Hempstead County Quorum Court

By ., 09/22/22 8:41 PM

The Hempstead County Quorum Court met Thursday for their September meeting.  Following the prayer and pledge the JP’s moved into the agenda items.

The JP’s looked at results from the most recent state audit.  None of the county officials had any significant findings and the JP’s moved to accept the report.

An ordinance was approved which would authorize paying off the lease on one of the county’s garbage trucks.  County Clerk Karen Smith read the ordinance publicity, JP Ed Darling  offered some comments, and the ordinance passed.

The JP’s discussed appropriating funds asked for by Sheriff James Singleton and Judge Jerry Crane.  The need was attributed to inflation and also due to a higher jail population.  Sheriff Singleton had budgeted for an average census of 70 to 75 prisoners at the jail but instead is averaging 100 to 105.  Ed Darling explained funds from jail booking fees could be used for the jail funding.   The county judge’s need was for increases in road repair costs and asphalt.  County Attorney Jim Burke will prepare some ordinances on the funding for the JP’s to consider next month.

A cell phone policy was discussed but no action taken.

Bonnie Raff of the DAR spoke about this being Constitution Week.  Mrs. Raff dressed in period costume and interpreted Martha Washington.  JP James Griffin also told the Quorum Court about the Lions program called “Liberty Day”.  It is for 5th graders and also promotes the Consitution.

The JP’s heard a presentation from Steve Harris of the Hempstead County Economic Development Corporation.  The EDC is promoting a proposed quarter cent sales tax to fund Economic Development.  It is thought such a tax could raise up to $800,000 annually to be use strictly for economic development.

JP Troy Lerew mentioned the upcoming Ozan VFD fundraiser, JP Ed Darling thanked Sheriff Singleton for the Color Guard, and the meeting adjourned.