By Ray King
An ordinance to reappropriate $3 million to Southeast Arkansas College that was apparently lost in the mail was recommended for approval by the Jefferson County Quorum Court Tuesday night.
According to County Clerk Shawndra Taggart, the check had been mailed to SEARK in regular mail and had not been deposited or cashed by SEARK.
Taggart went on to say that the county mails millions of dollars in checks out every year and has never had a problem before.
Justice of the Peace Glenda Daniels questioned the appropriateness of using regular mail instead of registered mail, particularly because of the amount of the check.
After the meeting, County Judge Gerald Robinson said both sides had good points.
The check has been voided, County Treasurer Vonysla Goodwin said.
Also recommended for approval was an ordinance permitting county employees who retire or the family of employees who die to be paid for unused sick leave.
Employees who have at least 50 hours, but less than 60 hours of sick leave will be eligible to receive 50 percent of the number of accrued sick leave days at 50 percent of the employees daily salary. The figure increases as the number of sick leave hours increases but no employee may receive an amount that exceeds $7,500 upon retirement or death.
In addition, employees qualify for the Arkansas Public Employees Retirement System normal retirement.
If approved when the Quorum Court next Monday, the ordinance will be retroactive to Feb. 1.
