An ordinance allowing Jefferson County’s building superintendent to do business with companies owned by his relatives is expected to be approved by the County Quorum Court when they meet Monday night at 5:30 p.m.
The proposed ordinance said the owners of Dorsey’s Plumbing, Kirby Plumbing and Mechanical and Tidwell Plumbing are related to Thomas Tidwell, who is county building superintendent and who makes most decisions on who is called to do work for the county.
During committee meetings last week, County Judge Mike Holcomb said similar ordinances have been adopted in the past affecting elected officials, including current Justice of the Peace Lloyd Franklin II, who does computer work and repair for the county.
Holcomb said all three companies mentioned in the ordinance had done business with Jefferson County for a number of years, and that Tidwell has also used a number of other companies for county work.
To satisfy concerns from some members of the county’s legislative body, Holcomb said he would have the county attorney at the meeting Monday to answer any questions they might have.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Also on Monday, the Quorum Court is expected to approve a $24,500 appropriation for juvenile justice education from the Juvenile Justice Education Fund for maintenance and operations.
Juvenile Center Administrator Lee Johnson said the school is funded by the state, but this year, the state’s juvenile detention centers did not receive an anticipated budget increase.
A $20,778.48 appropriation for various county departments with the funds coming from insurance reimbursements and grants is also expected to be approved.