Jefferson County Justice of the Peace Alfred Carroll again stood alone in opposition Monday night as the quorum court approved funding to bring a delinquent county loan current.
During a special-called meeting, the court voted to allocate $164,500 from the county’s general fund at the request of County Judge Gerald Robinson. The funds will cover principal, interest and accumulated late fees tied to a commercial loan obligation.
Carroll cast the lone dissenting vote on two separate motions, continuing a pattern of opposing payments on county financial obligations as tensions persist within the court.
The approved funding includes $75,381.85 in principal, $74,618.15 in interest and $14,500 in accounting costs and penalties associated with missed payments. County officials said the late fees stem from a payment due April 1, 2025, that was not processed in a timely manner and was not brought before the court until June, allowing penalties to accumulate.
Records show the account is currently delinquent, and correspondence tied to the loan indicates the missed payment could be considered a default under the agreement if not resolved.
The loan originates from a 2018 equipment lease-purchase agreement between Jefferson County and Sterling National Bank, now held by Webster Bank. The agreement financed approximately $2.3 million in energy-related infrastructure improvements through a county performance contract.
Justice of the Peace Ted Harden, who chairs the court’s Budget and Finance Committee, introduced the ordinance. He also made the motion to suspend the rules and move the measure to a third and final reading, which passed with Carroll as the only no vote.
Later in the meeting, Justice Jimmy Fisher made a motion for final approval. Once again, all justices voted in favor except Carroll.
County Judge Gerald Robinson said it was imperative that they get this bill paid.
Robinson said he is pleased that the quorum court was able to pass the appropriation.
Justice Reginald Johnson also requested that the county clerk’s office overnight the payment to avoid additional late fees, a move County Judge Robinson agreed to.
Johnson spoke with Deltaplex News saying that while he voted for the appropriation he still had reservations in doing so.
The original contract came in 2018 under former County Judge Booker Clemons. However, Johnson said if the bill hasn’t been paid it’s because Robinson didn’t include it in his budget request.
The payment approved Monday brings the county closer to compliance with the terms of the loan agreement, which carries an interest rate just under 4 percent and includes long-term repayment obligations.
