Pike County Quorum Court July meeting

During the Pike County Quorum Court’s regular monthly meeting on Monday night, several important issues were discussed.

Pike County Judge Eddie Howard presented a letter from Erica Tidwell regarding the termination of the hospital lease agreement due to the failure to obtain grants for the project. The letter, dated July 2, 2024, indicated a release date of July 31, 2024.

Judge Howard also introduced an emergency ordinance aimed at protecting the traveling public and maintaining county roads. This ordinance would safeguard county road rights of way and authorize the removal of obstructions. However, when Clerk Randee Reid read the ordinance aloud, it faced strong opposition from the quorum, and no motion was made to proceed with its passage.

Additionally, Judge Howard shared letters from CADC notifying the termination of the lease agreement for the senior citizens’ premises by July 31, 2024, and the ceasing of head start operations due to lost grant funding. The grant was awarded to Arkansas Early Learning in Bentonville. Howard mentioned that AEL is still reviewing which locations to shut down or keep open.

Lastly, Vicki Hutson discussed reduced funding and provided comparison charges for Murfreesboro and Glenwood locations. She encouraged everyone to contact their representatives to advocate for increased state rates.