BENTONVILLE -- Wet weather has put Benton County behind schedule on its 2015 road plan according to Jeff Clark, county Public Services administrator.
Clark, who heads up the Road Department, briefed the Quorum Court on Thursday on the status of the department's program of work. Clark said since Jan. 1, more than 56 inches of rain has been reported in Benton County. In a normal year, he said, the county would have had about 40 inches of rain in the same time. From May 1 to May more than 20 inches of rain has been reported.
Clark said the department has planned to pave about 53 miles of road with a $2.2 million road paving budget. He said that, weather permitting, the county should be able to complete that plan of work.
"We're still very optimistic," he said.
Susan Anglin of District 9 said the rain is also beneficial.
"Just a word of encouragement," she said. "In 2012 we had no rain. Life is a lot better with rain."
The justices of the peace heard a request for county support for a spay/neuter clinic that Spay Arkansas would like to open in Benton County. Romaine Kobilsek with Spay Arkansas and Linda Pickens with Fabulous Felines spoke in favor of the request. Kobilsek said the group operates a clinic in Springdale and about half of the animals brought in for services are from Benton County. She said the group is seeking about $24,000 a year from the county to "sponsor" the clinic. the group would provide the equipment and staff needed to operate the clinic.
"We have the tools, the knowledge and the opportunity to help you help your citizens," she said.
The question was referred to the Public Safety Committee. Joel Jones of District 8 and chairman of that committee said he will set a meeting sometime in June. Bob Clinard, county judge, said the county and the Humane Society for Animals in Rogers are discussing the continuing use of the services of the shelter for stray dogs and could include that group in the discussion.
The justices of the peace acted to fill the post of surveyor Thursday while declaring a vacancy on the Quorum Court. Ronald Ridout, who held to position of county surveyor for about 38 years, died in March. Vacancies in county elective offices are filled by the Quorum Court. Michael Jame of Gentry was the lone applicant for the position. According to information he submitted to the county, James has been working as a surveyor out of the Gentry are since 1982.
The justices of the peace took no action Thursday to fill a vacancy in the District 11 seat on the Quorum Court. Steve Curry, who is in his third term on the Quorum Court, resigned from his seat earlier this week, saying a new job will leave him without enough time to handle his duties as a justice of the peace.
Arkansas law requires his seat be filled by appointment by the governor. Tena O'Brien, county clerk, said Thursday the county has to advertise the vacancy and then have the Quorum Court declare the position vacant.
NW News on 05/29/2015