QC approves budget

By John Miller, 12/13/23 10:31 AM

PRESCOTT – A budget was passed for 2024 for Nevada County by the Nevada County Quorum Court at its December meeting Tuesday evening.

It was one of two ordinances approved by the court during the meeting. The total budget exceeds $6 million, with county general’s portion being $2,139,106.53, Road and Bridge, $1,472,000, Solid Waste, $672,650 and the jail at $826,250 as the major items in the budget.

There was no real discussion concerning the budget, but, before it was passed, Nevada County Judge Mike Otwell asked the audience if anyone had any questions. No one did.

The other ordinance was for annual employee bonuses. This year, full time employees who’ve been with the county six months or more will receive $650, and those who have been with the county less than six months will receive $50 for each month worked. For part time workers of more than six months, the amount is $325, and those working less than six months will get $25 per month. Part timers working less than 20 hours a week will get $200 and those who work less than 10 hours will receive $100. Members of the court are not legally allowed to receive a bonus from the county.

In other business, Jamie Hillery, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, informed the court the Chamber has completed its Giving Tree project, adopting 69 children and providing Christmas for them. She said this is a different project for the Chamber but it’s beneficial. She added, the Christmas parade and Jingle and Mingle were held, with Breakfast with Santa being the last event for the Chamber this year.

JP Chris Fore spoke for Mary Godwin, the executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, saying the two met to discuss what’s going on with the EDO. The suggestion was made for two or three members of the court to meet with Godwin at a time for updates on what the office is doing. JP Pat Grimes added she wants the EDO to be more open about things because people are always asking.

Godwin reminded the court the EDO has to deal with confidentiality on a lot of its projects and can’t give out any information in a public forum because it would become public knowledge. Many companies, she added, require their dealings with EDOs to be kept confidential to prevent important information from being leaked. She told the court she could talk to the JPs but they would have to sign a non-disclosure agreement and couldn’t spread what they learn to the public. It was suggested these meetings be held quarterly.

Grimes suggested the EDO and Chamber keep each other filled in on what they’re doing and work together. Godwin pointed out the Chamber president is on the EDO board.

Stacey Stone, county agent, said the Nevada County Extension Service will be holding a hands-on experience about the upcoming eclipse, why they happen, how to view them safely and what it will look like. This will be done at 2 p.m. on Jan. 4. Those interested need to sign up by Dec. 22 by calling 870-887-2818. The first one is for children and will be held at the fairgrounds, with another for adults possible if there’s enough interest.

David Gummeson, Nevada County Office of Emergency Service Coordinator, said the eclipse will be a big deal around here and he’s been working with the Arkansas State Police and Arkansas Highway Department on what to expect. He said work is being done so GPS devices don’t redirect traffic from I-30 onto Hwy. 67 when the eclipse hits, adding cell phones will be pretty much useless.

All wrecker services in the area are being asked to be on standby to tow abandoned cars from the interstate to avoid traffic problems and potential wrecks. Otherwise, he said, no one really knows what to expect.