Baxter Co. Quorum Court approves ordiance prohibiting opening of landfill

Thursday night, the Baxter County Quorum Court unanimously passed an ordinance prohibiting the development of a new or reopening of any closed solid waste landfill in Baxter County. The ordinance was tabled during the Feb. meeting where it was deferred to the legislative committee for further discussion. Legislative Committee Chairman Rick Stiener reported the committee voted to recommend to the court to pass the ordinance during its Feb. 28 meeting.

As stated in the Feb. meeting, Prosecuting Attorney David Ethredge said there is an Arkansas statute where the county has the ability to stop the construction of a landfill on property inside the county. The concern raised however, is this landfill already exists and would not be preventing the construction of a new one. Therefore the statute is not clear on how it would apply in this situation. Ethredge stated the county has the right to pass the ordinance, but anticipates litigation would arise once passed, but it should not stop the court from making the right decision for the county.In other business, the court heard a presentation from the Twin Lakes Literacy Council and AmeriCorp representative Tonya Jones, about the AmeriCorp program and how their volunteers serve to strengthen lives within the community. A resolution was passed recognizing the outstanding contribution and performance of the AmeriCorp organization and recognized March 12-18 would be set aside as AmeriCorps Week in Baxter County.

Additional ordinances were passed to appropriate funds;

– for fees and reimbursements received in the month of January to the sheriff’s department budget;

– for the amount of $12,500 from the special jail fees fund into the jail maintenance and operation funds to purchase spike strips and light bars for jail vehicles;

– from the county general fund in the amount of $10,000 to the building and grounds funds budget for the purpose to complete upgrades in the Baxter County Courthouse; and

– for the amount of $1,200 from the county general fund into the veterans service office budget for the purpose of supporting the annual Veterans Office Benefit Fair.

An ordinance was also passed to allow Baxter County to conduct business with Mike Watts for auto body repairs for road and bridge vehicles. Watts’ spouse has returned to work in the Treasurer’s Office and Arkansas Code states all quorum court members, county officers, and county employees refrain from benefiting economically, either directly or indirectly, except when it is in the best interest of the county. The county has done business with Watts’ for many years and the ordinance would allow for work to continue.

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