A lawsuit was filed in the Circuit Court on or about January 28, 2022 in Jefferson County, State of Arkansas, against twelve Quorum Court Members and the County Judge of Jefferson County seeking declaratory relief and actions in relation to disclosure of documents under the Freedom of Information Act.
Kimberly Dale, Attorney in Paragould Arkansas, by and through her attorney, Tim Cullen, of Little Rock Arkansas prevailed in their lawsuit reflecting several Freedom of Information Act violations that occurred from December 14th 2021 to date of filing the complaint, January 28, 2022.
Judge Ben Story issued his ruling on September 10, 2022 finding violation by all of the Defendants for failure to provide documents as requested by Dale and ordered disclosure of documents, in addition to legal fees and costs to be imposed.
Kimberly Dale is quoted as saying: “My requests were in essence ignored without little regard for the urgency and necessity of responding. An elected official has a responsibility to adhere to the FOIA. The citizens of Jefferson County deserve accountability and transparency in their county government and today’s ruling by Judge Story affirms that duty”
The records sought by the plaintiff included various items regarding the budget process during the year of 2021.
All but one quorum court member, Conley Byrd, was named as a Defendant in the lawsuit.
Mr. Byrd was not a named Defendant, as he complied with the request submitted by the Plaintiff.
