The Howard County Quorum Court seemed inclined to support a request for a grant for the North Howard Rural Water Association, during the court’s regular meeting for October, Monday.
The JPs, however, won’t get to vote on the item until the November meeting, giving County Judge Brent Pinkerton time to learn if the county can legally make the appropriation.
Representing the water association, Monday, were Tina Chism and Jerry Mounts who told of expenses related to repair of leaks in rural lines. Mounts said that there had been three major leaks this year, sometimes leading to a 45% loss of water. An ongoing problem with the water lines is that they were laid in the rocky ground of North Howard County by crews that were accustomed to laying lines in soft soil.
JP Kerry Strasner, himself a customer of the water association, moved for a $22,000 appropriation if legal, and he emphasized that it had to be a one-time assistance. The issue was tabled.
The court heard a brief update by Vanessa Weeks, executive director of Developing Howard County, who said that there had been a visitor to the Husqvarna site last month.
JPs present for the meeting included Don Marks, Jerry Harwell, Kerry Strasner, Bobbi Jo Green, Andy Hogg, Martha Hobbs, Liz McDaniel and Janet Lay O’Neal. Constitutional officers present were County Judge Brent Pinkerton, Treasurer Sheri Mixon, County Clerk Keri Teague, Sheriff Bryan McJunkins, Tax Assessor Cindy Butler and Circuit Clerk Angie Lewis. Also present were administrative assistant Kelly Windham and clerk aide Betsy Mercado, along with JP-elect Juanita Jackson.