By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
In a continued attempt to balance the budget for the St. Francis County Road Department, members of the county's budget committee agreed Tuesday to a measure that will pay close to $73,000 each month to the department for the remainder of the year.
Budget committee members voted unanimously Tuesday to approve the move suggested by committee chairman Henry Wilkinson. While Wilkinson suggested that the commission agree to appropriate $72,600 per month for the remainder of the year, he also asked the commission to only approve the appropriation for the next two months and to revisit the situation in November.
"I want to make sure that people understand that the budget committee does not run any of the departments in the county government. The road department is under the guidance of St. Francis County Judge Carl Cisco. This has been an issue for much of the past eight months, and we knew a few months ago that we were going to have to appropriate more funds for the remainder of the year. It is now time for us to do that," Wilkinson said.
Wilkinson also asked St. Francis County Clerk Elizabeth Smith if it was possible to not pay bills once the budget for the next two months has been met.
"Basically I'm asking that once the total of $72,600 has been met, nothing else is paid," Wilkinson said.
Smith agreed, and Cisco told committee members that efforts would be made to stay within the budget constraints not only for this year, but also in 2005. While Cisco agreed to work within the budget, he informed committee members that the move would force changes in how the road department works next year.
"We've been working under the new budget for the past few months, and we're going to continue to work within the budget for the remainder of this year and into next year. But by doing this, you're going to see a drastic cut in major projects on county roads. We'll basically only be grading roads and dumping the occasional gravel. The only paving projects will be our state aid projects," Cisco said.
In 2003 approximately $1,820,000 was appropriated for the road department. With the additional appropriation Tuesday, the budget for 2004 will be $1,518,376 which is a cut of $301,624. The second highest budget item for 2003 was funding for the St. Francis County Sheriff and Collector's Departments and the St. Francis County Jail. Those departments had appropriations last year of $1,630,189 and a projected budget for 2004 of $1,627,489, a difference of $2,700. The St. Francis County Solid Waste Department was third highest in appropriations with a total of $979,000 budgeted for last year. The budget for this year calls for cuts of close to $2,300 with a budget of $976,715.
Cisco also asked the commission for its approval to hire an additional person to assist election coordinator Judy Armstrong with the November General Election. Cisco also asked justices to consider budgeting a new position at the beginning of next year which would make the job permanent.
Following issues in the 2002 Primary Election, Cisco made the same request of justices which was defeated by the full court. Last week, members of the county election commission were admonished by the State Board of Election Commissioners for more than 20 violations found in the May Primary this year.
"Last week I was in Little Rock for a meeting between our election commissioners and the state, and it was pointed out that more than 20 violations had occurred during this year's primary election. I suggested a couple of years ago that we hire someone who would be responsible for seeing to it that we were in compliance with all the laws. My suggestion right now and I've spoken with Joe (Joe Young election commission chairman) and he agrees that they need someone to assist their coordinator who is under contract with this next election and maybe it will run a little more smoothly," said Cisco.
Justice Evans Seawood also commented on the situation. "Folks, I'm serious about this mess, and I've been reading it in the newspaper and I don't care if people get mad at me. I had this question two years ago, and I still have the same question. Is the St. Francis County Election Commission running on autopilot? Is Mrs. (Bettye) Proctor running this thing; Is Mr. Young running it? Who exactly is supposed to be in charge? I read that we lost close to $6,000 last week, and I don't understand why the county should have to continue to bite the bullet for their continuing childish mistakes. As a matter of fact, I think that if we can't have any input and we can't tell them anything, then we need to deny them funding just like the state," Seawood said.
Another county commission was also mentioned last night when Justice Regan Hill asked that the quorum court and the budget committee to be more involved with implementing guidelines for which the transportation commission would be governed.
Hill's motion to getting the committee's approval to formulate a letter was passed, but the motion did not go without questions. Hill, who also serves on the transportation commission, quoted a June audit report questioning why funding for the proposed transportation mall had not gone through the proper county government channels as his basis for his request.
"There have been funds that have been brought in that we, the quorum court, are responsible for, according to the audit report. I have talked to the county attorney and the commission's attorney and both have told me that ultimately the quorum court is responsible for the commission's actions. Because of that, I feel like we need to be more involved in establishing guidelines for this commission and any other commissions to follow," Hill said.
Seawood not only disagreed with the need for the quorum court's involvement, he also suggested dropping the idea of a transportation mall.
"I just don't get this. If we get involved in this thing we're just going to open a big ol' can of worms. The way I see it is that someone got selfish and then they got upset when they couldn't get their way, and I'm not going to get involved with that. The only thing that I would vote yes to is getting rid of the whole transportation mall idea," Seawood said.
"I may not have any master's degrees from any universities, but I have so much common sense that it hurts me to walk sometimes, and I can see what's going on. You had five commission members and you couldn't get your dirty work done, so you added two more and still couldn't get it done. Now, you want the quorum court to get involved, but you won't get this black man caught up in this mess that's been made," Seawood said.
By KENDALL OWENS
T-H Staff Writer
A project to possibly bring a solid waste site to St. Francis County is moving on to the second stage, according to Solid Waste Committee Chairman Regan Hill.
Hill updated members of the committee Tuesday on the possible waste site.
"We spoke with an engineer who has worked with solid waste sites, and we also spoke with a couple of gentlemen regarding what was necessary to proceed with the next phase of this project. We also received a positive response at a meeting last month of the East Arkansas Solid Waste District. Right now, the next thing that we have to do is make a request for a certificate of need. That process includes site location, having tests done on that location to make sure that it passes all governmental regulations and holding a public hearing," Hill said.
Committee member Evans Seawood questioned the order for the next phase, suggesting the public hearing take place earlier in the process.
"The public hearing thing is the part that I want to hear about. I think that the people should be able to give their opinion on this thing before we go through all the other processes just to find out that the people don't want it," Seawood said.
According to Hill, the process for receiving the certificate of need is established by the EAWSD and has to be followed in that order. No land would actually be purchased before the public hearing is held.
St. Francis County Judge Carl Cisco told committee members that the possible need for an additional landfill could be pressing due to circumstances at the other two waste disposal sites in the area.
"We have two landfills, one (Phillips County) with several violations and the other (Crittenden County) which can't handle any additional loads if the first one is closed down. I don't know how the landfill is coming along on correcting its violations, but those violations have been there for awhile, and that's why we feel the need to open up one here. It could also be a revenue source for the county because if we opened it we would reduce the cost for our dumping and other counties would utilize the site," Cisco said.
When asked about funding for the purchase of the 300 acres which may be needed for the site, Hill told justices that grant funding is being sought.
An assistant principal at Forrest City High School was arrested on felony charges Monday after he allegedly beat two of his stepchildren during an argument at their rural St. Francis County home.
St. Francis County Sheriff's Deputies arrested Ron Chambers, 44, 69 SFC 421, Forrest City, on two counts of second-degree domestic battering following the incident that occurred Monday afternoon.
SFC Criminal Investigator Herbert Neighbors said the teenagers, ages 15 and 16, had been arguing in the car on the way home from school when Chambers started griping at them. When they arrived at home, "He took the boy in the bedroom to discipline him and when things got out of control, the girl came in to intervene," Neighbors said.
Neighbors said the children notified their mother of the incident and she called some friends who picked the teenagers up at their home and transported them to a residence n Forrest City at which time the police were notified.
The 15-year-old boy suffered injuries to his face, chest and back, and the girl's injuries were to her head area and an ankle. Neighbors said both teens were referred to the emergency room at Baptist Memorial Hospital-Forrest City for treatment where the girl was treated and released for her injuries. There was no record of the boy being treated at the hospital.
Forrest City School District Superintendent Lee Vent said the incident "at this point it is being investigated by our legal staff as to which way we should treat it." Chambers remains on duty while the matter is being investigated, Vent said.
Two people were arrested Monday in an incident in which people were allegedly attacked with baseball bats and a hammer.
According to the police report, officers were called to 936 Robinson, Apt. 23, in regard to a disturbance. Witnesses told police that several people had gotten into an argument and had beaten Roy Strope with bats and a hammer. The witnesses stated that three subjects had pushed Strope to the ground where he was beaten. Also receiving some injuries were Lance Dillard 21, of Madison, Jonathan Kelley, 21, of 65 SFC 772, and Crystal Brooks, 18, of 936 Robinson #23.
Strope 21, of 6092 SFC 284, was taken to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Forrest City where he was treated and released.
Two people were arrested in the attack. Victor Grady, 22, 165 Dogwood, Forrest City, was charged with three counts of second-degree battery. Stephanie Grady, 29, of 165 Dogwood, Forrest City, was charged with second-degree battery, criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and contempt. A third subject is being sought by police for his alleged involvement in the attack.
By ALAN SMITH
T-H Staff Writer
The Hughes City Council agreed Monday night that streets, along with water and sewer lines in Hughes, need to be repaired, but councilmen heatedly discussed which should be done first.
Councilman Jesse White led the debate with a blunt statement. "The streets are in the worst shape that I have ever seen them in. We need repairs done. We need to do them tomorrow; we needed to do them yesterday. We have trenches on Cowan Street, trenches in the middle of the street. And there are several other streets that need major work; potholes everywhere. Can't we get the city workers out and fix this?"
Councilman Rudolph Robinson said he felt that spending money for major repairs to the streets was not solving the problem. "I understand what my fellow councilmen are saying about repairing the streets," said Robinson. "But, what are we doing with the water lines? What happened to the grant money we were supposed to get to fix the water and the sewer here? If we fix the roads now, we are just farting in the wind because we aren't fixing the real problem. With the water problems we are having, we could have the roads fixed just to have them wash out again or collapse. It looks like a river with trash floating in it every time it rains in Hughes."
City attorney Jerry Roberts discussed federal grant money the city had applied for through the United States Army Corps of Engineers. "We are dealing with the federal government here," Roberts said. "Hughes is just one city that has applied for assistance from them. Until they let loose their purse strings, we have to wait. But you have to stay on them. When you call them, they might give you stock answers, 'It (the application) has been approved' and 'we will get back to you,' or 'We are looking into it.' You have to keep hammering them for an answer as to when you can get the money."
Councilman Malcolm Curne offered his opinion. "Meanwhile, since we are waiting to hear about the grant money, we need some patching done. But we need good work done. Whoever did the patching on Cowan Street put down just gravel and it didn't work. And as far as I can tell, they haven't come back to check on it."
"I am not against the city workers going out and patching streets," added Robinson. "The streets have been neglected enough, especially in certain parts of town. Now that is not the mayor's fault, this has been done for years and years. I just want us to address this and get things moving on it."
Mayor Donnie Mooney told councilmen he would have city work crews begin repairing the streets. Mooney also said that city workers have been working to handle the problems of streets flooding.
Edward Watts, the executive director of the Hughes Community Development Council, presented a request for what he called a "grant" of $4,000. Watts stated that the money would be used to provide electrical and water service to two buildings that have been donated to the HCDC to be used as activity centers. Watts had previously asked the council for another grant of $25,000, but was told by both Roberts and Mooney that it was not legal for the city to provide grant money.
"I made a request of this council for a grant of $25,000," commented Watts. "My response was a letter from the mayor and city attorney. Since I made that request, I have had two buildings donated to me. It saddens me to see children walking around each weekend having nothing to do but get in trouble. This is not a black or white thing, we have neglected all of the children in Hughes. I am requesting the council pass a resolution that will give me a grant of $4,000 to have the electricity and water turned on in these buildings. We are going to have basketball and other activities for the children there."
Roberts offered his opinion. "Legally I feel this is a request for a donation to your organization of $4,000. This is not a grant request because the city is not giving out grants. No other organizations have been allowed to apply for this 'grant.' What you are asking for is a donation to your non-profit organization. It looks to me like the city is on a shoe-string budget, and legally, I don't feel the city can give grants away."
Mooney offered a possible solution. "Many of the mayors of small towns are now trying to get grant money from the Kellogg Corporation for projects like this," added Mooney. "Maybe we can apply for a small grant from them for this project."
"We are talking about something for now, not a year from now," responded Watts. "I'm not being disrespectful, but we are neglecting our children here. We have been for years. We want to have the lights on and plumbing in the building so that this winter we can get these kids off the streets. Last year, I had a grant for computer education for the children, and I lost it because we didn't have anywhere for the project. I don't want that to happen again."
The council tabled the issue in order to review what assistance the city could legally and financially provide.
A Forrest City man remains hospitalized today from injuries he received when his motorcycle was rearended Monday night on Barrow Hill Road.
W.C. McCain, 52, 276 SFC 336, was admitted to Baptist Memorial Hospital-Forrest City following the accident that occurred about 5:30 p.m. McCain's 1994 Suzuki motorcycle was hit in the rear by a 1994 Chevrolet Corvette driven by Charles Ray Lytle Jr., 20, 115 SFC 324, Forrest City.
McCain told deputies he was traveling north on SFC 311 (Barrow Hill Road), near the entrance to Ridgecrest Club, when his motorcycle was struck from behind. Lytle told deputies he was changing the radio station in his car and did not see McCain in front of him.
McCain's motorcycle landed 219 feet from the point of impact. He was taken by ambulance to BMH-FC where a hospital official says he remains today.
St. Francis County deputies charged Lytle with following too closely on Monday night. An additional charge of reckless driving was filed against Lytle Tuesday after an affidavit was signed by McCain. Lytle was released on his own recognizance, and is scheduled to appear in St. Francis County District Court on Oct. 7.
McCain's motorcycle received an estimated $2,500 damage, and $800 damage was reported to Lytle's Corvette.
A total of 477 St. Francis County residents have taken advantage of early voting for the annual school board election set for Tuesday, Sept. 21.
Early voting is being held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. in the vault at the St. Francis County Clerk's office. The last day to early vote will be on Monday, Sept. 20.
The polls on election day will be open from 7:30 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. throughout the county.
Tonight's spotlight will be on beauty at the St. Francis County Fair, as the Junior Miss, Senior Miss and Fairest of the Fair Contests are held, beginning at 7 p.m.
The Junior Miss pageant is for ages 10-12. Senior Miss is for young ladies age 12-15. Miss St. Francis County Fair is for young women age 16-21.
Admission is $1 for children under 12 and senior citizens age 55 and older, and $2 for all others. Armbands may be purchased for $12.
Along with the midway, the Main Exhibit and Livestock Buildings will be open all day, and the Horticulture Building will open at 4 p.m. The Kountry Kitchen will be open.