Interested in getting The Pine Bluff Commercial’s newsletter delivered to your inbox every morning? Click here.
In what could be a significant move to provide some relief to unpaid Jefferson County employees, State Rep. Glenn Barnes introduced House Bill 1331 during the Arkansas General Assembly Thursday that would mandate that counties continue to operate under the previous year’s annual appropriation ordinance if a new one is not adopted in time.
“Over 300 people are suffering in Jefferson County over a budget,” said Barnes, who said he got with State Reps. Ken Ferguson and Mike Holcomb. “Holcomb was once the county judge so he knows the ins and outs of what is going on.”
County Judge Gerald Robinson said he supports the bill and had input on it. Barnes said the bill aims to prevent disruptions in essential county services and the payment of county employees.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
House Bill 1331 amends Arkansas Code § 14-14-904(b)(1)(A)(ii) by adding a crucial provision. If a county quorum court fails to pass a new annual appropriation ordinance, the county is required to continue its operations based on the previous year’s ordinance. This includes the payment of salaries to county employees, ensuring that there is no interruption in their compensation.
The bill also includes an emergency clause, highlighting the urgency of the situation. The General Assembly found that the inability to pass an annual appropriation ordinance could severely impact the county’s ability to provide basic services and pay its employees. This, in turn, threatens the public peace, health, and safety of county residents. The emergency clause stipulates that the act will become effective immediately upon:
1. Approval by the governor,
2. The expiration of the period during which the governor may veto the bill if it is neither approved nor vetoed,
3. The date the last house overrides the governor’s veto if the bill is vetoed.
The bill was read twice and referred to the Committee on City, County and Local Affairs, according to the Arkansas Legislature website.
Barnes said the passage of House Bill 1331 is a proactive measure to ensure that counties can maintain their operations without interruption, even in the absence of a new appropriation ordinance.
“People are worried about their mortgages, rent, and other bills and cannot afford to go another 30 days without pay,” he said.
Barnes said the legislative action is important for the financial stability of county employees who rely on timely salary payments to meet their financial obligations.
“This bill is crucial for the smooth functioning of our county governments,” he said. “It ensures that essential services are not disrupted and that our county employees are not left in financial distress due to procedural delays.”