Clinton County Fiscal Court met in special session a week earlier than usual last Thursday, December 13 at the Community Center with all members present.

There was a short agenda of business, but the court also recognized retiring County Court Clerk Jim Elmore, as well as holding the annual county employee Christmas dinner shortly following the business portion of the meeting.

The court first approved the treasurer’s report and fund transfers, as well as voted to pay claims and bills.

Director of Emergency Services Lonnie Scott and County Attorney Michael Rains briefly discussed the need for a procurement code to be added into the county’s Administrative Code under policies and procedures.

Scott noted it was getting harder to get grant funds, and fund applications now need a copy of the county’s procurement code attached when applying for funding.

Attorney Rains had researched a copy of the procurement code Wayne County has and recommended the court adopt a similar version, noting the importance of the county to have one.

Following a brief discussion, a motion was made by Magistrate Hershell Key to adopt, via resolution, a Procurement Code for Clinton County, which passed by unanimous voted.

Judge/Executive Lyle Huff then announced recommendations for two members to be appointed on the County Extension Service Board, including Colby Guffey and Nathan Groce, both of whom received court approval.

Judge Huff presented court members with budget mandated appropriations for review purposes only, noting it would soon be time once again for the county to put together another fiscal year budget.

Sheriff Rick Riddle then presented the court information about a grant application from the Department of Homeland Security, which if funded, would cover 100 percent of the cost for additional body armor, or bullet proof vests, for the department. A motion was made by Magistrate Patty Guinn to proceed with the application, with the motion passing unanimously.

Following adjournment, Judge Huff, and the fiscal court presented County Clerk Jim Elmore with a plaque commemorating his 23 years of service to the county. Elmore will be retiring from the position at the end of the month and Deputy Clerk Sheila Braswell-Booher will be sworn in to fill the unexpired term on December 27.

The next regular meeting of Clinton Fiscal Court is scheduled for Thursday, January 17 at 5 p.m.

Clinton County Fiscal Court, along with other county officials on hand, paid tribute to outgoing County Court Clerk Jim Elmore following a fiscal court meeting last Thursday evening, December 13. Judge/Executive Lyle Huff also presented Elmore, who will be retiring later this month after having served for 23 years, a plaque of appreciation.

Pictured above, from left, are: County Treasurer Dallas Sidwell; Magistrate Mickey Riddle; Elmore; Sheriff Rick Riddle; Elmore’s wife, Diane; Judge Huff; Magistrate Terry Buster; Magistrate Patty Guinn; Magistrate Phillip Parrigin; Magistrate Hershell Key; Magistrate Ricky Craig; County Attorney Michael Rains and Jailer Gene Ferrell.