Pubdate: Tue, 18 Apr 2006
Source: Texarkana Gazette (TX)
Copyright: 2006 Texarkana Gazette
Contact:  http://www.texarkanagazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/976
Author: Jim Williamson, Texarkana Gazette

FEDERAL GRANT HELPS BANKROLL MILLER COUNTY DRUG TASK FORCE

A check for $44,468.04 was hand-delivered to the Miller County 
Judge's Office Monday for a grant to fund the salaries of two agents 
with the Bi-State Narcotics Task Force.

Without the check, Miller County faced termination of its 
participation in the task force, said Justice of the Peace Jimmy 
Hickey, during the Budget and Finance Committee meeting Monday. 
Hickey is the committee's chairman.

The grant was funded by the U.S. Department of Justice and paid 
Miller County's portion for the salaries of two agents with the task 
force. Texarkana, Ark., also received grant money to fund salaries.

Hickey said a City of Texarkana, Ark., employee delivered the check 
to Carla Jenkins, administrative assistant to County Judge Roy John McNatt.

"We've been trying to track this money down for the last three weeks. 
It will take care of us for the remainder of the year," said Hickey.

"If the money had run out, we would have to discontinue it. It was so 
important to take care of this to pay the salaries," he said.

During the discussions of the budget committee, JP John Haltom asked 
McNatt if he was sending a monthly bill to the City of Texarkana, 
Ark., for its share of the costs of operating the Lantz Lurry 
Juvenile Detention Center.

"We can send them a bill each month," said McNatt.

Haltom suggested sending a bill after each quarter of the year.

"If we don't send a bill, the city will ignore it," said JP Ernest Pender.

"It becomes implied indifference," said JP Joe Gillenwater, referring 
to the need for the county to keep reminding the city of the costs to 
operate the JDC.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman