The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday at the Courthouse. Following the approval of the minutes the JP’S looked at an ordinance amending the employee handbook. This ordinance makes official some handbook policies approved last month. It was approved.
The JP’s considered an ordinance that would establish a special revenue fund for the American Rescue Plan Find revenue. The ordinance would also declare an emergency. This ordinance was approved.
An ordinance amending the budget to reflect the Hempstead County Cooperative Extension office’s funding for the AG agent for the 2nd and 3rd quarter of last year. The ordinance was approved.
The JP’S approved a resolution to allow the Circuit Clerk to apply for a grant from the Arkansas Circuit Clerk’s Association.
County Clerk Karen Smith noted the District Clerk has requested the JP’S to sign off on the destruction of some documents from the District Court. This was approved.
Sheriff James Singleton noted he had received a $15,000 grant towards a $22,000 baggage scanner for the new courthouse. He noted his office had received an unexpected check for $96,000 from the Arkansas Department of Corrections. The Sheriff noted this was due to some accounting changes. He also noted the 8th North Drug Task Force is getting a drug and protection K-9.
The Sheriff was asked about responding to calls within the city of Hope. He noted they respond to city requests and the city helps them.
Tax Assessor Kim Smith noted the deadline to assess personal and property taxes is May 1st. She also noted persons 65 and older can have their property taxes on their home and one acre frozen. She said those interested need to bring their driver’s license by her office.
Ed Darling talked about the possible uses for the American Rescue Plan Finds. He noted it is not as flexible as the federal government is claiming but there are some some situations where some of these funds can be used. Darling also said he has a summary of the act and would make it available to the JP’s. He explained some of the infrastructure and broadband policies. He said the county is expecting about $4.8 million dollars.
County Judge Jerry Crane explained there would not be a Memorial Day service as several of the Veterans still have health issues. He said plans are to have a Veteran’s Day program in November and Herbert Ross will chair it. The meeting then adjourned.
