10/08/2026
On October 6th at 6:30pm our Ouachita County Quorum Court (QC) met to discuss county business for the month of October.
We covered the following items:
1.) Roll call.
2.) Invocation.
3.) Pledge of Allegiance.
4.) Approval of the Sept minutes.
5.) Approval of the Treasurer's report.
6.) Audience participation:
-Paul Everet from Chidester asked the QC to entertain a motion to adopt a nuisance building ordinance for Ouachita County. He stated there are current regulations and possible vehicle tax initiatives to assist with the ordinance.
-Gladis Nettles and a county employee asked the QC to revisit their request for increased wages and possible options for the employees.
-Shadia Walker of Camden asked the QC if the Treasurer had reported in the September meeting about missing money and CDs from the county budget. Judge McAdoo reported that there was no money missing from the budget and there are no CDs. The jail operating fund is at 500k and that Ouachita County is not broke or crashing. The treasurer then reported the county had 2 CDs that had matured and those had been used to pay debts in the previous month. McAdoo stated all offices are open doors and people are welcome to come ask questions at any time. McAdoo then went on to say that no money is spent without the QC approval. Shadia then asked about the money spent on the Camden Pavillion and if that had been approved by the QC. The treasurer stated the handrails, and sidewalk items had been approved.
-James lee Silliman from OPED distributed 3 handouts to the QC. 1) Economic overview report from the state, 2) Partial report for county growth highlighting the highland defense plants, 3) Issue 3 report.
-John Dawson and Glenda Harper from the Ouachita County Medical Center OCMC. OCMC reported the employee count of 334 has been reduced to 104 currently with more possible reductions to come. The hospital needs more "per day" patients. On average the hospital has .7 daily patients outside of the emergency room. On a positive note, there are 2 companies still negotiating for the possible purchase of the OCMC (Baptist and UAMS). OCMC requested a copy of the contract and to be given the tax money that was collected for the OCMC repairs. Invoices for repairs and ambulance services were submitted to the QC. Another request was for the QC to review the contract requirments that are prohibiting the sale of the OCMC. McAdoo stated the contract is the contract and its still in place.
-Dr. Corbet Lampkin from Chidester asked the QC to support Issue 4 and the importance of the amendment for our state.
-Shadia Walker asked what the legal obligation of the county is if the OCMC is in bankruptcy? The county lawyer didn't know, that he's not a bankruptcy attorney the issue will have to be brought up to a bankruptcy attorney. Justice Hardy asked where the QC was with the hospital bills? McAdoo stated money from the tax varies each month. Glenda Harper stated the OCMC submits weekly reports, and these determine what actions can be done. Again, she stated the contract limitations are prohibiting the sale of the OCMC. An attorney is being consulted, and it is anticipated the judge will order the sale of the county equipment. Justice Hardy asked about paying the newly billed items. The Sheriff stated the hospital is not working with his office in order to get regulatory items straightened out in order for the OCMC to get paid. Justice Lilly directed the Sheriff and the hospital to work together to get the issues resolved.
-Sherri Hunter the County Clerk stated the November QC meeting will be held on November 10th due to the election.
7.) New business
1.) An appropriation ordinance to appropriate funds in the County general fund, 911 budget. $8,339.52 was approved to be moved for part-time salaries. (Item Passed)
2.) An appropriation ordinance to appropriate funds in the County general fund, election budget. $1,732.77 was approved for the lease/rent of the SAU building. (item passed)
3.) An appropriation ordinance to appropriate funds in the County general fund, health department budget. $8,855.66 approved to replace the AC unit in the County Health Department. (item passed).
4.) Legislative audit. QC updated with audit findings.
Meeting Adjourned.
