Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Company looking at hospital, raises given

Plans for the old hospital building were addressed at the regular monthly meeting of the Quorum Court.

The Nevada County Quorum Court met Monday, August 12. The court began the night with updates from the Nevada County Economic-Development Office Executive Director John Chadwell. Chadwell told the court that a prospect has been found to occupy the old hospital building. The only problem is that the prospect can not lease the building for the amount that the county must lease it. Chadwell suggested that the court give Judge James Roy Brown, along with the county attorney, permission to hand the building over to the city of Prescott. This, said Chadwell, would give Prescott the opportunity to lease the building at a lower cost allowing the prospect to move into Nevada County. Chadwell would not release the name of the prospect but said that they are expected to bring more jobs into the community and to make repairs on the old building. The court gave an unanimous vote giving Brown permission to make the final decision. A decision cannot be made until Chadwell addresses the Prescott City Council and they agree to take the building from the county.

The map has finally arrived showing the status of the rural water. Chadwell said that he has been working with volunteers who will go door-to-door encouraging easements to be signed. Chadwell said there are some places where easements aren't important because the lines can be broken off, however there are some spots that easements must be passed to get water to individuals who need it.

The ACE program, or Arkansas Community of Excellence, is still going strong in Nevada County. Chadwell stated that the committees are working to finalize goals. One committee is speaking to cities around the county to find out the needs of their communities. Chadwell updated the pocket parks concluding that they were coming along nicely.

The court then reviewed the estimated revenue for Nevada County deciding on a $525 raise across the board to all full time Nevada County employees. A 3% raise will be given to part time and $40 will be added to the Quorum courts yearly pay.

Dale Booker addressed the court with news of the 911 services. Booker gave plans for the renovation of the Nevada County Sheriff's Office that will house a more organized 911 system. The renovations include new roofing and sidewalks, new entrance into the jail, electrical work, air conditioning, and relocation of equipment. The new dispatch will be located away from the jail area giving the dispatchers more room to work. The new 911 service will have maps that will be able to pinpoint the area in which a 911 call has been made. The service will eventually even be able to locate cellular calls withing Nevada County. Booker said that the total cost of renovations and equipment will require $59, 990. The court approved $60,000 to be given to the new 911 system.