Sheriff's Office grants get funded, Commission approves audit

The Howell County Commission approved setting up the accounting for two Sheriff's Office grants, reviewed the 2023 audit, and appointed a member to the SB40 board.

 

The commission approved the account for Grants 19-39 and 19-40 from the Howell County Sheriff's Office. Grant 19-39 is a $2,000 grant to help the Sheriff's Office acquire its first unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) drone. Sheriff-elect Matt Roberts said that the drone to be purchased is a DJI Mavic and will include a case and accessories. This grant was provided by MFA Oil and provides cash grants to support non-profit organizations with the aim to strengthen and develop rural communities. The newly established Drone Unit at the Sheriff's Office will consist of two deputies, Talon Millard and Nicholas Bruno. The Drone Unit members have reservations to attend training school in January.

 

Grant 19-40 is a local block grant for the Sheriff's Office to help pay for equipment. This is a 100% pass through grant to provide various safety items for law enforcement. Angela Conboy with the Sheriff's Office told the commission the grant application was approved for $9,970.45. She requested the money to fund 40 reflective raincoats for their officers, a safety vest for crime intervention specialists, a higher caliber rifle shield for their deputies, and wader boots for the investigation team when they have to investigate waterlogged areas of the county. Conboy said the improved shield is required due to events where it is used occurring roughly 8 times per year. 

 

The Commission reviewed the requested independent audit for 2023. The audit was performed by Deidiker, Alvarado & Associates LLC of West Plains. The audit unveiled no findings for the state and the results were approved by the commission. 

 

The Howell County Commissioners are Presiding Commissioner Ralph Riggs, Northern Commissioner Calvin Wood, and Southern Commissioner Billy Sexton. The commission meets in regular session on Mondays and Thursdays, from 10 am to 3:30 pm. The meetings remain open during the lunch hour and are open to the public. Contact the commissioners' chamber by phone at (417) 256-3872.