During February’s Independence County Quorum Court meeting, County Judge Robert Griffin recommended using American Rescue Plan funds sent to the county to build a new Senior Citizens Center.
Independence County Senior Citizens Center Executive Director Selina Wallis said plans have been developed to locate a new facility on Elm Street, near the Batesville School District administrative offices.
White River Area Agency on Aging Director Ted Hall and Mitzi Hargan with White River Planning and Development spoke in support of using the American Rescue Plan funds supplemented by $300,000 in grants.
The judge also recommended the court use the remainder of the Rescue funds, around $3 million, for law enforcement. Sheriff Shawn Stephens suggested some be used to upgrade the HVAC system at the detention center, noting it would cost less than $100,000. The remaining funds could be used in other law enforcement areas of need.
The quorum court voted for President Biden’s American Rescue Plan funds to be spent in three areas:
- A new Senior Citizens Center
- Upgrade the HVAC system at the jail
- And the remaining funds in law enforcement
Have a news tip or event to promote? Email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And don’t forget to download the White River Now mobile app from the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Get up-to-date local and regional news/weather every weekday morning and afternoon from the First Community Bank Newsroom on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also aired weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and Your FM 99.5.
