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GoogleThe recommendation will be sent to the governor's office since the approval of Governor Mike Beebe is required to make the appointment official.
The court went through similar measures earlier in the year following the death of justice Rex Smart.
"It's been a difficult year as far as dealing with the loss of our JPs," said County Judge Gary Howell. "I hope everyone keeps the families of Rex Smart and James Jeffress in mind. They both spent a lot of time working for the people of Clay County."
NARIFA Discussion
Barry Sellers spoke to the court regarding the Northeast Arkansas Regional Intermodal Facilities Authority (NARIFA), an organization founded with the goal of bringing a Fortune 200 industry to the area.
NARIFA, which is developing a location near the Walnut Ridge airport, hopes to bring in a major corporation with the goal of creating 1,000 new jobs in the area. Even in Walnut Ridge, such a boost would likely have positive economic effects on neighboring locations such as Clay County.
Clay County voted to join the organization in August. Sellers approached the court in order to remind the county of the program's plans and work underway.
Department Updates
State Rep. Mike Patterson spoke briefly to the court, thanking members for their efforts in working for the betterment of Clay County. He pointed out the hard work done at every level in state and local government and noted that by working together, smaller areas, such as Clay County, can achieve more.
Patterson said the state will have an additional $2.9 billion for projects and programs through the release of stimulus funds. Patterson feels that, between the number of agencies at work in the area, Clay County will be qualified to receive extra financial assistance in the coming year.
Patterson also noted the work done by Sheriff Gerald McClung, pointing out the state of Arkansas has 16,000 people in its prisons with an annual cost of $400 million for those currently incarcerated and an additional $100 million for various release programs.
"A lot of places in Arkansas have problems with their jails, but we're not one of those places," Patterson said. "I think that tells you about the kind of job the sheriff and his staff are doing on a regular basis."
McClung voiced his appreciation for the court's support during his first year in office.
"You put a lot of confidence in me," McClung said. "I appreciate that and will continue to work hard to deserve that confidence."
McClung thanked the court for its work in making improvements to his department.
"We've got the fleet (of patrol cars) up; that's thanks to you. Our jail's in good shape. It's all due to a joint effort. Everybody has worked together and tried to do the best they can and it shows."
McClung also noted his department has significantly cut down on comp time, with all deputies and employees currently possessing no more than 10 days. He also pointed out the jail's new generator is fully operational.
In other business, the court:
* Adopted Ordinance 2009-17, appropriating funds and amending the 2009 budget.
* Adopted Ordinance 2009-18, adopting an operating budget for 2010.
* Adopted Ordinance 2009-18, amending the employment policy handbook, with the county reimbursing travel pay at the current state level.
* Approved Resolution 2009-14, declaring a vacancy in the position of justice of the peace for district 3.
* Approved Resolution 2009-15, in order to meet the Rural Housing Service requirements for a BRAD Head Start expansion. The addition will allow for the care of 30 infants and will create nine new jobs.
* Approved Court Orders 2009-53 and 2009-62, in order to remove outdated items no longer in use by county departments.
* Approved the minutes from the November meeting.