Hempstead County Quorum Court

By Staff, 01/28/21 6:29 PM

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday for their first meeting for the new year.  The meeting was”in person” with JP Cherry Stewart joining virtually.

The JP’s began the meeting with a discussion on the proposed county employee handbooks.  JP James Griffin noted  the JP’s have the handbook on their computers and hard copies are available.  County Attorney Jim Burke spoke to the JP’s about some clarifications to the proposed policies.  One topic he discussed was having county officials to put the pay for posted jobs in the advertisements.  He also talked about the need for job descriptions.   Burke also discussed the handbook’s leave policy and how leave accrues.  He advised the JP’s adjust their policy on what terminated employees receive upon leaving and also suggested the county change how it gives leave.   JP David Clayton suggested the JP’s adopt weekly accrual as suggested by Burke.  Discussion ensued.  The JP’s and the judge thanked Burke for his work and his comments.  JP Cherry Stewart suggested the new handbooks, when implemented, should be explained to the the employees.  JP Griffin said they intended for the employees to read the handbook and then come back and ask questions.  JP Doris Brown agreed with Stewart. Sheriff James Singleton explained how the Sheriff’s Department handles their policies.  No action was taken.

The JP’S considered budget appropriation budgets.  A general budget of $4,202,59.58 was approved.

A jail budget was approved by ordinance for $1,949,388.

A county general highway budget appropriation ordinance was approved for $4,050,200.

An appropriation ordinance for special county budgets was approved.

An ordinance was approved designating Darrell Elkin as county jail healthcare provider.

The JP’S checked a hot check report and acknowledged by a positive vote they received it.

The JP’S passed a resolution executing an equipment lease-purchase agreement with BancorpSouth.

The meeting then adjourned.