County board reviews variety of issues Monday

Updates and continuing discussion about several issues were among the highlights of discussion at this week's regular meeting of the Union County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting was Monday afternoon at the Union County Courthouse in Jonesboro.

The commissioners recessed this week's meeting until 4 p.m. Monday, Nov. 30.

The commissioners plan to meet again on the last day of November to finalize action on budget matters. The county's new fiscal year begins Dec. 1.

In business at this week's meeting:

The county board approved the sale of a surplus 1999 ambulance. The vehicle had been retired by  the Union County Ambulance Service.

Two bids were received for the ambulance. The commissioners approved a high bid of $4,102 from Wright Bros. Automotive in Jonesboro for the vehicle.

The commissioners on Monday also approved fee increases for the operation of the ambulance service.

Union County Ambulance Service director Bill Bowen said increased fuel costs were a key factor behind the rate increases, which go into effect Dec. 1.

One of the key rates which was changed covered the per-mile cost for transporting a patient. The fee will go from $8.50 a mile to $10.50 a mile.

The commissioners, along with Union County State's Attorney Tyler Edmonds and county engineer Kevin Grammer continue to work on finalizing Union County Highway Department employee policies and procedures.

The policies will cover a wide range of concerns: Orientation of new employees. Drugs and alcohol. Civil rights. Professionalism and courtesy.

Employee conduct. Distribution of materials. Employee attire. Performance standards.

Ethics. Use and disposal of county property. Violence in the workplace.

The commissioners hope to act on the policies and procedures at their next meeting.

Commissioner Randy Lambdin gave an update about the awarding of several grants generated through the Southern Five Regional Planning District. Lambdin and Anna resident Gary Dahmer represent Union County on the Southern Five Board.

The Union County Sheriff's Department and the Anna Police Department are slated to receive more than $5,000 in matching grant funds for the purchase of bulletproof vests.

Another grant of nearly $35,000 will help the Anna Police Department to purchase a squad car.

Lambdin also reported that the county is close to receiving $490,000 in state grant funds which will be utilized for local levee improvements. The funding originally was announced in the fall of 2008.

The commissioners accepted the resignation of Larry Carter from the Union County Hospital District Board of Directors. The resignation was effective Nov. 1. The commissioners plan to seek the names of possible candidates to fill the vacancy.