JPs approve training funds

By REVIS BLAYLOCK

NEA Town Courier

The Mississippi County finance committee discussed training funding at the Monday afternoon meeting. Justice Michael White, chair, opened the meeting welcoming Clif Chitwood, county economic developer.

Chitwood and committee members discussed the importance and success of the career training in both north and south ANC campuses.

“If you want a job in Mississippi County, you can have one,” Chitwood said.

Chitwood requested $250,000 for training.

Justice Molly Jackson said it is going to a good program and she made the motion to move forward with the $250,000 which was approved unanimously. The request will move to the full court which will meet Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 6 p.m. in the Osceola courthouse.

Justices present were Jackson, White, Rick Ash, Betty Hepler, Tobye McClanahan, Cecil McDonald and Harbans Mangat.

Chitwood then requested $180,000 for 18 new jobs. He said TMT, a fabrication company in Caruthersville, Mo., plans to expand and open a location in Mississippi County. Chitwood said they will be making a large investment in Mississippi County and plan to have 18 new jobs. The jobs they offer will have good salaries for the employees.

Following a discussion the committee voted to move the request to the full court.

Justice White said they will be wrapping up the year and some of the expenditures will be carried over to January and February. He did point out that the road department had some expensive repairs and had purchased three vehicles.

Justice White reminded everyone and encouraged them to attend the Dec. 17 meeting, the last one of 2024. He also said it will be the last meeting at the Osceola courthouse. The meetings will be moved back to the Blytheville courthouse for the 2025 meetings.

Justice White said Judge Dan Ritchey had received a grant for $2,600. Judge Ritchey requests using the grant for supplies ($1,200) and miscellaneous ($1,400). There was no objection to adding the request for approval to the December meeting.

The committee discussed the America Rescue Plan funds with Justice White explaining the county will need signed contracts for all ARP funds used and designated projects by the end of the year.

Treasurer Candice Nichols and finance director Kelli Jones said they have several contracts and copies of payments for the work done and the grants along with a list of all expenditures since 2021.

The committee had no objection to Jones and Nichols identifying the contracts and moving forward with submitting the needed information.

A lease/purchase agreement for five trucks was discussed and approved to add to the December agenda. White explained the trucks are used for hauling gravel and are leased for five years. The county has the option to turn those in and receive new vehicles or purchase the used ones. Justice White said in the past they have chosen to take the new trucks.

“It has been a good deal for the county,” he said.