DATE: December 13, 2023
TO: Jefferson County Citizens, Justices of the Peace, Elected Officials, & Media
FROM: County Judge Gerald Robinson
RE: Concerning the 2024 Tax Levy
Ladies and gentlemen of Jefferson County,
I address you today with a heartfelt message, not just as your County Judge, but as a fellow resident of our community, deeply committed to the well-being of every individual and family. Jefferson County can be proud of our many accomplishments in recent years. Such progress is only possible when we work together.
This year has seen more than its fair share of challenges and perhaps you are aware of the division that has unfolded between myself and some of the members of the Jefferson County Quorum Court. I acknowledge there have been times when we could have worked more closely together. Even as we have faced these hardships and dilemmas, my intentions have always been to serve the best interests of Jefferson County. And so, I approach you earnestly, humbly and with a spirit of collaboration, asking that all members of the Quorum Court would join me in forging a new and promising future.
The matter currently before us is urgent, and it requires our immediate attention. Arkansas State Statute 14-14-904 mandates that the Quorum Court levy County, City, and School taxes in its November or December regular meeting. Failure to do so puts us in a dangerous position. If we do not approve the levy in a regular meeting before the year ends, there will be no lawful way to collect these taxes in 2024.
I know there may be different opinions about the legality of passing the tax levy at a Special Meeting. However, our County Attorney has provided a clear legal opinion that Arkansas law requires the levy to be passed in a regular meeting, not a special meeting.
Therefore, I extend a sincere call to action between myself and the Quorum Court. I humbly submit for your consideration that we set aside our differences and come together to hold a regular meeting where the only item on the agenda is the 2024 tax levy.
This is not about whose agenda it is. It’s not about my agenda or the Quorum Court’s agenda. It’s about putting aside differences for the sake of our county and following Arkansas law without a shadow of a doubt. We can’t risk not getting this right, and failing to come together on this matter jeopardizes our ability to operate after midnight on December 31st.
I believe we can unite under the common goal of serving the best interests of our community. May we stand united for the future of Jefferson County. Thank you.
Jefferson County Judge’s Office
101 West Barraque Street, Ste. 107
Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601
P:870-541-5360
F:870-536-2977
One Jefferson County!
