Hempstead County Quorum Court

By Mark Keith, 07/1/22 2:11 AM

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday for their regular monthly meeting.  A proposed ordinance to transfer funds from the American Rescue Plan Fund to County General for scanning books in the county clerk’s office was tabled.  An ordinance that would have transferred and appropriated funds from Treasurer’s Automation to County General as a bonus for Amber Mackey and Mona Still was voted down.  It was decided the finance committee will decide what path to take on this.  The two ladies took on extra duties while the Treasurer was on sick leave earlier this year.

The JP’s heard from Drury Hoover concerning the condition of County Road 56.  This road has apparently been damaged after it was used by heavy trucks while a bridge was repaired on the Patmos Road.  Hoover especially disliked the fact some damaged pavement was not replaced by new pavement but was replaced by gravel.  Apparently the city contributed the gravel after the county explained the damage had resulted while the city bridge on Patmos Road was repaired.  Much discussion ensued.  JP James Griffin also cited damage to the road from the 20 inch snow storm in 2021.  Judge Crane noted the county doesn’t have the money to repair the road now but it should be fixed next year when the state provides 80% of the money for the work.

County Clerk Karen Smith noted the Sheriff’s Department is removing two trucks from its assets.  This step is necessary before the trucks can be sold.

Sheriff James Singleton noted his certified officers are to be given $5,000 stipends from the state.  He asked about the county providing funds for the APERS retirement on the funds.  The state will pay the social security.

The Sheriff gave a report on the first 6 months of 2022.  Among other statistics, it was noted 3,067 persons were the victims of some type of crime (this includes felony and misdemeanors).  He noted the jail census is high with an average daily count of 76.  The highest daily county was 84 and the lowest was 58.  He noted only those charged with or convicted of felonies were in jail.  The census for the last day of June was over 80 prisoners.  He noted the county had served 32,544 meals for the first six months which was up several thousand from a year ago.  He noted due to the increase in prices, the county had spent $77,961.83 on food for the first six months out of a budge of $125,000  This leaves $47,136.17 in the budget which means if things continue as they are the budget will go in the red about $35,000 this year.  Sheriff Crane also noted the fuel transport budget was $10,000 and so far they had spent $9,824.42 on fuel which leaves $175,58 in the fuel budget.  He also noted Juvenile Lodging had a budget of $50,000 and so far $33,825 had been spent.  JP Jessie Henry asked about using some funds from the COVID funds the government had given the county.  The county should be able to use some of this to cover the expected shortfalls.

Sheriff Singleton talked about the residential drug treatment program which involves the Banner Hope organization.  The Sheriff noted there are 3 now at Banner Hope.  It was also noted they will be offered courses in HVAC and Mechanic work  The Sheriff said they have their own sawmill and recently built a guard shack

Judge Crane asked for prayers for JP David Clayton’s mom and his wife.  The meeting then adjourned.