The project to convert a failed hotel into a emergency and homeless shelter, as well as purchase a clear property for the Habitat for Humanity program has been bolstered by another grant, which was accepted by the fiscal court this week.

The new total for grant funding is $1.1 million, according to Mickey Garner.

Garner, officiating the meeting as county judge executive, told the magistrates that other grant funding, for improvements to the old Shilo Motel had not been won, so the other grant funding had to be sought under “emergency” status.

It was noted that the motel was purchased for 375,000 from a local bank which had $400,000 in loans against the property, according to Garner.

Though the amount was not announced, and it was confirmed that the roads to be repaired have not been decided, the court was unanimous in accepting state road aid funding for the coming fiscal year.

The court voted in favor of two actions relating to the jail. Booking and other fees were added and co-payments for medical treatments were added. The new rules were brought into sharp focus as the court approved an $1,109 hospital bill from a prisoner's care after the prisoner claimed “chest pains.”

“We don't have no choice but to pay this bill,” Garner told the court members.

Earlier in Monday’s special called meeting the court had, “reviewed,” the new jail budget with no discussion other than the mention of an unspecified pay raise for the jailer because the new facility would change that official's status.

Garner's recommendation of Mike Popplewell for the vacant seat on the Ambulance District Board of Director was approved. He said the new man was to replace a member, Beckham Wilson who had resigned last month, before his term was to end this summer.

“But I'm going to actually appoint him for two years,” Garner told the magistrates.

After some discussion the court approved the $5,000 contribution for the industrial development authority.