Howard County Quorum Court Approves 2024 Budget Amendments and Prepares for 2025 Budget

Monday morning, the Howard County Quorum Court met and passed an amendment to Ordinance 2-23-10 to amend the operating budget of 2024.

Two of the adjustments were for the Howard County Sheriff’s Office due to refunds that the department received. The total adjustment to the Sheriff’s Office line item was $2,645. The other adjustment was for the Circuit Clerk’s office in the amount of $768.

Justices of the Peace also approved an amendment to the 2024 budget in the amount of $73,231.55 in bonuses for all of the county employees. Bonuses ranged from $250 to $1,000.

JPs discussed the 2025 budget. They pointed out that the Howard County Farmer’s Market had requested $3,000 for maintenance to the building, but the quorum court budgeted $1,500. The budget includes a 5 percent raise for all county employees and $14,400 in expenses for the newly formed State District Court Judge position. The funds will allow Judge Jessica Gunter to remain in her current office for 2025, however, it was stated her office will move to the City-County building in 2026. The 2025 budget totals $3,532,605.

County Judge Brent Pinkerton presented to outgoing Justices of the Peace with plaques and thanked them for their service.

Pinkerton thanked Bobbie Jo Green for serving the final 11 months of the unexpired term of Bobby Don Turner who passed away in 2024.

Pinkerton also stated Martha Hobbs would not be returning to the Quorum Court next year after serving since 2001.

Pinkerton said he will declare a vacancy in January for her seat, since no one ran to fill her position.

The next meeting of the Howard County Quorum Court will be held on Thursday, January 2 following the swearing in ceremony at 9:30 am.