Staff Reports
The various volunteer fire departments in Marion County got a welcome Christmas gift from the Marion County Commisioners Court.
Smithland, South Shore, Jackson, Mims, and Jefferson Volunteer Fire Departments will each receive $17,280. The Gray VFD declined the gift.
Friends of Jefferson Animals are also receiving $14,400 gift from Commissioners.
The funds were the remaining balance of the ARPA Revenue Loss Funds the County received following COVID. The County had until December 31, 2024, to spend the funds, or tany balance had to be returned to the U.S. Government.
The County was able to use a portion of the ARPA funds for “Beneficiary Payments,” to programs and organizations which provide a service to benefit the County as a whole.
Commissioners had previously considered a Beneficiary Payment to FOJA in November, but, they tabled it to see if there would be funds available to give to the volunteer fire departments as well.
The building improvements at the Kellyville Community Center, including the roof replacement, and kitchen and restroom updates, were also approved to use ARPA Revenue Loss Funds.
During the meeting, Commisisoners also accepted two 2025 Rural Law Enforcement Salary Assistance program funds for the Marion County Sheriff’s Department. One grant is for $250,000, and the other is $100,000.
The grants and program were established during the 88th Legislative session and provides annual funding to rural sheriff, constable, and prosecutors offices.
It was first available in 2024 and is a recurring grant, but must be applied for each year. This is the second year the County has participated in the program.