Benton County Quorum Court Acts on Storm Relief
The Benton County Quorum Court has taken significant steps to address the aftermath of the Memorial Day weekend storm that brought seven confirmed tornadoes to the area. In a recent meeting, the court voted to create new accounts totaling .1 million specifically for storm-related damages.
This move comes after the storm left extensive damage to properties across Benton and Madison counties. The county judge, Barry Moehring, had requested aid from neighboring Washington County, which responded promptly with road department personnel, sheriff’s deputies, and equipment. The swift response highlighted the importance of formalizing a mutual aid agreement between the two counties, which is now being considered for retroactive application from May 1.
The storm’s impact was felt across the judicial system as well, with Circuit Judge Robin Green forced to vacate her courtroom due to water damage from a roof leak. The membrane clean-up and repair efforts will keep her courtroom out of commission for several weeks.
Benton County is working on various fronts to address the disaster. Residents have been encouraged to report structural damage to their properties, and the county is exploring funding options for expanding its overcrowded jail system. A dedicated revenue source is still needed to support these plans.
Additionally, the county is considering recognition for Washington County’s significant contributions in the aftermath of the storm. Mutual aid agreements with other counties, such as Madison and Carroll, are also being explored to ensure Benton County is prepared for future emergencies.
