The quorum court has moved its meetings to Tuesdays, and the justices of the peace assembled back in the Eastern District courthouse on Jan. 17 for the first time since Covid.
The current quorum court includes three new JPs, and another will be appointed to District 8. The new JPs joined with the veteran members in approving $490,000 for the Central Dispatch Capital Project. The funds will pay for a tower not included in the initial plan for a new county-wide radio system. JP Jack Deaton explained that this tower cost more than another new tower the JPs had approved, partially because of increased height. Deaton said the tower in Holiday Island is almost ready.
A committee of JPs has been studying the possibility of a new judicial building to replace the Eastern District courthouse. JP John Howerton asked County Judge David Writer to reappoint that committee. He said the committee would continue to report back to the full quorum court. Howerton also said he is opposed to any tax increase, and the committee is working toward a solution that does not require a new tax. The county currently has just over a million dollars in a fund set aside for courthouse construction.
- JP Kellie Matt was voted to continue as the delegate to the Quorum Court Association for the coming year.
- Jay Lee was approved for a five-year term on the Berryville Public Library board.
- A resolution confirmed the appointments of David Jones, David Henke, and Ken Rall to the Inspiration Point Rural Fire Protection District board.
- A resolution confirmed the sheriff’s designation of succession of command in case of emergency. The chief deputy is next in line of succession, followed by the patrol lieutenant and the criminal investigation lieutenant.
- A vacancy was declared in the office of constable for the southeast portion of the county. The governor will appoint someone to the position since no one filed for the office in the 2022 election. Discussion brought out that until recently, the county had a constable position for every voting district, but that number has been reduced to four. Constables are volunteers, and not required to have any particular training for the position, although they can choose to carry firearms.
- JPs approved $33,000 for repairs to the Search and Rescue team’s building at the Carroll County airport. Deaton explained that the team meets and trains at that site, and equipment is stored there as well.
- The court held a brief meeting earlier this month, but this was the first regular meeting for new JPs Bruce Wright in District 2, Hunter Rivett in District 4, and Jerry King in District 10.