The Hempstead County Quorum Court met in special session Monday night to discuss ARP Premium Pay for county employees.

After opening in prayer, reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and calling roll to establish a quorum, the court discussed the options for Premium Pay under the American Rescue Plan (ARP). It was determined that some of the funds available under the ARP would be used to pay county employees who are currently employed, or who have continuous service (having left county employment and returned to serve again). A motion was put forward to use ARP funds to give Premium Pay to those employees in the amount of $3 per hour retroactively from March of 2020 to September of 2021 for eligible time employed by the county. The motion passed.

In addition, it was brought to the attention of the court that a Sheriff's Department vehicle with an exhaust leak needs to be replaced. The court will discuss the future of the vehicle during their next regular meeting on November 18.