QC hears about future finances

Poinsett County Justices, Monday night, heard positive statements from Poinsett County Assessor Johnny Rye, Jr. about the future of the county's financial condition.

Rye, who serves on the Legislative Committee of the Association of Arkansas Counties, told justices that the Arkansas Legislature has already passed a number of bills that will aid Arkansas Counties.

One of those, House Bill 1382 has already been signed by the governor and will take effect 90 days after the legislative session ends. This bill allows counties to make adjustments to the misdemeanor and violation fines which are currently at $5. Raising the $5 amount to $20 would generate approximately $70,000 more dollars for the county jail to use, according to Poinsett County Sheriff Larry Mills.

Another bill, House Bill 1719, is currently in the Joint Budget Committee but is expected to pass. This bill would add $3,000,000 to statewide turn-back monies which would mean an additional $38,000 to Poinsett County this year.

Several other bills mentioned by Rye could generate more money for the county, including a bill that would increase the 911 charges on cell phone bills from 50 cents to 65 cents.

Poinsett County Judge Charles Nix introduced Poinsett County Extension Agents Rick Thompson, Craig Allen and Sharon Linder. Nix also told justices that he may very well invite other departments to future court meetings in an effort to educate. "This can be very useful information when it comes time to do budgets. We will all actually know what these departments do," said Nix. The three then presented a short program to the court that explained all the areas of operation for the extension office.

Thompson told justices that Poinsett County was fortunate to have its' own acreage for research.

"We have 15 acres for rice and eight acres for soybeans within the county," said Thompson.

"We want everyone to know also, that we are an unbiased source that the people can come to with questions," said Thompson.

Thompson said that the Farm Family of the Year program was his favorite part of the entire year.

"This is a very humbling experience for these farmers and their families. They always deserve the honor, but never feel like they do, so it's just great to be a part of that," he said.

Linder told justices that much work is being put into the 4-H program county wide and that this year she would like to see EHC clubs reformed in the communities of Marked Tree, Weiner, Fisher and Lepanto.

"All these areas have had EHC clubs at one time and I want to do my best to get them back to where they used to be," said Linder.

Allen told justices that the extension office puts a lot of time into grant research and applications.

"We secured about $24,000 in agriculture grants this year and another $10,700 in 4-H grants," he said.

Nix told justices that his office had began the applications for the next round of grants for the restoration of the county courthouse. Grants received over the last three years have taken care of the roof and drainage problems that the building had.

"We should have the roof work to the point where we can begin some tile work inside," said Nix.

Nix said he fully expected to get the next grant and that by May, he hopes to be putting together a building committee for the purpose of evaluating what needs to be done inside the courthouse.

Justices also voted to approve two appropriations and transfer ordinances.