Clinton County Fiscal Court held a special end-of-the year meeting last Tuesday evening, December 13 prior to the annual employee Christmas dinner. All members were present and the meeting had only limited items of business on the agenda.

The court, on separate motions, approved both the county clerk’s and sheriff’s office budgets for the coming calendar year, 2017. Both are similar to the 2016 year budgets.

The court then approved the monthly treasurer’s report, which County Treasurer Tuesday Davis noted had a format change and was more detailed in the breakdown of totals.

The court, following some questions about some bills presented, also approved a motion by magistrate Johnny Russell to pay claims and bills on a 4-3 vote. Russell and magistrates Hershell Key and Terry Buster voted in favor while Magistrates Ricky Craig, Mickey Riddle and Patty Guinn again voted no, each again citing opposition to the county pay for work release jail inmates’ lunches.

One again, judge/executive Richard Armstrong broke the tie with a yes vote to pay claims and bills, including inmate lunches.

The only other item of business approved was four fund transfers, including $20,000- from the Occupation Tax fund to the ambulance service; General Fund to the jail in the amount of $60,000 and General Fund to the ambulance service for $20,000 for a total of $100,000 in transfers.

After the meeting was adjourned, court members briefly discussed the problem of county road signs being torn down and/or stolen across the county.

Magistrates and judge Armstrong cited the dangers it caused when signs are not up on a particular road when emergency service personnel such as police, fire and ambulance services are trying to find a specific location during an emergency.

Judge Armstrong also noted that violators would be arrested and prosecuted if caught stealing or tearing down signs, which is apparently a problem almost county-wide.

The next regular meeting of Clinton Fiscal Court is scheduled for Thursday, January 19 at 5 p.m. and is open to the general public.