The Pulaski County Commission on Thursday approved American Recovery Fund Act funds to be given to approximately 30 former employees in the County Sheriff’s Department

The Pulaski County Commission on Thursday approved American Recovery Fund Act funds to be given to approximately 30 former employees in the County Sheriff’s Department who worked through the Covid pandemic. Sheriff Jimmy Bench had submitted a request for premium pay for two but not all of the 30 employees who were left off a previous list, saying there were not re-hireable. He said they didn’t meet the criteria approved by the Pulaski County ARPA board for handing out the money.
Presiding Commissioner Gene Newkirk disagreed and presented a proposal to add a little more than $95,000 to the $788,000 previously authorized and pay these employees. His proposal was approved by the full commission.