Our View

Our View

Do drug court grads deserve cash reward?

The fact that Circuit Court Judge Cindy Thyer wants to reward Crittenden County drug court graduates who successfully complete the program and pass a drug test with some small reward is certainly commendable.

But, by the same token, Quorum Court Justices being somewhat skeptical as to the creation of a petty cash fund shows a concern that deserves notable consideration.

We particularly recognize Justice Vickie Robertson for the fact that she, along with the other justices don’t have a problem with the reward but simply wants to make sure there is accountability for the public funds, a point we too agree with.

So then, what Judge Thyer is asking for is to establish a $500 petty cash fund to be used solely for the purpose of purchasing gift cards for graduates of her drug court.

Now, we’re not talking about much here. The judge says her intentions are to purchase gift cards totally $10 each. So seems the concerns from the Quorum Court stems from past experiences.

Let’s remember this court was established for the purpose of letting drug offenders avoid felony drug charges if they successfully completed a supervised drug rehabilitation programs.

This is a 12 month program where offenders are required to pass all drug testing and pay all fines. No one can argue the fact that this is the type of program that deserves high praise especially when it has been proven to effectively rehabilitate offenders and make them more productive citizens.

Currently, Judge Thyer has the availability of a charge account with Pizza Pro and Marion Marketplace and, we’re told, there is a desire now to acquire gift cards to be used at Walmart.

Here is where the problem arises. In order to purchase gift cards the court must have the county treasurer write a check to Judge Thyer. Because Judge Thyer’s office is in Jonesboro it would require a special trip to pick up the check, cash it, give it to the court to then purchase the gift cards, and for the responsibility of the judge to keep track of the account.

In other words, establishing a $500 petty cash fund would eliminate the hassle which is certainly understandable.

Robertson asked why it just wouldn’t be easier for the court clerk to simply go and purchase some gift cards and simply hand them over to the graduates when needed instead of using petty cash.

In order to clear up this issue it was recommended that Judge Thyer appear before justices at their January meeting, a suggestion that we feel would be receptive to all concerned. We believe that once Judge Thyer presents her case to justices this minor issue will be properly handled.