LITTLE ROCK — A Senate bill to enact the 2024 budget for Jefferson County while the Quorum Court there remains at a standstill over finalizing a 2025 budget is expected to work its way to Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders by next week, the governor announced Monday.
Sanders discussed the forthcoming bill during a news conference at the Capitol. State Sen. Ben Gilmore, R-Crossett, also said Monday he would file the bill by the end of the day.
The bill is similar to a House bill sponsored by District 65 State Rep. Glenn Barnes, D-Pine Bluff, filed last week as nearly 400 county employees have gone nearly a month without pay due to the lack of a budget. Gilmore said senators are able to have the bill moved quicker on their side of the Legislature and he expects the Senate City, County and Local Affairs Committee to review the bill as early as Tuesday.
“This is a local issue,” Sanders said. “County leaders need to pass a budget, pay employee and ensure certain services are being provided to their constituents. However, because of the stalemate on the county level, we have no choice but to take action here in the Capitol today.”
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
A majority of Quorum Court members have clashed with Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson in support of proposed raises for county officials, including those in the sheriff’s department and food and educational programs for inmates. Robinson maintains the seven justices of the peace who make up the majority are not complying with the law in drafting their budget proposal.
Check back for updates.