Latest news with #JeffersonCountyQuorumCourt
Yahoo
31-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Pine Bluff cuts two checks to Jefferson County for $990,000-plus to settle long-standing lawsuit
Video: Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting raises questions about budget legality JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ark. – The outcome of a 2021 lawsuit has led Pine Bluff to cut two large checks to Jefferson County. The checks total $993,408.17 and are the result of a long-standing lawsuit over payment to Jefferson County for housing Pine Bluff-arrested inmates. Copies of both checks were included in the Jefferson County Quorum Court packet for June 3. Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting raises questions about budget legality The two checks, for $432,048.17 and $570,360, respectively, are drawn on two separate accounts. The first is made out to Jefferson County and lists the case number of the lawsuit, and the second is made out to the Jefferson County sheriff. Both check copies in the packet are accompanied by invoices showing the amounts for 'legal awards & settlements.' Also included in the packet is a copy of a filing in the case from Attorney C. Burt Newell, who represented the county in the lawsuit, stating that the payment marks 'full and complete satisfaction' of the summary judgment in the suit. Legal battle continues between Jefferson County judge, quorum court Finally, the packet includes a note to the justices from Newell requesting the procedure for accepting the checks and whether it requires a resolution or ordinance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting raises questions about budget legality
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – Just three days after the majority group for the justices of the peace passed a 2025 budget in a special quorum court meeting, the Jefferson County Quorum Court met for its regularly scheduled meeting, and questions were raised. The meeting on Monday night was filled with tension, as some officials questioned whether recent decisions, including Friday's special session to approve the budget, were legally or procedurally sound. Jefferson County Justices of the Peace pass 2025 budget in special meeting Justice of the Peace for District 10 Conley Bryd even stated he never received notice of the special session. Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson also expressed his concerns for the validity of the meeting once more, saying it's something he is actively seeking legal advice on along with what he calls the improper procedural ordinance. The roots of the controversy date back to December 2024, when Robinson presented his proposed budget to the quorum court. Since then, all budgets that the judge proposed have failed, even with new concessions. However, the budget passed during the special quorum court meeting Friday is the same budget the majority of JPs pushed at the beginning of the year, and the same one previously vetoed by Judge Robinson and failed to be overturned. More than 300 Jefferson County employees finally paid after county budget bill is signed into law Despite the approval, it's far from settled. The judge now has seven days to respond. 'Well, for one, we aren't sure if he is going to veto it or not because he didn't mention it,' said District 3 Justice Reginald Johnson. 'He hadn't said anything — but that does not mean he will not exercise his power to veto.' Robinson appeared to confirm that possibility. 'If I veto it, they will probably have the numbers to override it,' Robinson said. 'But at least I will have done my part as county judge to protect the county's interest — the county's money.' Gridlock continues in effort to pass 2025 Jefferson County budget The debate didn't end there, as the procedural ordinance still remains in question to the judge. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Jefferson County judge seeking ‘legal relief' against seven justices of the peace
PINE BLUFF, Ark.- Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson announced in a letter to the justices of the peace that he is seeking 'legal relief' by asking the court to step in and find a legal solution. This comes after the ongoing budget gridlock between him and seven of the justices of the peace. 'We (he and the finance committee) have come to the table several times, as you know, and we have made concessions at least three to four times,' Robinson said. Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders signs Jefferson County budget correction bill, goes into immediate effect The letter addresses ongoing budgetary and procedural violations within the Jefferson County Quorum Court. The judge's letter highlights the reintroduction of a rejected 2025 budget, violations of Arkansas law, and the improper calling of special meetings without the County Judge's consent. 'Seven have went along with and creating these irregularities in the budget and are consistent on these irregularities continuing,' Robinson said. He said these actions led to the enactment of invalid legislation. The letter criticizes unauthorized salary increases, improper positions added, nepotism violations, and defiance of court rulings, particularly regarding the employment of Morgan Tillman, the daughter of the County Assessor. 'My opinion is total corruption on their part, corruption on the part of elected officials that have created these irregularities in the budget,' Robinson said. READ THE FULL LETTER It also notes the Quorum Court's failure to pass a legally compliant budget, which led to state intervention through Senate Bill 182. 'It created a stir to where the state had to step in and that we could at least get the employees paid,' Robinson said. 'The bill that was created holds the county judge and the quorum court responsible with nonpayment or without being paid, therefore I am the only constitutional officer that is not getting paid and the 13 justices are not receiving their per diem.' Lastly, the letter addresses that the quorum court held another invalid meeting on March 21st, where they tried to pass a procedural ordinance without the judge's consent. He stated he has since vetoed the ordinance. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
