Representative Glenn Barnes Sr. introduced emergency legislation on Thursday that is directed at taking on the crisis in Jefferson County caused by the lack of a budget being passed for 2025 by the Jefferson County Quorum Court.
House Bill 1331 is also supported by Reps. Kenneth B. Ferguson and Mike Holcomb. It seeks to address the financial crisis in Jefferson County and prevent similar situations in other Arkansas counties. The bill proposes that if a county fails to pass a new budget ordinance, it must continue operating under the previous year’s budget.
Barnes spoke with Deltaplex News to share what the legislation will do if passed.
The bill has been filed as an emergency bill so it can be voted on quickly.
Barnes said the bill will probably have an additional clause.
The Quorum Court and County Judge Gerald Robinson have gone back and forth for weeks over two different budgets. Barnes said there should be no second budget.
Barnes also shared that he will meet with the Governor on Friday morning to discuss the ongoing impasse. Additionally, he shared that he is against the Quorum Court trying to create a Legislative Clerk position in the County Clerk’s office.
