The Newton County Quorum Court met in regular session March 3 and was asked if it would consider appointing someone to head an investigation into waste, fraud and inefficiencies in Newton County government.
There was neither old nor new business on the meeting agenda, so, after the JPs approved last month's meeting's minutes, County Judge Warren Campbell opened the meeting for public comment.
Ricky Kilburn, of Mt. Sherman, approached the JPs and suggested the county establish a DOGE-style committee.
"I don't know if we have any billionaires willing to work for nothing," he said, referring to Elon Musk who was appointed by President Trump to oversee the Department of Government Efficiency, tasked with reducing federal spending.
Such a committee would help county offices stay within their budgets. It could also serve as oversight at a local level to ensure grants or other aid awarded to the county are used as intended. He brought up the debacle the multi-county solid waste district got into several years ago when bonds were sold for a landfill in Baxter County that was later closed by the state. Property owners were left to make service fee payments until several courts ruled the fee was unconstitutional and an order resulted in a repayment of $18 to every property owner in each of the six district counties, including Newton County.
Officials explained that the county is audited annually. The audit is presented to the quorum court and notes any irregularities or deficiencies that were discovered. Auditors will also notify the prosecuting attorney if it discovers any theft, embezzlement or other illegal uses of public funds.
JPs said the issue with the landfill was not of the county's purview.
The quorum court often authorizes the county judge to submit grant applications on behalf of volunteer fire departments and water associations. The county serves as the fiduciary if he grants are awarded and transfers the funds to the receiving organizations as needed. Those grants are also monitored by auditors, but not by county officials, JPs explained.
No action was taken on the constituent's request.
JP Jamie Mefford said he was approached by Sheriff Glenn Wheeler who asked him to bring to the quorum court's attention that the per diem for meals paid to county officials traveling to out of county meetings is below the state's daily per diem rate of $68. The county's current rate is $55 for up to three meals a day.
The per diem is set by county ordinance.
