A committee of the Jefferson County Quorum Court on Tuesday tabled a request by the Sheriff’s Office for more than $645,000 to pay deputies’ salaries until more information can be obtained.
The $645,468 requested reflects the difference between what the Sheriff’s Office asked for in the 2018 budget from the Public Safety sales tax and the money that was appropriated.
“I understand the need, but there is no money in County General and 68 cents in the Public Safety sales tax,” Dr. Herman Ginger, chairman of the finance committee of the county’s legislative body, said. “We need to get more information and then either table it or vote it down.”
County Attorney Jackie Harris said that when the 2018 budget was being prepared, he was unaware that salaries for deputies were being paid from sales tax receipts. A supplemental appropriation was done in February for salaries, and Harris said those funds will run out at the end of this month.
Jimmy Fisher, who is chairman of the Public Safety Committee, tabled the proposal and called a special meeting of that committee at 5:15 p.m. Monday, prior to the regular monthly meeting of the Quorum Court.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
Also Tuesday, a proposed appropriation ordinance for the Jefferson County clerk for $10,000 was recommended for approval.
In a letter to County Judge Booker Clemons and members of the court, County Clerk Shawndra Taggart said the funds are needed to cover election expenses for early voting for the May political party primary elections. She said more money will be needed if there is a runoff.
Also recommended for approval was a $5,395.40 transfer from the county judge’s budget to the line item for the county attorney.
Those items will be voted on when the Quorum Court meets at 5:30 p..m Monday.