JPs to consider hiring part-time deputy to mow county property

Clark County justices of the peace next week will consider whether to allow a sheriff’s deputy to earn another county paycheck by mowing public property.

The part-time sheriff’s deputy in question is Christopher K. Sparks, owner of Sparks Lawn Care Service, a limited liability company. On the table for discussion at its next meeting is an ordinance allowing County Judge Troy Tucker to allow claims for the “purchase of necessary parts and/or services” from Sparks’ company.

State law allows a county’s quorum court to approve by ordinance such purchases and contracts, and to authorize the expenditure. Attached to the proposed ordinance, sponsored by District 9 JP Andrea Angle, is a clause declaring an emergency. That clause reads, “in the best interest of Clark County, and taking into consideration public safety, an emergency is hereby declared to exist.”

Justices will also consider a recommendation from the county’s Personnel Committee to use grant money toward a salary increase for a position within the prosecuting attorney’s office. Prosecutor Dan Turner will be on hand to explain to justices the details of a grant received from the Victims of Crime Act. The grant funds would pay an increase of $11,356 to the circuit’s victim witness director; the total salary would be $37,581.

In that same committee meeting, District 4 JP Albert Neal brought up salaries for justices, saying the panel last year discussed increasing their salaries but it was voted down, according to minutes from that meeting. In an unrelated matter, Tucker brought up county employees’ paid time off, recommending calculations be presented to the committee. The judge also said there would be a meeting among county elected officials to discuss pros and cons of PTO.

In other business, Betsie Fisher, director of the Clark County Library, is expected to deliver her annual report to the quorum court. Also, County Clerk Mona Vance is slated to address the court about payroll issues.

The quorum court meeting will be at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 12, 2022, in the Clark County Court Complex. The meetings are open to the public.

Immediately following the meeting of the full court, the Personnel Committee will meet to discuss 2023 salary approvals from the assessor’s office, district court offices and the library.