The entirety of the meeting can be seen below this article.

Johnson heard a letter from Arkansas State Senator Steve Crowell read aloud by Cherrie Wilson, a staffer in the County Clerk’s office, that commended Johnson for his time in public service. 

“For the past 45 years, you have embodied steadfast leadership as a member of the quorum court, you have improved the everyday lives of area citizens through your public service, and I hope you look back with great pride on your personal and professional accomplishments,” Crowell’s letter said. It came with the presentation of a flag that had been flown over the state capitol December 6th and a commemorative coin. 

Johnson gave a speech in which he joked about first being approached to run for Justice of the Peace in 1979 and discovering his opponent, C.J. Childers was a relative of his wife.  “She didn’t want me to [run], so I did and I did get elected,” he said. 

“I've enjoyed being on the court. I thank you.” 

Also attending the last regular meeting of his term was JP Kenneth Bailey who said after the meeting he was not sure yet whether he would run to retake the seat from Regina Irizarry who defeated Bailey in a Republican primary runoff election April 2nd. There was no Democratic opponent. 

“It's been quite a privilege to be on the quorum court. I really enjoyed it, and I'm kind of looking forward to the rest of it now, because sometimes it can be trying on my emotions, so at that point, I won't have to worry about that anymore,” he said.  He said the state of his future health would be important to his decision of whether to run again. 

After County Extension Agent Stacey Stone announced he had taken some students to see the Farm Bureau convention in Little Rock, County Judge Otwell introduced an ordinance to spend the remainder of the county’s American Rescue Plan Act funds. The county is under the obligation to obligate $57,580.49 by December 31st.  The ordinance allots $1,923.45 to equipment and installation/service for television in the courtroom, $11,837.87 to a hot water heater for the jail, $6,425.50 to two storage containers, $1,830.72 for AC unit covers, $20,185.04 for panic buttons for the courthouse, $12,844.19 for an AC unit for the Nevada County Health Office, $827.65 for an electric stove for the health office and $1,706.52 in electrical work for the county shop. 

The ordinance was passed unanimously with an emergency clause. 

Judge Otwell then called for the scheduling of a budget committee meeting. After discussion, it was decided it will take place Friday December 13th at the courthouse at 10:00 a.m. District Prosecutor Ben Hale, acting in his capacity as county attorney, said he would be in Little Rock at a state elected prosecutors’ meeting, but would be available to answer questions sent to him by email. 

A party for county employees will be held at Ko-Fields December 23rd at noon. 

The meeting adjourned at about 5:30 p.m.