Pike County Quorum Court

Pike County Quorum Court met Monday night with Judge Mack calling the meeting to order at 7:00pm. The Court voted and approved to establish a special revenue fund to be called The American Rescue Plan Fund. The U.S. Treasury released an interim final rule last week dictating how governments can use these funds. The intent being that local governments use these funds to continue vital public services, retain jobs, support economic stabilization for households and businesses, and address systemic public health and economic challenges that contribute to inequities during the pandemic. 

Judge Mack later requested funds be made available for the purchase of a new oil truck for the road department. Mack stated the current oil truck owned by the county is inoperable and beyond repair. Because of this, Mack said the county had to borrow an oil truck from Montgomery county to complete the last road project. He stated that $94,000 was remaining in the budget for this purchase but he would need approximately $110,000. The Court passed a motion to allow Judge Mack to find funding to cover this expense. 

Finally in Pike Counties Quorum Court a proposal was made to introduce a non-profit detox/rehab facility for Pike County. Erica Tidwell, a certified prevention specialist and ministry director for Celebrate Recovery, took the floor and spoke of the need for such a facility in our area. She said the closest facility was 2 hours away and asked the court if they would consider allowing the hospital building to be used to open this center stating she needed to secure a building before she could apply for her 501-C3 license. Which is a federal tax exempt license for non-profit organizations. The court supported Tidwell in her interest but stated they believed there may be a lien remaining on the hospital from the last owner. They agreed to look further into that and revisit Tidwell’s proposal at the next meeting.