Once again, tensions between the Jefferson County Quorum Court and County Judge Gerald Robinson have escalated — this time over delinquent payments on road department dump trucks.
According to officials, Kansas City State Bank has threatened to repossess the trucks after the county fell nearly four months behind on payments totaling $283,148.87. The missed payments stem from the Quorum Court’s refusal to allocate funds for the debt.
During Tuesday night’s committee meetings, Justice Reginald Johnson asked Judge Robinson to explain the specific items needing payment, saying the justices might be more willing to approve funding if they had a clearer understanding of how and where the money is being used.
Johnson also claimed that Robinson has not been properly identifying items listed for payment and requested a short narrative description for each item rather than a simple line-item list. Robinson said he would have no issue providing that information during next week’s full quorum court meeting in order to help get the bills paid.
Justice Conley Byrd added that certain members of the Quorum Court have hindered the county’s ability to conduct business effectively.
The discussion between the justices and Robinson continued further during the meeting.
Following the meeting, Robinson spoke with Deltaplex News about ongoing efforts to pay the past-due bills.
Robinson also shared the most recent voicemail message he received from Kansas City State Bank.
With this and several other items advancing through committee, the full Quorum Court will vote on the matters during next week’s meeting.
