Lloyd Franklin, Jr. has formally appealed an October order issued by County Judge Gerald Robinson that directed the County Clerk to disburse more than $53,000 to Robinson himself. Robinson made the ruling after going months without pay due to ongoing battles between he and certain members of the Quorum Court.
The appeal and petition for review was filed by Franklin, Jr. who argues that the judge’s action constitutes an unlawful expenditure of public funds, a conflict of interest, and a violation of Arkansas budget and appropriation laws.
According to the filing, Robinson issued the order on October 22, 2025, instructing the County Clerk to process a payment of $53,052.45 to him through the county payroll system. Franklin argues that Robinson acted improperly by serving as the claimant, adjudicator, and approving official on a matter from which he personally benefited.
The petition states that Arkansas law prohibits any public official from ruling on his own financial claims or using public office for personal economic gain. Franklin asserts that the judge’s actions “create a direct conflict of interest and a severe appearance of impropriety.”
Franklin further argues that the payment is unlawful because no appropriation was approved by the Quorum Court, which holds exclusive authority over county spending under Arkansas law. The appeal states that Robinson “has no authority to unilaterally increase, adjust, or approve salary payments” outside the approved county budget.
He also claims that required state and county procedures were bypassed, including internal controls mandated by Arkansas Legislative Audit. The filing says that the County Clerk was not allowed to properly process or approve the payroll claim, invalidating the order.
The petition also alleges that the process lacked transparency. Franklin states that no public notice was given, no opportunity for public comment was provided, and the County Attorney was not notified or present during the proceedings on the judge’s personal claim.
The filing argues that “any judge with integrity would have recused” himself from ruling on a matter where he was both the claimant and the beneficiary.
Franklin contends that taxpayer funds are “at immediate risk,” asserting that the order would result in an unlawful disbursement without lawful appropriation. He seeks a stay to prevent what he describes as an illegal exaction.
The appeal requests that the Court:
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Accept jurisdiction over the challenge
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Stay the October 22 order
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Reverse and declare the order void
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Declare the attempted payment an illegal exaction
Franklin argues that the situation reflects “a total failure of process,” claiming multiple safeguards were ignored and that county financial-control policies were violated.
The Jefferson County Judge’s Office has not yet issued a public statement regarding the appeal.
