State Representative Sonia Barker attended the Bradley County Quorum Court meeting on Tuesday, January 17. She represents District 96 which includes parts of Bradley County. She spoke before the quorum court about her background. She and her family live in Smackover. She was a teacher for over 30 years. She is serving her fourth time as legislator.
She mentioned she served on the education committee and the transportation committee. She is also on the Joint Audit and the Joint Energy Board. She told the quorum court she carried the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in the state.
Leslie Huitt, CEO of the Bradley County Medical Center, presented her report to the quorum court. She said it’s a hard time for hospitals. She said reimbursements should increase next year. She also stated she met with the USDA and applied for a $1 million grant to repair the roof of the hospital. If the application is accepted, the hospital will pay the rest of the $650,000 for the repairs.
Justice of the Peace Pat Morman said the ambulance services had improved. Huitt said the ambulance service has been responsive to their requests.
It was also reported that the Bradley County Medical Center Board appointee French Wynne III would fill Kenneth McDougald’s position on the board. The hospital board still has one more vacancy to be filled.
Bradley County Judge Klay McKinney reported there was eight inches of flooding in the last storm. The county used 278 loads of gravel to repair the roads in the county.
The courthouse had new flooring and carpet installed.
The judge stated the county received a $7,200 grant to refurbish the bell tower clock. Completion is said to be done in the next few weeks. He reported the total cost for the bell tower renovation project was $495,074. Much of the funding came from grants.
Judge McKinney was chosen to represent southeast Arkansas on the Association of Arkansas Counties board.
Judge McKinney also reported the county has seen an “epidemic” of stolen street signs since Christmas break. About 30 street signs had been stolen including Stop signs on county roads. He said it costs the county money to replace the signs. He warned if anyone is caught stealing signs, there would be consequences. The judge stated cameras would be installed to catch anyone stealing signs.
The next quorum court meeting will be at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, February 21. The meeting will be at the Bradley County Courthouse in the courtroom. The meeting is open to the public.
