News

COUNTY ROAD DEPARTMENT SEEKING $500K

By Ray King/OF THE COMMERCIAL STAFF
Saturday, August 1, 2009 9:37 PM CDT

Heavy rains that have plagued Jefferson County since the first of the year have taken their toll on roads and culverts, and county road department officials say they need more money to cover expenses.

Two committees of the Jefferson County Quorum Court will consider adding $500,000 to the road department budget when they meet Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in anticipation that they will get that money back from federal authorities.

County Judge Mike Holcomb said the Federal Department of Emergency Management (FEMA) has already approved $340,000 in funds as a result of a federal disaster declaration that followed torrential rains and flooding earlier this year and he’s hoping that figure will increase to $500,000 through on-going negotiations.

“What they’re going to do is put money back into our pots for money we’ve had to spend for these unexpected repairs,” Holcomb said.

He said the county has finished repairs on Ramick Road and plans to work on other areas including Ashley Drive, several roads off Princeton Pike, and U.S. 65 South and Sulphur Springs Road.

Also Tuesday, the county’s legislative body will consider a request from the county election commission for a $75,000 appropriation to cover the costs of the annual school election, probable run-off, and for the rest of the fiscal year.

In a letter to Holcomb, Election Coordinator Will Fox said reimbursable expenses will be returned to the county treasurer when they are received.

Several ordinances dealing with juvenile court are also scheduled for discussion, including a request for $31,094.20 so that the court can buy a software package to enhance the efficiency of court operations, and another proposed appropriation of $5,193.83 to pay for training for juvenile court officers so they can conduct anger management, substance abuse, character development and responsible living classes.

A $10,000 appropriation for the Southeast Arkansas Chapter of the American Red Cross will also be on the agenda for the justices of the peace.

The appropriation ordinance is sponsored by Justice of the Peace Mandy Alford, who said in a letter to Holcomb that the chapter “is almost out of money and are having trouble paying their monthly bills.”

Alford said the local chapter has 5,000 feet of space in the Donald W. Reynolds Community Services Center, and “they must pay for the services they have available to them.”

The committees will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday in the quorum courtroom of the courthouse.

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