The Sharp County Quorum Court met in regular session Aug. 11, approving the hiring of a new county attorney; receiving an update on the extended expiration of a sales tax and reviewing an executive order allowing UTVs on public roadways.
Following the approval of minutes from previous month’s meeting, the court moved on to hearing department reports.
Treasurer Wanda Girtman said there have been some changes to the end date for the current sales tax benefiting the jail.
“I have spoken with the lawyer that did our legal stuff for our jail bonds. You cannot decrease the sales tax until you pay off our bond. They will be paid off Sept. 2. $1,075,000 plus interest. Once they are paid off there is a form that has to be signed by our county judge and trustee that we have to mail to Little Rock before Oct. 1,” Girtman said. “Once they receive that the sales tax cannot be decreased until a new quarter starts. But it will be reduced Jan. 1. What we hoped would be the last of June, will now be the last of December because of the way the state runs things. The monies will be collected and will be given to the county to do as we see fit.”
Justice of the Peace Tommy Estes inquired as to how the new legislative changes with regard to recording deeds was going.
Clerk Alisa Black said it means that individuals cannot bring in deeds on an individual basis unless it is the grantor. She noted the change is to reduce fraud.
“They have to have a copy of their drivers license to have it recorded. If there is more than one grantor, only one grantor has to bring in their ID,” Black said.
Collector Michelle Daggett said she had submitted her report and did not have any comments at this time.
Assessor Kathy Nix turned the court’s attention to the more than $4 million of new construction assessed for 2025.
“I didn’t know if you caught the new construction $4,783,709 find this in recording or paperwork. It had been a good year,” Nix said.
The sheriffs report was of interest as Chief Deputy Bart Simpson provided an update regarding the ongoing mold problem at the jail.
Simpson said a team had been present at the jail working to combat the mold problem as of last week and equipment to expedite the process had been ordered.
Services from the jail yielded $33,329.38 in total revenue.
“NCIC for phones was $1,277.27; video visitation $99.60; messaging $305.74; Tiger $1,502.02; nicotine sales $4,515.59; ADC housing $23,360; indigent supplies $36.38; OTC $261.63; prescriptions $238.31; county property $52.61; medical $120.22 and Commissary. $709.15,” Simpson said.
He then drew the court’s attention to the county jail’s rating which was as listed at 99.99 percent, making them the number one in the state.
A correspondence was provided to the court between James Mirus, Loss Control Specialist and employees of the sheriff’s office, Mirus said “It was determined unanimously that there was one single check that took away your facilities 100 percent for this month. I have no doubt you guys will be the first facility to hit 100%.”
With no old business to discuss, the court moved on to new business and an appropriation for a new camera system.
Judge Mark Counts said there was an ongoing issue with the county’s existing camera system.
“We’ve got cameras all over the courthouse and they’ve been going down. Our system is worn out and is of no quality anymore. We got Chip Kietzmann to give us a bid, the bid will allow us to get a new system,” Counts said. “When I talk about a new system not only the cameras listed there but a hard drive and other equipment as well. It’ll also be monitored by the state police.”
The cost of the new system is $35,000. The court agreed to utilize $359.65 from LATC and $34,640 from remaining Corona Virus funds.
Court moved to accept estimate approving it unanimously.
Counts then shared new signs would be going up inside the courthouse in the coming days to help patrons better navigate and find the offices they’re seeking.
An executive order pertaining to the operation of Utility Task Vehicles (UTV) on public streets and highways was also discussed.
“Back during session one of our state reps from the area wanted to do something for UTVs and so me and sheriff went down in support,” Counts said. “Making it a county decision instead of a state decision. Cities can also do an ordinance in their city allowing if they want.”
The order, in conjunction with recent legislative changes, allows the operation of UTV on public roadways in unincorporated areas of the county.
“UTVs which are properly equipped and insured as required by Act 922 of 2025 may comprise a functional and efficient means of local travel of on the county roads and qualifying state highways within the unincorporated areas of this County,” the order states.
By the order a UTV is designed as 80 inches or less in width; travels on no less than four low pressure tires; has a steering wheel; has non-straddle seats; has a rollover protection system and is designated for or capable of travel over unimproved terrain.
Golf carts, riding lawn mowers, all-terrain vehicles, and lawn or garden tractors are not included.
No UTVs may be operated on public streets or highways that have a posted speed limit exceeding 55 m.p.h.; is a divided four-lane or is located in a state park.
Any UTV being operated on a public roadway must have at least two headlamps; rear-facing turn signals; at least one break light and seatbelts.
Any operator of the UTV must: have a valid drivers license; be subject to the restrictions stated in Arkansas Code 27-16-804; register the UTV and display the registration decal for the UTV on the drivers side roll bar; maintain insurance; carry proof of insurance covering the UTV as required by law and comply with the rules of the road.
An ordnance to appoint and compensate a county civil attorney was also approved.
“I’ve got one more thing this evening, Larry Kissee resigned as our county attorney. He’s got some health issues,” Counts said. “And so he has resigned. I know the appointment of an attorney is my call, but I don’t want to do it unless the court is aware of it. Sam Kiefer is here tonight. The City of Ash Flat is hiring him as their City attorney and I’ve asked him to be our attorney as well.”
The court was in support of hiring Keifer as the county attorney and approved the ordinance.
Judge Counts requested to add Keifer to the county’s retirement package. The court was in agreement.
Keifer who was in attendance, accepted the position. The court then adjourned.
The Sharp County Quorum Court meets the second Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at the Courthouse in Ash Flat.
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