Pope County quorum court approves multiple appropriations, creates courthouse security deputy

At a recent meeting of the Pope County Quorum Court, justices adopted several appropriation ordinances covering jail security upgrades, courthouse building repairs, a library grant account and a new courthouse security deputy position. The actions were approved by roll call votes during the court’s regular session. The court voted to appropriate $37,187.31 from the general fund for the detention centers department to add security around the booking area. Justice Sour moved the measure and it carried on the roll call. The court also approved creation of an additional full‑time sheriff’s deputy position, titled “courthouse security,” and appropriated $17,203.24 from the general fund for the sheriff’s department to fund that position. Justices adopted an appropriation of $300,000 from the county’s surplus investment fund to the County Buildings Department for roof replacements including the courthouse and the courthouse annex; the money will allow the county to advertise for bids once work scopes are finalized. The court also approved an $11,000 appropriation from the library fund tied to the E‑Rate grant process. A separate ordinance to transfer funds within the 2025 fiscal budget for the treasurer’s department was approved by the court after roll call. One ordinance (agenda item 7) was withdrawn after legislative audit advice indicated it was unnecessary when no purchase or interest payment was involved. Discussion on the items was limited and procedural; roll calls on each ordinance are reflected in the meeting record and were announced by the county clerk. No individual opposed the appropriations in the roll‑call votes reported on the record, and one member was noted absent during at least one roll call.