The quorum court had a light agenda at Monday night’s meeting, held in the garage at the Carroll County Road Department. With the bay doors open for ventilation, traffic noises continually intruded. Some JPs wore face masks, adding to the difficulty of hearing the conversation. Despite hardships and uncertainties, nine JPs attended in person, with another patched in by phone.
At the end of the meeting, JPs looked ahead to July 20, when summer heat would make the Road Department venue even less attractive. In coming weeks, JPs will consider holding the July meeting through a virtual platform. The training room at the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office was also suggested. The room is air-conditioned and large enough to accommodate social distancing. The budget committee will meet soon, and that committee may meet by Zoom as a practice run before the July meeting of the full quorum court.
Treasurer Makita Williams attended the meeting. In response to a question, she said county finances have remained at a level similar to this time last year. She suggested that people spending stimulus funds have helped maintain tax revenues for the county.
In other business:
Pam Grudek was named to a two-year term on the Equalization Board.
Linda Heisser and Sandra Nash were named to two-year terms on the board of the Inspiration Point Rural Fire Protection District.
At the Western District courthouse in Eureka Springs, the county has shared a custodian with the city. That custodian has retired, and Eureka Springs does not plan to replace him immediately. The quorum court voted to establish the position of custodian for that courthouse, and JP Jack Deaton noted that this employee would only answer to the county.
The JPs voted to support the Mennonite Disaster Service Search and Rescue with an annual stipend of $1,000, the same amount given to nine rural fire departments across the county. Deaton said he has worked with the Mennonites for more than 20 years. He said the financial support would help, “after all they’ve done for the county.” JP Chuck Olson agreed, saying, “They’re a very vital part of our search and rescue, and they deserve some support.”
Holiday Island has received a Rural Community Grant for $15,000 to install two 4,400-gallon double-walled storage tanks. The tanks will hold snow removal chemicals.
Keith Rivera and Troy Johnson were named to three-year terms on the board of Mercy Hospital.