The Van Buren County quorum court voted unanimously to amend a 2024 appropriation so maintenance-fund money can be transferred among county upkeep projects, a move officials said is intended to let the county address multiple building needs without seeking new appropriations.

Virgil Lemmings sponsored the ordinance, which would allow $20,000 appropriated under ordinance O2024-26 to be used for maintenance items beyond the originally earmarked north-annex roof repair. "It has not been completed," the presiding officer said of the roof work, and members noted other issues — including additional leaks and failing air-conditioning units — that the maintenance fund could cover.

Court members discussed the county’s bid process for the roof and said a contractor has been selected; the county will pursue a broader maintenance plan at the budget committee meeting. The ordinance passed on a roll-call vote with all members present voting yes.

The court said the budget committee will take a closer look at remaining maintenance needs when it meets in September, and any specific transfers will be handled under the amended maintenance-fund authority.