Howard County Judge – Elect presides over September Quorum Court meeting

Howard County Judge Kevin Smith did not attend the September Quorum Court meeting. Office of Emergency Services coordinator Cecil McGee informed the JPs that Smith was on vacation and that Judge Smith had asked him to preside over the meeting.

JPs researched the recommended protocol concerning who would preside over Quorum Court meetings in the absence of the county judge and then voted to have Howard County Judge Elect and current Quorum Court member Brent Pinkerton to preside over the meeting.

County Treasure Sheri Mixon reported the county’s sales tax collection was up from last month. She said the county also spent about $12,000 to renovate the new Office of Emergency Services office in the old hospital building by using  American Rescue Plan funds.

McGee also presented a proposal to replace the florescent lighting in the senior citizen building. The project cost was $12,542. JPs voted to table the issue until next month, since Judge Smith wasn’t present to answer any questions about the project.

JPs heard an update on Howard Memorial Hospital’s 3rd quarter goals and year-to-date financials. 

JPs also voted to approve a resolution authorizing the county judge to sign an application for an Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program grant to benefit the North Howard County Rural Water Association with needed upgrades to their water system.