Circuit Clerks get a taste of state processes

Circuit Clerks go to the Hill during their winter meeting

Top: During their winter meeting, held Feb. 1012, county circuit clerks representing 41 counties headed to the state Capitol to show support for HB1053, sponsored by Rep. Charlene Fite. The bill, which passed the House but failed in the Senate, would have required mortgage holders to register all mortgage reassignments and releases with county offices. Middle Left: State Rep. Charlene Fite, whose district includes portions of Crawford and Washington counties, poses for a photo with Saline County Circuit Clerk Myka Bono Sample.

Middle Right: Benton County Circuit Clerk Brenda DeShields testifies for HB1053 during a House committee meeting. The bill received a “do pass” recommendation from the committee, and it passed with 83 “yea” votes in the House.

Bottom Left: The circuit clerks’ meeting took place at AAC headquarters, and the program featured several speakers. Crawford County Chief Deputy Circuit Clerk Pam Neel listens to one of those speakers before the group headed to the state Capitol.

Bottom Right: Perry County Circuit/County Clerk Persundra Hood listens to a speaker and takes notes during the presentation.

The Association of Arkansas Counties

Working for county officials toward the common goal of effective county government...

www.arcounties.org

Did you know that counties are subdivisions of Arkansas state government?

As such, our county and district elected officials and staffs are like gears in a large and complex engine. AAC’s goal is to keep that engine welloiled and finely-tuned by providing a broad array of:

• Legislative Representation • Education and Training • General Assistance and Research • Publications & Public Information • Protection Options: AAC Risk Management & Worker’s Compensation Programs

AAC serves as the official voice of county government at the state Capitol, and serves as the official spokesperson and liaison of Arkansas counties in dealing with state and federal agencies. The key to the stability and development of county government is in presenting a unified voice to other levels of government. There is much truth in the adage, “There is strength in unity.”

The Association of Arkansas Counties provides training and assistance in solving problems and in developing “best” practices. AAC produces numerous publications to help county officials with both simple and technical questions, so they can get needed answers without having to reinvent the wheel. This information is available through numerous training workshops, helpful brochures and directories, County Lines magazine, and online at the website: www.arcounties.org

Our Mission

The Association of Arkansas Counties supports and promotes the idea that all elected officials must have the opportunity to act together in order to solve mutual problems as a unified group. To further this goal, the Association of Arkansas Counties is committed to providing a single source of cooperative support and information for all counties and county and district officials.

The overall purpose of the Association of Arkansas Counties is to work for the improvement of county government in the state of Arkansas. The Association accomplishes this purpose by providing legislative representation, on-site assistance, general research, training, various publications and conferences to assist county officials in carrying out the duties and responsibilities of their office.