31-05-2025
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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
