Van Buren County quorum court approves multiple budget amendments, emergency roof repair and declares JP vacancy

The Van Buren County Quorum Court met and approved multiple budget amendments and appropriations, authorized an emergency roof repair for the North Annex, and declared a vacancy in Justice of the Peace District 4 following the resignation of Mary Phillips.

The actions adjusted several 2025 budget line items across county funds, reappropriated unspent contracted money for work with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, accepted an insurance payment for a road-department fire loss, changed part-time staffing language in the 9-1-1 dispatch fund, added a part-time position to the solid waste fund, and moved grant money into the county road fund. The court also approved an emergency clause and awarded the North Annex roof work to Covington Roofing to address active leaks and a mold risk.

County Judge comments framed much of the discussion. He noted several personnel changes on the court, including that Mary Phillips had resigned and that Rabia Mays had been selected by the governor to fill another vacancy. "She is a very intelligent, classy individual, and she's gonna bring a lot to court," the County Judge said of Rabia Mays. The judge also detailed road maintenance challenges during a difficult winter and walked through budget carryover figures when members questioned funding for building repairs.

On the emergency roof repair, the court approved an emergency ordinance to appropriate $54,498.91 into the maintenance fund for the North Annex roof and to authorize…