Before regular business began at this month’s Union County Quorum Court meeting, a resolution was passed honoring Union County Coroner Curtis Butterfield, who died on July 4.
The resolution stated that Butterfield served more than 15 years as coroner of Union County and more than 10 years as Union County Road Supervisor. He had also previously served on the Parkers Chapel School Board, the Parkers Chapel Fire Department and the Union County Quorum Court.
“Now, therefore, be it resolved that the Union County Quorum Court pause in its deliberations to mourn the death of Curtis Butterfield, distinguished citizen and devoted member of this community,” the resolution stated.
In addition, two more resolutions were passed concerning the corner’s position, including declaring a vacancy in the office and appointing a successor to fill the vacancy.
Felton Burgie was appointed to fill the position until December 31. Burgie is a pastor at Morning Star Baptist Church and is a previous part owner of Sims Mortuary.
The resolution authorized Burgie to be paid the total amount of salary, sick leave, vacation time and all salary benefits accruing during the period he is in the position.
County Judge Mike Loftin said Burgie has been a deputy coroner “for a short time,” and has received help from deputy Martavious Carrigan and two other deputies.
In other business, an ordinance was passed appropriating $2 million from the Solid Waste Capitol Outlay funds to resurface four roads in Union county.
The money comes from a reserve budget from a one cent sales tax that was passed for solid waste. Loftin said the county receives 36 percent of the sales tax and the city of El Dorado receives 52 percent, with the remaining monies being dispersed between the other cities in the county.
“The 36 percent that the county gets funds solid waste, commercial waste and any excess monies goes into this account for roads a bridges,” Loftin said. “If there is any need, then this court has to vote on it.”
The roads in question include 4.5 miles of Hibanks road, 1.3 miles of Morning Star road, 1.5 miles of Kenova road and 3.2 miles of Braswell Corner, plus a section of Silver Hill Loop, Loftin added.
Loftin said for Hibanks, Morning Star, Kenova and Braswell Corner, the cost is over $1,900,000 just for the asphalt, “not counting hauling, laying, labor and fuel,” he added.
Justice Cliff Preston voiced concern about taking the money from the reserve, saying “I’m excited that we’re going to be able to do some work, but we have to be careful.”
Union County Treasurer Debbie Ray explained the increase of the reserve, stating that it has gone up from $6.2 million in 2014 to the currently being $8.2 million.
“We’ve got the money to use,” Justice Cecil Polk said. “I don’t think it’s going to put us in a crutch, from past experience.”
The ordinance passed, with all present justices voting “yes.”
Justice Johnny Burson voiced concern about repairs needed at the Union County jail and said that they would amount to around $500,000.
Justice Mike Dumas suggested that the jail committee come up with an exact amount, “and take those dollars out of that reserve account that we just removed that $2 million from.”
The topic will be discussed at a later date, when the jail committee has an exact dollar amount of repairs needed.
In other business, an ordinance was passed accepting the state offered election equipment. The ordnance reiterated that the equipment will not be used in the November election.
The ordinance listed the election equipment that will be given to Union County “at no cost.” Also included was assurance from the Secretary of State that all training and installation, plus maintenance and other items would be paid for.
Union County Clerk Shannon Phillips noted that the ordinance states that the equipment would not in operation in November, but was concerned that it would be implemented in the school board election next year.
“We’re restricting it not to be used in 2018, but I think it should be until 2020,” Phillips said. “If we’re going to have one time that they’re going to send someone to be here with us, I think it needs to be on an election where we’ve got a lot of activity.”
Justice Harrison said that there were 11 people that voted in the last school board election.
Justice Polk said when he talked to Kelly Boyd, chief deputy with the Arkansas Secretary of State’s Office, it was his understanding that the county can choose when the election equipment is used in an election.
The quorum voted 9-0 yes, with Justices Ross Burton and Carolyn Jones being absent.
Kaitlyn Rigdon can be reached at 870-862-6611 or [email protected].