JPS to consider grant funds for Paron park

The Saline County Quorum Court will consider applying for grant funding to provide a park for the Paron community during its meeting Monday.

If approved, the resolution will allow the county to apply for FUN Park grant funds through the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism to develop the park.

According to the ADPT, FUN Park grants provide up to $50,000 in funding to municipalities with populations of 2,500 or less and unincorporated communities sponsored by their county government. The funds are available for the development of open-air, outdoor recreation facilities, but do not cover pools or splash pads. FUN Park grants do not require matching funds from the applicants.

If the grant is approved for the park development, the county must provide land by lease or ownership to develop the facilities and agree to maintain the park and facilities for a period of 25 years.

The Justices of the Peace will also consider an appropriation ordinance that will fund a school resource officer for the Harmony Grove School District.

According to the ordinance, the district and the Saline County Sheriff’s Office have entered into an agreement that will provide the SRO. The starting date for the officer will be Aug. 12.

The total amount of the appropriation will be $32,645. The ordinance also states that all appropriated expenses of the position will be reimbursed by the school district and that the position will only last as long as reimbursement is received.

Other items on the agenda include:

•An appropriation ordinance transferring county general funds in order to fund part-time help for the Office of Emergency Management.

•An appropriation ordinance transferring Saline County District Court Automation funds in order to cover the costs of district court-related technology.

•An appropriation ordinance concerning security grant funds for 2019.

•An ordinance amending the Saline County Personnel Policy concerning statement of earnings information.

•The re-appointment of Terry Nichols to the Board for the Turtle Creek Subordinate Fire Improvement District.

•The appointment of Lindsey Jordan to the Saline County Public Library Board. If approved, Jordan will replace Linda Edwards whose term expires on June 30.

•The re-appointments of Matt Nalley and Adam Worford to the Saline County Planning Board.

The committee will meet in Courtroom 1 at the Saline County Courthouse, located at 200 N. Main St. in Downtown Benton.

The meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m. and is open to the public.