Hempstead County Quorum Court

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday April 26th. The meeting kicked off with Judge Haskell Morse introducing Deputy Prosecutor Matt Ford filling in for Christi McQueen.
The JP’s discussed the Financial and Compliance Report from December. JP Lynn Montgomery asked Judge Morse about some bushhogs the Judge had sold. Montgomery questioned the price that was received and the Judge noted the items in question were quite old. Also, it was noted the items had not been appraised before being sold. The Judge noted the bushhogs sold within a reasonable range according to the appraisal. It was noted the Prosecutor will need to look at the transaction to make sure it was indeed done correctly. The Judge noted the matter had been noted and corrected. At least one JP suggested in the future such surplus items, despite their condition, should be sold by auction or by bid.
The JP’S considered a “clean up” ordinance. The ordinance was approved. It was quite lengthy and took about 20 minutes to read.
The JP’S considered an ordinance setting the appropriation of $20,000 for the Hempstead County General election. The ordinance was approved.
The JP’S considered an appropriation ordinance for a grant the Sheriff’s department for approximately$23,000. The ordinance was approved.
The JP’S approved a resolution allowing the county to enter into a lease/purchase agreement on a garbage truck. The truck cost $192,600. The interest rate had increased 1% since initial negotiations. The resolution was approved. JP Lynn Montgomery noted the cash on hand is quite low and asked all officials to be careful on spending.
McCaskill Mayor Marion Hoosier addressed the JP’s on behalf of the Hempstead County Mayor’s association. Mayor Hoosier noted the small towns have difficulties such as a problem having town citations decided in court. Mayor Hoosier noted that the Mayors intend to come to the JP’S for help from time to time. He said they are searching for income for their towns. The mayor noted they give up their state turn back of approximately $1,000 per month to the county in exchange for garbage pick-up. Mayor Hoosier noted that service is a bargain but he asked was there anything the JP’S could give back to the towns. JP Lynn Montgomery asked Mayor Hoosier if he could come back in October and address the JP’S as they begin budget discussions. Montgomery said at that point the county could determine what, if anything could be done. The Mayor noted he can’t even get the health department to do anything about raw sewage running out on the ground. Mayor Hoosier introduced other Mayors present including McNab Mayor James Conway, Oakhaven Mayor Troy Lerew, Fulton Mayor Henry Hale,and Washington Mayor Paul Henley.
Terrie James of the Cooperative Extension Services announced their new Ag agent Stacy Stone of Gurdon will start May 1st.
JP Ed Darling noted Election Commissioner Cindy Newsome says they need poll workers and the training is Saturday at 10am at Hempstead Hall.
Sheriff Jame Singleton announced that May 4th at 2pm Governor Asa.Hutchinson will be in Hope to deed the migrant center to the county to be utilized at a youth behavioral center. This will mean local youth will not have to be sent hours away from Hope to Batesville to a juvenile detention center. The Sheriff said they will be seeking grants and possibly some money from the Quorum Court. The meeting then adjourned.