The Nevada County Quorum Court met this evening to discuss the premium pay and amounts for employees and elected officials of the county. The court voted and approved the max amount of $2 an hour premium pay for the county employees; however, the premium pay for elected officials and JPs is still undetermined. Because the laws and guidelines for the American Rescue Plan (ARP) funds are new, there are still questions and concerns regarding how exactly the relief funds can be used and for whom. Some court members expressed to those present in the courtroom that they want to approve a premium pay for all, yet be certain they are operating within the confines of the law. Then a discussion was held about alternative courses of action to take so the premium pay can be approved for elected officials and JPs, as well.

County Clerk Julie Oliver and Judge Mark Glass both shared with court members that a representative from Southwest Arkansas Planning and Development will travel to Prescott next week and meet the Quorum Court to relay information and answer questions about the ARP funding. The court members said they will then vote on this issue at the next regularly scheduled meeting December 14th.