Hempstead County Quorum Court

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursdayfor their regular monthly meeting.  Following the prayer and Pledge, the JP’s considered some ordinances.  The first one considered dealt with the new county employee handbook approved last month by the JP’s.  JP James Griffin thanked the JP’s for their work on the handbook.  JP Steve Atchley suggested a change to equalize the birthday policy and the JP”s agreed by acclimation.  The ordinance adopting the handbook was approved.

The JP’S considered an ordinance updating the vacation policy for employees.  The ordinance was approved..

The JP’S considered an ordinance adopting the appropriation of the Dansons’ ACEDP grant.  This ordinance was approved.

The JP’s approved combining the the Office of Emergency Services and the 9-1-1 office. Kathy Aaron will serve as director of this combined department.  She will be paid $33,500 per year.

Judge Jerry Crane gave an update on the new courthouse. He said the offices should move into the new courthouse in June.  JP Steve Atchley gave an update on the furniture and when the new furniture will arrive.  JP Jessie Henry asked about any money for the county from the recent federal $1.9 trillion stimulus bill.  Sheriff Singleton says the state Sheriff’s association says there will be but they don’t know how much.

Sheriff Singleton said the mud bog in Blevins will be held April 7th through 12th.  He said the last one brought about 8,000 but this one could bring up to 30,000 people.  He said he has help coming from Hope, Little River County, and the Game & Fish.  He noted the officers working inside the mud bog will be compensated by the mud bog organizers.  Kathy Aaron noted she will have to be up there under her OES job.  Aaron is getting some “Awin” radios for the event.  JP David Clayton noted the mud bog brings lots of tax revenue to the county and that there are lots of motel rooms rented in Hope for the event.  Sheriff Singleton answered some questions from the JP’S concerning what sort of issues they work on there.  JP Clayton said “for people in this realm, all eyes will be on Hempstead County”.  The meeting then adjourned.