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 Covington Roofing to complete the work. The County Judge said Covington "was by far the lowest bid" among informal quotes and noted the firm offered a 20-year warranty, which influenced the recommendation. Court members said the emergency clause was used because the leaks were significant and required prompt work to mitigate mold risk.

Other budget items the court adopted included: - Reappropriation of $56,861.01 into the Corps of Engineers budget to reflect contracted funds saved in 2024 that should carry into 2025. - Acceptance and appropriation of an insurance payment for the Road Department after an electrical fire; the amount read into the record was $109,370.38 and was allocated to Fund 2000. - An amendment in the 9-1-1 dispatch fund changing three specific part-time positions to a single part-time allocation (same total dollars) to provide scheduling flexibility for dispatch staffing. - Replacement/creation of a part-time position in the Solid Waste Fund (3009) for 20 hours per week at $15.50 per hour, with associated benefits and payroll taxes; total appropriation listed as $17,737.83. - Addition of $1,553,569.65 into the county road fund to account for grants received during the year (the court identified two grants by name during the meeting: Rabbit Ridge and Euler). - A transfer to the county general reserve fund described in the ordinance text with conflicting figures read aloud during the meeting: the ordinance opening read "$2,238,484.73," while a subsequent sentence stated the transfer amount as "$238,484.73." The court approved the transfer; the transcript contains both figures and the clerk's office will have the official final figure in the recorded ordinance.

The court also adopted a resolution declaring a vacancy in the office of Justice of the Peace for District 4 after accepting Mary Phillips' resignation effective Jan. 25, 2025. The resolution cites Amendment 55 of the Arkansas Constitution and Arkansas Code §14-14-1309 for the vacancy declaration. The court discussed the governor's appointment process; Melody Boza of the governor's office was reported to have emailed to say the governor's staff was attempting to streamline appointments.

A brief, required hot-check report was presented by Carol Crews for transparency; no substantive questions were raised. A resident, Katie Eisenhower of East Mountain, offered public comment thanking officials for their service.

Votes at a glance - Ordinance O202505 (reappropriate $56,861.01 into Corps of Engineers budget): Approved, roll call unanimous (Nikki: Yes; Sarah: Yes; Bradford: Yes; Bailey Robertson: Yes; Paige: Yes; Lemmings: Yes; Esther Bass: Yes). - Ordinance O202506 (appropriate $109,370.38 insurance proceeds to road fund): Approved, roll call unanimous (same voting members as above). - Ordinance O202507 (change 3 part-time dispatch positions to a part-time allocation): Approved after suspension of rules for three readings, roll call unanimous. - Ordinance O202508 (emergency appropriation $54,498.91 and award to Covington Roofing for North Annex roof): Approved with emergency clause, roll call unanimous. - Ordinance O202509 (add/replace part-time solid waste position; total $17,737.83): Approved after suspension of rules, roll call unanimous. - Ordinance O202510 (add $1,553,569.65 to county road fund for grants): Approved, roll call unanimous. - Ordinance O202511 (transfer to general reserve — conflicting figures read: $2,238,484.73 and $238,484.73; official ordinance record to confirm final amount): Approved, roll call unanimous. - Resolution R2025-01 (declare vacancy in JP District 4 following Mary Phillips' resignation): Adopted, voice vote (aye unanimous).

Discussion and next steps Court members emphasized that some items were housekeeping tied to using the 2024 budget as the 2025 baseline; several appropriations were needed only because grants or insurance receipts were not reflected in the adopted 2025 operating budget. Members asked for a follow-up strategic plan on funding the remaining section of courthouse roof not yet replaced; the court discussed that the remaining section could cost roughly $100,000 and that prior work carries a 20-year warranty. The County Judge said midyear budget reviews would clarify whether higher-than-projected carryover becomes a recurring pattern that would allow budgeting the final roof replacement without financing.

The court adjourned after routine closing business.