When the quorum court met last Tuesday, justices of the peace did not have an ordinance to consider regarding wind turbines, but the topic continued to dominate public comments. JPs also held a lengthy discussion about an existing land-use ordinance adopted in 2011. That discussion led to the creation of a committee to review and update the ordinance.
JP John Howerton has repeatedly explained that the land-use ordinance was passed specifically to restrict government intrusion. It was passed at a time when many people were concerned about a much-publicized allegation that people would be forced out of a large area of the Ozarks to create a biosphere. The resulting ordinance was much longer than a typical ordinance and included some contradictory passages. JPs Jack Deaton and Harrie Farrow both mentioned the contradictions, although they agreed that the ordinance touched upon many important areas.
Farrow suggested a workshop session with the entire quorum court to review the 2011 ordinance and make necessary changes. Deaton, who has extensive committee experience as a JP, said a larger group would “never get anything done,” and suggested asking County Judge David Writer to form a five-person committee.
Farrow asked if state law or local ordinances gave Writer the authority to appoint committee members, and said she was “not comfortable” with one person in charge of appointments. “No offense,” she added to Writer.
Deaton said that as the county’s chief executive officer Writer has done a good job with committee appointments. After a long discussion, JPs voted to create a committee.
Earlier in the evening, public comments primarily dealt with wind turbine issues. Former County Judge Richard Williams, who lives near the proposed wind farm, said those living in the area will have no alternatives if the project contaminates groundwater. He cited language from the 2011 ordinance stating the county “shall act immediately” in response to threats to groundwater.
Other speakers mentioned the potential for disruptions during road construction to accommodate heavy equipment. Caroline Rogers noted that the contracts signed by landowners specify their acceptance of cell phone and television interference.
Bobby Wilson mentioned that he had just bought a pressure washer, and it came with more safety information than residents have received about the wind turbines. Ed Rod spoke during the miscellaneous agenda, which allowed him 10 minutes instead of the three minutes allotted to other speakers. Rod gave a history lesson on property rights, going back to Adam Smith and Thomas Paine. He warned of threats to tourism and property values, and called for an ordinance to prohibit land-based energy projects in the county.
In other business:
- The JPs approved an additional $255,000 to a fund for a possible new judicial building for the Eastern District. Howerton explained that the property at the Detention Center has been surveyed, and a bid package is expected within a month. Howerton also reminded JPs that the quorum court has been regularly setting aside money for this project.
- Robert Anderson, owner of R&R Towing in Green Forest, came to the podium during public comments, and Writer asked Anderson what comments he planned to make. “The same as it’s been the last two years,” Anderson answered, referring to his complaints about being removed from the rotating list of tow companies called by the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office for wrecks or impounds. Anderson was suspended by the previous sheriff, and current Sheriff Daniel Klatt has continued the suspension. Writer and the JPs have previously explained to Anderson that they have no authority to overrule the sheriff, and Writer cut short Anderson’s speech. “You’ve come to the wrong place,” he said.
- The second and third readings of an ordinance were passed to clarify positions and salaries at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office.
- JPs confirmed the appointment of Bill Campbell as a commissioner in the Mundell Heights Subordinate Service District.
- JPs confirmed the appointment of Leslie Echols to the Grassy Knob Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors.
- A clean-up ordinance was passed to correct various discrepancies in the budget.
- The amount of $27,500 was returned from the Detention Center budget to County General for medical costs that should have been billed to the Detention Center.
- JPs approved $39,000 to purchase a 2023 Ram 1500 Classic, to be used for maintenance around the Detention Center.