OSCEOLA -- Residents in unincorporated areas of Mississippi County should soon be able to purchase flood insurance, after members of the Quorum Court unanimously approved yet another revision of the county's flood plain ordinance Tuesday night.
Justices passed the measure last month, but that version was rejected by the Federal Emergency Management Agency because it included a phrase that protected the interests of the St. Francis River Levee District.
Another added phrase, making it acceptable to continue normal agricultural operations, was approved by FEMA. But the phrase regarding the levee district was not, because the county had no jurisdiction over lands owned or managed by the levee district.
The ordinance will be sent to FEMA first thing this morning, said David Lendennie, the county's flood plain manager.
"They've promised to reinstate (the county into the National Flood Insurance Program) as expeditiously as possible," Lendennie said. "We don't know if that will take two hours, two days or two weeks."
Insurance agent Shawn Chaffin of Osceola questioned Lendennie after Tuesday night's meeting, saying some of the mortgages held by her client were in jeopardy due to the county's suspension from NFIP.
"I've got customers with foreclosure notices going out," Chaffin said.
She assured Lendennie that she would be "checking with him in a couple of days" to see if the county is reinstated to the program.
All justices present voted in favor of the measure. Justice Donnie McDaniel was unable to attend the meeting, but voted favorably on the ordinance last week during an emergency committee meeting.
In other business, the court approved an appropriation ordinance setting aside money to pay county employees for a partial pay period at the end of the calendar year. The pay period actually continues into the next calendar year. By making the appropriations, the bookkeeping will be much easier, said County Judge Steve McGuire.
The court also unanimously approved a resolution honoring Justice Tommy Dilldine, who served as the District 2 JP since 2005. Dilldine died suddenly on July 3.
The resolution reads, in part: "That Justice Dilldine served honorably and made significant contributions toward the goal of improving the quality of life for the residents of Mississippi County;
"That this court deeply regrets the death of Justice Dilldine and expresses sincere appreciation for the valuable services and contributions Justice Dilldine rendered Mississippi County and its citizens."
A copy of the resolution will be presented to Dilldine's family.
The court has declared the District 2 seat on the court to be vacant and is awaiting an appointment by Gov. Mike Beebe to serve the district as JP for the remainder of the term, which ends Dec. 31.
Dilldine was running unopposed for another term on the court.
The county's Democratic Central Committee will meet in special session Saturday to choose a candidate to place on the November General Election ballot.
dhilton@blythevillecourier.com