It took the Baxter County Quorum Court about 15 minutes to cover five items of new business in its first meeting of the new year Tuesday evening. Among the items of business was consideration of a plan for the financing of the expansion of the Baxter County Detention Center.
Karen Hopper has the story.
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With no questions or comments, the quorum court, with Justice Kevin Litty absent, gave its unamimous approval to an ordinance authorizing the issuance of a promissory note to provide financing for the jail expansion. Approval of the ordinance gives the go-ahead of a promissory note for $4.2 million under Amendment 78 of the Arkansas Constitution.
The appropriation ordinance follows voters approving a temporary one cent sales and use tax in September that will fund the expansion of the Baxter County Detention Center, as well as furnish and equip the new portion, and provide for the operation and maintenance of the jail. At the same time, voters approved a one-quarter cent sales and use tax following the expiration of the one cent sales and use tax for ongoing jail needs.
In other business, the justices approved an ordinance appropriating grant funds of just over $5,300 to the Sheriff’s Office. Sheriff John Montgomery says these dollars will complete the outfitting of patrol units with rifles, as well as allow for the purchase of pistols and ammunition.
Two resolutions were also approved by the court, both regarding membership to the Clarkridge Fire Protection District Board of Commissioners. Sid Edelbrock and Mary Norgaard were re-appointed by County Judge Mickey Pendergrass, while Marry Ferron received an appointment from the judge. Ferron will replace long-time board chair Gil Losurdo, who has stepped down to concentrate his efforts on the North Arkansas East West Corridor Association where he is serving as managing director.
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