The Baxter County Quorum Court met Tuesday night in a short session.Before regular business, the Court heard a presentation from Dawn Downing-Wahl on behalf of the Baxter County Conservation District. The Conservation District’s Board of Directors is asking the Quorum Court for funding for $4,000 to help supplement their operations and the services they provide to Baxter County residents. Through various programs, the Conservation District assists in curbing water erosion, conserving soil and water resources, establishing wildlife habitats, managing forest lands and restoring wetlands. They also rent equipment necessary to carry out soil and water conservation. The Court did not act on the request at this time.
In new business, the Court approved appropriation ordinances for:
– Appropriating fees and reimbursements received in September to the Sheriff’s Office;
– Appropriated funds in the amount of $25,000 from the special jail fees fund and $3,000 from the county detention facility fund into the jail maintenance and operations budget;
– Appropriated funds in the amount of $49,470 for the purchase of a generator for the Baxter County Sheriff’s Office Administration Building. These funds were budgeted in 2022 and needed approval to be carried over;
– re-appropriating of fees in the amount of $373.80 in the County Clerk’s budget and $467.59 into the recorders cost fund budget for expenses;
– Appropriated $32,043.97 from the employee liability fund into the airport and sheriff’s office budgets to fund employee payouts;
– And re-appropriating of funds in the amount of $2,500 within the Prosecuting Attorney’s budget for future overtime expenses.
The Court approved an ordinance levying millage taxes on political subdivisions in Baxter County for 2023 by public election. The millage taxes approved are not new, but they must be voted on each year to keep them active.
Ordinance 2023-42 was amended to include reimbursement for state-mandated training for election officials. In previous years, the state would reimburse commissioners directly. Now, the state sends the funds to the County. As the compensation rate differed, the ordinance needed to be amended to reflect the change.
The Court approved an ordinance adopting the updated voting center plan for the next election cycle. In 2024, First United Methodist Church (FUMC) will be available as a polling center, allowing for the consolidation of the Baxter County Courthouse and the Election Commission Headquarters. Both locations will be held for backup locations if needed. FUMC will allow for easier access than the Courthouse or Election Commission Headquarters.
In closing business, a resolution was passed confirming the appointment of Sherry Milhon to the Henderson Volunteer Fire Department Board of Commissioners for three years, with the term to expire in October 2026.
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