Jefferson County Justices of the Peace pass 2025 budget in special meeting

Yahoo

10-05-2025

PINE BLUFF, Ark. – After more than five months of gridlock and political division, Jefferson County Justices of the Peace in the majority called a special quorum court meeting Monday night and passed their totaling more than $37 million.
According to Justice of the Peace District One Alfred Carroll, the meeting, attended by seven of the thirteen quorum court members, marked the third reading of the proposed budget, which passed with a simple majority vote.
Gridlock continues in effort to pass 2025 Jefferson County budget
The sudden move comes after extended disputes between the court's majority members and County Judge Gerald Robinson over budget priorities and procedure.
'It is an opportunity to excel, just to be honest about it,' said Carroll, who chaired the meeting in Robinson's absence. 'It's an opportunity to hopefully see the county move forward.'
Carroll said proper notice was given to all court members and the judge, though not all attended.
'The judge was notified as well as the other quorum court members,' Carroll said during the meeting. 'They are unable to be here or they are not here.'
In a statement released shortly before the meeting, Judge Robinson questioned the legitimacy of the gathering.
'I question the validity of the members coming together and deciding to have a meeting,' Robinson wrote. 'As some of the members were not contacted as I was informed. These eight members continue to violate statutes regarding proper notice for the meeting.'
Competing Jefferson County budgets show a closing gap between sides as figures are adjusted
Despite the controversy, the budget, totaling over $37 million in countywide operations, was approved by the present majority and signed by Carroll.
However, the process is not yet complete. For the budget to become law, it must be signed by the county judge.
'I hope he signs it instead of vetoing it,' said District 3 JP Reginald Johnson. 'It's time to work together. It's been long enough.'
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