All justices and newly elected County Judge Mark Counts we’re present for the first Sharp County Quorum Court meeting of 2023.
As were newly elected Sheriff Shane Russell and Chief Deputy Bart Simpson.
While briefly discussing budget, Treasurer Wanda Girtman noted the road department has a few pieces of equipment which have yet to be repaired. She stated since repairs were not made and billed in 2022, they would fall under the 2023 budget. She noted funds could be reappropriated if the need arose.
Girtman also said in 2022 $200,000 was approved for new sheriffs department cars to be paid out of a savings account and funds had moved from checking to savings to cover the purchase.
The next order of business was to pass an ordinance, Ordinance 2023-1 to establish a new line item in the budget of the county treasurer and county clerks office.
The purpose of the ordinance is to establish a county general sub fund to be the called DOJ (Department of Justice) Juvenile Court Grant Fund was passed after three readings due to the emergency clause attached.
All justices voted in favor of the ordinance with each reading.
The next order of business was the resignation of Justice Todd Price.
Price has accepted the position as the new County Road Superintendent and cannot serve in both positions for the county.
“For those that don’t know, Todd Price will take over as county road superintendent he is willing to step down as J.P. and I appreciate his service to the court for the last 14 years,” Judge Counts said. “If you hear of anyone interested in serving out the term please contact the judges office. The governor will make the appointment.”
At this time. Price and Wacey Smith will serve as co-superintendents for the road department.
A vacancy was then declared for the position of Justice of the Peace District 9 for Sharp County.
Names of interested candidates must be submitted to the governors office within 10 days time.
Price was applauded for his service.
Justice Tommy Estes recommended former County Judge Larry Brown be contacted about the vacancy.
The meeting was then adjourned
Lauren is a an award-winning journalist who decided after 10 years of newspaper experience to venture out. Hallmark Times was born.
