The Miller County Quorum Court decided to compromise and approve $250,000 for repairs Monday on county roads instead of the original request of $500,000.
Incumbent Miller County Judge Roy John McNatt wanted $500,000 to continue the road repairs by Dec. 31 when he leaves office. Tax Collector Cathy Hardin Harrison will become the county judge Jan. 1.
"This is the road season," McNatt said. The weather this time of year is usually conducive to road repair because the season is usually drier, he said.
"I'm glad they will let me use the money," McNatt said.
The budget committee questioned if Harrison would lack funds to continue road repairs.
The compromise was approved to budget half of the $500,000-$25o,000-for McNatt's road repairs.
The money was appropriated by the Quorum Court meeting.
The justices of the peace questioned the amount of roads repaired and asked for a map showing the roads which needed repairs and the roads which had been repaired.
The justices of the peace voted to approve McNatt using the $250,000 until the money is used up on roads. If the weather reduces the road work, he can save the money and let the new county judge determine the roads to be repaired in 2019.
The Quorum Court also approved an agreement with the city of Texarkana, Ark. for a grant. Miller County and the Arkansas side will split $17,095 grant from the 2018 Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Program. The sheriff's department share will be $5,983. The city's share will be $11,112.
The grant will be used to purchase law enforcement equipment as needed.