Quorum court members approved routine budget ‘housekeeping’ ordinances, Tuesday, in February’s regular meeting postponed by the federal holiday.

Justices approved appropriation of $4,500 from the Criminal Justice Fund for ammo and replacement pistols for the sheriff’s office. Old pistols will be traded-in, deputy Brian McJunkins told the court. Funds from the account are restricted, and purchases of new firearms are among the few acceptable uses.

The county will not be “out” any money for a clerk working the “hot check” efforts of the office of Prosecuting Attorney Bryan Chesshir. Chesshir told the court that the grant which pays for salary fell about $1,400 short, and the shortfall will come from the hot check reimbursement fee account.

JPs also approved four minor changes in the employee handbook as requested by

Sheriff Butch Morris who was not at the meeting.

Two lengthy ordinances amending the county budget were read and approved.

Hospital administrator Debra Wright gave her February report and talked about the hospital’s high rating on the level of quality care. Howard Memorial was one of only four Arkansas critical care hosptitals which scored 100% on an independent ‘report card.’

Wright also gave the hospital’s financial report for chief financial officer Bill Craig who was unable to attend. Wright said that the hospital had enjoyed a favorable month financially in January.

County Judge Kevin Smith noted that recently-returned Legislative Joint Audit Committee Report which he said found no problems in the county.

All JPs were present for the February meeting including: Dick Wakefield, Jeanie Gorham, Jerry Harwell, Kerry Strasner, Bobby Don Turner, Cotton Cothren, Martha Hobbs, Brent Pinkerton and Janice Huffman. Constitutional officers present included Judge Smith, Treasurer Sheri Mixon, and Chancery Clerk Bobbie Jo Green. Standing in for the county clerk was deputy Betty Wisnewski. Also present were legal counsel Dan Graves and administrative assistant Kookie Buice