The Baxter County Quorum Court met in regular session Tuesday night at the Baxter County Courthouse.
In the Treasurer’s report, Baxter County Treasurer Jenay Mize reported the county is beginning the budget process for 2024 and elected officials and department heads have until September 25 to submit their budget back to the Treasurer’s Office.
During the announcements, citizen Mary Ellen Anderson made a presentation to the court to set up a committee consisting of people from both sides of the isle to discuss paper ballots in Baxter County. Anderson stated she would like to chair the committee and have representation from a Democrat, a Republican, a member of the Quorum Court as well as representatives from the Election Commission to meet and discuss the pros and cons of the impacts and costs paper ballots may have on the county. She stated the purpose of the committee would to be to review hand marked ballots versus computer ballots as the citizens want to have trust in the election process. Anderson also suggested a town hall meeting for citizens on both sides to come together to have their voice heard. Justice of the Peace for District 1, Dennis Frank volunteered to be a representative on the committee from the court.
Before regular business, Frank, gave a report from the Association of Arkansas Counties (AAC) conference which took place in Rogers in August. Frank stated he attended three breakout sessions related to Quorum Courts.
The first session discussed the recently passed bill which regulated data mining centers in the state, Act 851. Frank stated representatives from the state Senate and House committees were present to question members of the Municipal League and AAC , along with representatives from Entergy and the owner of Crypto Farms about the noise, utility usage, benefits from local communities, and concerns about the Chinese Communist Party involved with the crypto mining facilities. Crypto mines have seen fast growth in the state. In 2022, there were three crypto mines whereas in 2023 there are now 15 and the number continues to grow.
Entergy CEO John Bethel stated the power grid in Arkansas was in no danger with the influx of news businesses and rules have been put into place if heavy demand is needed and the crypto mines do not shut down within 30 minutes, they face hefty rate increases and fines. Frank stated during public comment, crypto mining was unfavorable amongst those in attendance.
The second session discussed Quorum Court and committee meetings. One county attorney, Jason Owens for courts in Little Rock and Hot Springs, voiced his concern over public comments and allowing items to be added to agendas on short notice. Owens stated many Quorum Courts around the state have had meetings “go off the rails” and suggested public comments only be allowed for items stated on the agenda and limited to a few minutes, as well as hearing from both sides of the discuss. It was also suggested procedures reflect agenda items need to be submitted to the County Clerk at least eight days before the meeting to give the public time to see the agenda and not allow additional items to be added at last minute, which Frank stated to the group has happened over the past several months.
And the third meeting discussed preparation for the upcoming total solar eclipse. Frank shared County Judges from Conway and Van Buren stated all hotel room and AirBnB rentals have been book for the event. They also suggested for restaurants to open for breakfast, even if they typically do not, as it would be a prime time for business. They also suggested for schools to be closed for traffic concerns as people will start to leave after the eclipse occurs.
In regular business the court approved an ordinance on a third reading to adopt revisions and additions to the Baxter County Personnel Policy Manual and Pay Scale along with the Sheriff’s Office Personnel Policy Manual and Pay Scale.
Appropriation ordinances were approved for the Sheriff’s Office for fees and reimbursements received in the month of July along with appropriating funds from the special jail fees fund and the county detention facility fund to the jail maintenance and operations budget in the amount of $11,000.
An appropriating ordinance for $18,000 was approved to be moved from the Circuit Court Division 3 budget to the jurors and witness fund.
An ordinance to amend the Baxter County Personnel Policy Manual for the Sheriff’s Office and enforce the emergency clause was approved by the court.
A resolution was passed confirming the appointment of Katrina Neis to the Baxter County Library Board for a five-year term.
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