Eight justices were present for the Mississippi County Finance Committee meeting on Monday afternoon discussing software, finance, senior citizen part-time position, ANC/Workforce program, and other issues.
The meeting was called to order by Justice Michael White, Finance Committee Chairman. Steven Savage, County Public Affairs Director, introduced Krystal Hays with Municode who gave a Zoom presentation to the committee to discuss software that would be used to store ordinances and resolutions with a secure server. The public documents would also be available for citizens to have easy access.
Savage had discussed the software with the finance committee at a previous meeting. Savage said he would be responsible for placing the older documents and the new ones on file.
Hayes gave a demonstration of the software and answered questions. If the service is approved, the cost will be $350 a year.
Hayes recommended no sensitive materials be placed on the site. She went on to say it is an easy program to use.
Following the presentation and discussion, the committee voted to present a resolution to the full court with a recommendation to move forward with Municode.
Amanda Adams, senior citizen center director, addressed the committee about reinstating a part-time custodian/driver position.
She said in 2019 and 2020 they had cut the budget and did away with a part-time custodian position. The AAA was providing a part-time helper in the Older Worker Act. That will be stopped as of July 1.
Adams said even though they have not been able to gather, they have provided 700 meals a week to senior citizens.
“We anticipate opening back up in the near future,” Adams said.
They will be requirements such as temperatures taken at the door, listing of names for tracking; the seniors will be served individually.
“There will be changes for the staff,” Adams said.
She asked the committee to consider restoring the position of a custodian/driver for 3.8 hours a day. Adams pointed out they did cut $9,000 from their budget last year by going with the county for auditing.
The committee approved the part-time position, starting July 1. It will cost approximately $5,850 for the remainder of the year.
“What they do for our older people is tremendous,” Justice Whtie said. “I know it has been devastating for our citizens since the senior center has been closed. I know they are looking forward to getting the center back up and running.”
Justice Reggie Cullom asked if that was enough.
Adams replied “for right now it is.”
Justice Molly Jackson said the Energy and Property committee met last week. She said the contractor has extended the courthouse project into September due to weather and other issues. She recommended an appropriation of $310,000 to the Blytheville Courthouse construction fund.
The committee discussed the old and new copper used at the Osceola Courthouse renovation.
Justice White said the Planning and Development committee met and discussed adding $200,000 to the Workforce Training program at Arkansas Northeastern College. This provides training for specific jobs.
Following a discussion, the committee tabled the decision until they talked with Clif Chitwood, Mississippi County Economic Developer, for more information.
Justice White said he is still looking at getting the lower tiers on the pay scale improved and they would discuss that later.
He encouraged anyone who could to attend the insurance meeting on Friday. There should be an update on the lawsuit for unpaid medical bills.
Kelli Jones, county finance director, reported on the new software. She said it has been working well since April 1. Right now since the first quarter is on the old system, she is having to work out of both systems.
“Overall, it is an easier system to use,” she said.
Harley Bradley, tax assessor, said they had started their new software the first of the year and it is going well. He said he has had good comments from realtors and others.
The committee discussed the options, comp time or overtime, for the newly combined 911/OEM officer.
Justice White said the officer is very busy right now and comp time might be difficult. White said he is in favor of paying overtime as of now.
“Be thinking about it and we may need to appropriate overtime funds,” Justice White said.
Justice Cullum said they need to pay the man for the hours he works. Justice Jackson agreed on the overtime pay.