portions of the relocation.
Justices also approved Appropriation Ordinance 2026-37 concerning the Drew County Museum Commission.
The museum prompted additional discussion about its needs and future funding. Members of the museum commission and historical society attended the meeting, and court members discussed holding a meeting at the museum so county and city officials could see the facility and hear a complete presentation concerning its needs.
Because the city and county share responsibility for funding the museum, officials said representatives from both governments should be involved in the discussion.
Griffin praised the museum and encouraged Drew County residents to visit it, calling attention to the collection of local history preserved there.
The court also approved an additional $10,000 for landfill fuel expenses through Appropriation Ordinance 2026-38.
Officials said the landfill's original fuel budget was $30,000 and approximately $28,127 had already been spent, leaving less than $1,900 available. Based on recent fuel consumption, court members acknowledged another appropriation could potentially be needed before the end of the year.
Another appropriation was approved for additional janitorial supplies at the Drew County Health Department. Officials said increased use of the facility, along with ongoing improvements and construction, has contributed to higher-than-anticipated supply expenses.
The health department has also undergone significant improvements, including work to interior areas of the facility and landscaping.
One of the evening's longer discussions centered on improvements at the Drew County Farmers Market.
The county has received a $13,495 matching grant intended to assist with restroom and other improvements at the farmers market. Griffin said a double restroom unit has already been purchased for approximately $3,200 and is currently located beneath the pavilion.
Several justices, along with Searcy, raised concerns about the long-term cost of maintaining the restroom, including cleaning, repairs, plumbing and protecting the facility from freezing temperatures.
Justice Sheila Maxwell noted that farmers market representatives have previously helped maintain restroom facilities at the jail when used by market visitors and said they believed the organization would continue helping with the new facilities.
Questions were also raised about the required matching funds and whether the county should proceed before the farmers market's share of the funding is secured.
The court ultimately voted to table the appropriation until additional information about the matching funds and total project cost is available.
Another lengthy discussion involved funding for county road and bridge projects.
Officials discussed moving money between road department line items, including funds associated with asphalt, gravel and bridge steel. The county has spent more than $1 million on bridge steel this year, according to figures presented during the meeting.
A proposed $200,000 transfer generated considerable discussion because of plans to replace a bridge on Sullivan Road.
The county is considering multiple options for the project. One alternative involves participation through the state, while other options could allow the county to complete the project at a considerably lower overall cost through additional parties.
Court members questioned the significant difference between the alternatives and said they wanted firm numbers before deciding where additional money should be placed.
Griffin stressed the need to move the project forward, noting that residents in the area need the bridge restored. However, other members argued that waiting approximately two weeks for additional bids and information would allow the court to make a better-informed decision without significantly delaying construction.
The court voted to table the appropriation until the additional information is available.
Justices approved Appropriation Ordinance 2026-42 to reimburse the prosecuting attorney's office for monitors and other upgrades in the court room. Chisom emphasized that the money will come from fees already collected for that purpose rather than County General funds.
The meeting concluded with the first reading of a proposed ordinance that would establish requirements for utility companies and others performing construction within county road rights of way.
County Attorney Cliff Gibson said the issue has become increasingly important as fiber-optic lines and other underground utilities are installed throughout the county. Improperly placed lines can be damaged by county road equipment when crews grade roads, reshape shoulders or clean ditches.
The proposed ordinance would apply prospectively to new construction and would require utilities working within county-controlled rights of way to obtain a permit and provide information about the location and nature of the proposed work.
Gibson said similar ordinances have been adopted in numerous Arkansas counties and are intended to establish consistent requirements for utility construction.
Some justices expressed concern about adopting the measure without first allowing local electric, water and other utility providers an opportunity to review it and provide input. Members also questioned whether engineering and permitting requirements could create an unnecessary financial burden for smaller water associations.
Rather than immediately adopting the ordinance, the court completed its first reading, allowing additional time for review and input before it returns for further consideration.
With no further business, the Quorum Court adjourned at 7:17 p.m.
