Sheriff seeks grants for new cars, deputy

The Clay County Sheriff's Department currently is seeking grants in order to add a new deputy and help with the cost of purchasing new vehicles. Sheriff Gerald McClung told the Clay County Quorum Court during Monday night's meeting at the courthouse in Corning the main reason he has not yet made arrangements to purchase new vehicles to replace those currently operating with high mileage is due to the possible availability of grants which will cover 45 percent of the cost for new patrol cars. McClung said he wants to save the county money where possible.

McClung also said he is looking into a grant which will cover the cost of adding a deputy for three years.

Flagpole Request

The Court approved a request from Veteran's Affairs officer Tommy Huggins for assistance in finishing the installment of a planned flagpole for the county courthouse in Piggott. Huggins requested financial assistance of up to $1,600 in order to erect the 40-foot lighted flagpole recognizing the service and sacrifice of all American veterans. The flagpole is to be placed on the walkway near the main entrance in front of the Piggott courthouse. The Court also approved a request to purchase two flags per year for the memorial.

Organizers have collected more than $2,500 in funds for the flagpole to date.

Marker Approved

Larry Holifield of the Clay County Genealogy Society asked the Court's permission to place a marker in honor of the county's first elected officials on the north corner of the Court Square in Piggott. The memorial, which will feature the names of officials from 1873-1874, will face the four-way stop at the intersection of Main Street and Highway 62.

Ordinance 2009-06

The Court approved Ordinance 2009-06, allowing for a voluntary tax to be assessed to personal property exclusively for the benefit of the Clay County Fair and organizations involved therein, such as 4H. The measure would add 0.5 mills to property taxes. As it is a voluntary tax, the additional payments are not mandatory and serve as a way for those interested in helping the fair to do so.

In other business, the Court:

* Approved the passage of Ordinance 2009-03 to clean up the 2008 budgets.

* Approved the passage of Ordinance 2009-04, appropriating funds for polling sites in Peach Orchard and Nimmons; appropriating $677.36 from state emergency funds to the County Roads budget for fuel expenses, and appropriating $3,876.75 to repair damage to a sheriff's department vehicle.

* Approved Ordinance 2009-05 prohibiting farming on the right-of-ways along county roads. The ordinance established a maximum fine of $500 for violators.

* Approved the purchase of two emergency generators for the county jail. The estimated cost for the generators is $100,000.

* Heard from McClung the jail received a good report during its recent inspection.