County Lines Keepin’ up with the
Joneses in Dallas County
The Official Publication of the Association of Arkansas Counties
FALL 2012
AAC Workers’ Compensation Trust:
You can
stop and
relax when we've got you
covered! W
hen you participate in the AAC Workers’ Compensation Trust, you can relax in the hands of professional staff members who are going to take care of your needs. The AAC team has decades of experience in handling county government claims – they’re simply the best at what they do! Did we mention that participants in our plan are accustomed to getting money back? Since we started paying dividends in 1997, the AAC Workers’ Compensation Trust has declared almost $22.5 MILLION dollars in dividends, payable to members of the fund. In fact, we just mailed $1,250,000 in savings back to member counties in July 2012. The service is available for any size county government and other county government-related entities. We’ve got you covered!
o sA ciation of rA a k nsas o C unties o W rkers’ o C e pm nsation rT ust
Debbie Norman Risk Management & Insurance Director 501.375.8247
Debbie Lakey Claims Manager 501.375.8698
Kim Nash Claims Examiner 501.375.8805
Amber Krum Admin Assistant 501.375.8805
Barry Burkett Loss Control 501.375.8805
514 West Third t S reet • Little o R k c , Arkansas 1027 4
COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
In This Issue
State Rep. spends day with Columbia Co. Collector
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Features Arkansas Co. Judges conduct business at annual fall meeting...........................25 EQ Board meets north of the river.............................................................................48 Arkansas County Clerks hold continuing education meeting ..............................50
Jones engages values in Van Buren County
AAC member discount update; how to survive the holidays................................52
Inside Look
35
AAC Board Profile: Conway County Judge Jimmy Hart..........................................19 Winters reflects on upbringing looks to future for ACIC........................................49 Top 10 Disaster prevention, planning checklist......................................................51
Departments Calendar of Events.......................................................................................................... 6
AAC conference revisited - “It’s a Jungle Out There!”
From the Director’s Desk............................................................................................... 7 President’s Perspective................................................................................................. 9
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Legislative Corner.........................................................................................................10 Attorney General Opinions..........................................................................................11 Frequently Asked Questions.......................................................................................12
Cover stories
From the Governor........................................................................................................13
At home & in office in Dallas County...........28
County Law Update.......................................................................................................14 College savings should be on your mind all the time............................................ 17
Assessing the situation ................................30
..
Seems to Me..................................................................................................................20 Advertiser Resource Index..........................................................................................58
Dallas County Quick Facts ............................ 31 27
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Cover Notes:
Dallas County Courthouse / Jimmy & Donna Jones
he cover is composed of two photographs from Dallas County. The Dallas County Courthouse was built in 1911 by architect Frank W. Gibb who also designed the Yell County Courthouse. The two structures are considered to be cousins in the architectural sense. The courthouse only cost $65,000 to build, and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on March 27, 1984. Since 1997, Dallas County has received 10 courthouse grants totaling $350,475. The second photograph on the cover features Jimmy (county judge) and Donna Jones (assessor), who are the only husband and wife to also serve in county elected office in the state. They stand in front of Steam Engine 101 which is on display in downtown Fordyce only two blocks from the courthouse.
“
I’m just a simple plow hand
(AACPhotoScott s/ Perkins)
from Arkansas,
but I have learned over the years how to hold a team
together. How to lift some men up,how to calm others down,until finally they’ve got one heartbeat, together, a team.
”
— Coach Paul
“Bear” Bryant
Source: www.winwisdom.com
C a l e n da r o f E v e n ts
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November 29-30 County Tax Collectors Embassy Suites Little Rock February 10-12 County Judges Wyndham North Little Rock February 12-14 Circuit Clerks Embassy Suites Little Rock/AAC February 19-21 County Clerks Embassy Suites Little Rock/AAC February 26-27 County Treasurers Wyndham North Little Rock/AAC
CONTACT AAC Association of Arkansas Counties 1415 West 3rd Street Little Rock, AR 72201 (501) 372-7550 phone (501) 372-0611 fax www.arcounties.org
April 11-12 County Collectors Wyndham North Little Rock/AAC June 12-14 County Circuit Clerks Hampton Inn Harrison June 19-21 County Treasurers Hilton Garden Conway June 24-26 County Clerks Hilton Garden Conway Calendar activities are also posted on our Web site:
cvillines@arco cvillines @arcounties.org unties.org
Jeanne Hunt, Executive Assistant
jhunt@arcounties.org jhunt @arcounties.org
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Mission Statement: The Association of Arkansas Counties
T
he 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.
www.arcounties.org
Risk Management / Workers’ Compensation Brenda Emerson, ACE Program Coordinator bemerson@arcounties.org
Mark Whitmore, Chief Legal Counsel mwhitmore@arcounties.org
Jeff Sikes, Legislative Director jsikes@arcounties.org
Wes Fowler, Government Relations Director wfowler@arcounties.org
Scott Perkins, Communications Director sperkins@arcounties.org
Chris Villines, Executive Director
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Debbie Norman, Manager, Risk Mgmt Services dnorman@aacrms.com
Debbie Lakey, Workers’ Comp Claims Manager dlakey@aacrms.com
Cathy Perry, Administrative Assistant cperry@aacrms.com
Kim Nash, Workers Comp Claims Adjuster knash@aacrms.com
Denise Glenn, Workers Comp Claims Adjuster dglenn@aacrms.com
Cindy Calvert, Claims Examiner ccalvert@aacrms.com
Becky Comet, Member Benefits Manager Manager
Cindy Posey, Accountant cposey@arcounties.org
Elizabeth Sullivan, Secretary / Receptionist esullivan@arcounties.org
bcomet@arcounties.org
Barry Burkett, Loss Control Specialist bburkett@aacrms.com
Amber Krum, Administrative Assistant /Receptionist akrum@aacrms.com
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County Lines
Magazine
County Lines is the official publication of the Association of Arkansas Counties. It is published quarterly. For advertising inquiries, subscriptions or other information relating to the magazine, please contact Scott Perkins at 501.372.7550. Executive Director / Executive Editor Chris Villines Managing Editor Scott Perkins
AAC Executive Board: Mike Jacobs – President Roger Haney – Vice President Danny Hickman – Secretary-Treasurer Sherry Bell Debra Buckner Rita Chandler Jim Crawford Rhonda Wharton Jimmy Hart Judy Beth Hutcherson Leonard Krout Faron Ledbetter Bill Gipson Gene Raible Marty Moss Will Jones Debbie Wise National Association of Counties (NACo) Board Affiliations Alvin Black: Public Lands Steering Committee. He is the Montgomery County Judge.
Roger Haney: Board of Directors. He is the Washington County Treasurer and is also on the Telecommunications & Technology Steering Committee.
Ted Harden: Finance & Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee. He serves on the Jefferson County Quorum Court.
Haze Hudson: Transportation Steering Committee. He serves on the Miller County Quorum Court.
David Hudson: Vice Chair of NACo’s Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee. He is the Sebastian County Judge and member of the Rural Action Caucus Steering Committee.
Mike Jacobs: NACo Board of Directors, the Membership Committee and the Agricultural & Rural Affairs Steering Committee. He is the Johnson County Judge.
COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
The ‘shalls,’ ‘mays’ of county government
Director’s Desk
P
erspective is an invaluable thing. In government, it can be argued that we have lost a great deal of this in the current election cycle, one where issues largely inconsequential to county government have taken center stage – relegating the dayto-day management of government to the shelf. But hope Chris Villines remains that in the wake of Nov. 6 we will find ourselves AAC returning to some sense of normalcy; one where county Executive Director government can re-train its collective eyes to the provision of essential service to our constituents in an efficient and competent manner. American Author John Irving once penned, “We often need to lose sight of our priorities in order to see them.” The priorities of law enforcement, court systems, recordation of marriage licenses and deeds, building county roads and an effective property tax system have been scantly discussed on a national or state legislative stage. The administration of government is lost in a sea of hot button topics rarely, if ever, dealt with in the offices of our courthouses. Here at the Association of Arkansas Counties we like to step back from time to time to look, again, at what counties in Arkansas are tasked with. And any such evaluation has to be put into perspective by asking ourselves “What do the counties have to do?” and alternatively, “what are counties empowered for and want to do?” It is only through this lens that we as counties can accurately determine what are the needs versus the desires of our structure? This is an essential question that should be asked across all levels of society, and one that has undoubtedly been discussed during these hard times in every household in America. Our families are having to make these tough calls, mandated to provide food, clothing and shelter above all else. So what is the “food, clothing and shelter” of county government? And what are the accouterments that we all like when times are good? The answer to this question lies in Arkansas Code Annotated §14-14-802. This code simply breaks down the “shall” and “may” of county government as below: §14-14-802 – Providing of services generally. (a) A county government, acting through the county quorum court, shall provide (emphasis mine), through ordinance, for the following necessary services for its citizens: (1) The administration of justice through the several courts of record of the county; (2) Law enforcement protection services and the custody of persons accused or convicted of crimes; (3) Real and personal property tax administration, including assessments, collection, and custody of tax proceeds; (4) Court and public records management, as provided by law, including registration, recording and custody of public records; and (5) All other services prescribed by state law for performance by each of the elected county officers or departments of county government.
The balance of this section pertains to the “may” provisions of county government, and is in my opinion more descriptively helpful regarding the boundary between the two than the requirements that precede it. It reads as follows:
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(b) (1) A county government, acting through the quorum court, may provide (emphasis mine), through ordinance for the establishment of any service or performance of any function not expressly prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution or by law. (2) These legislative services and functions include, but are not limited to, the following services and facilities: (A) Agricultural services, including: (i) Extension services, including agricultural, home economic, and community development; (ii) Fairs and livestock shows and sales services; (iii) Livestock inspection and protection services; (iv) Market and marketing services; (v) Rodent, predator, and vertebrate control services; and (vi) Weed and insect control services; (B) Community and rural development services, including: (i) Economic development services; (ii) Housing services; (iii) Open spaces; (iv) Planning, zoning, and subdivision control services; (v) Urban and rural development, rehabilitation, and redevelopment services; and (vi) Watercourse, drainage, irrigation, and flood control services; (C) Community services, including: (i) Animal control services; (ii) Cemetery, burial, and memorial services; (iii) Consumer education and protection services; (iv) Exhibition and show services; (v) Libraries, museums, civic center auditoriums, and historical, cultural, or natural site services; (vi) Park and recreation services; and (vii) Public camping services; (D) Emergency services, including: (i) Ambulance services; (ii) Civil defense services; (iii) Fire prevention and protection services; and (iv) Juvenile attention services; (E) Human services, including: (i) Air and water pollution control services; (ii) Child care, youth, and senior citizen services; (iii) Public health and hospital services; (iv) Public nursing and extended care services; and (v) Social and rehabilitative services; (F) Solid waste services, including: (i) Recycling services; and (ii) Solid waste collection and disposal services; (G) Transportation services, including: (i) Roads, bridges, airports, and aviation services; (ii) Ferries, wharves, docks, and other marine services;
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(iii) Parking services; and (iv) Public transportation services; (H) Water, sewer, and other utility services, including: (i) Sanitary and storm sewers and sewage treatment services; and (ii) Water supply and distribution services; (I) Other services related to county affairs.
Though this particular law is relatively clear, over the years statutory requirements have added some items as mandates to county government. For instance, solid waste laws, which include recycling grants have come with strings of governance attached. However, this list remains largely accurate – and is a good blueprint you can use to discern allocations of resources in your county through a mandatory lens. The delineation between “shalls” and “mays” in county government is important. So often we are inaccurately presumed to be required to provide certain things, and occasionally we sacrifice that which we must do at the foot of that which we would like to do. As we move forward with a new class of elected officials, both locally and at a state legislative level, it is critical to understand our mandate – those services that without county government would simply not be provided. Furthermore, it is compelling to see just how many of the optional services we now provide through the counties of Arkansas. Compare the second list of non-compulsory items against your county to see just how many things you have taken on through the years that you didn’t have to. I, like many of you, was raised to go beyond the level of “just getting by.” It is admirable that our counties have injected help in the form of money and governance to improve the society around them when the times were good. Likewise, it is very understandable and prudent that we must shrink back from the same in bad times. In this era of budget cuts from Washington, D.C. that trickle down to you on a local level, it is vitally important that we keep focused on our mission – to provide our mandated services … for we are legally bound to such. And if your county is unfortunate enough to have to make cuts, it is important to know where you can. Next spring will bring us the 89th General Assembly. This is a time when many tough decisions will be made on a state level, some of which could have a profound effect on you and your county. It is fundamentally important that you build relationships with your incoming state legislators. It is crucial they know the mission of county government and incumbent on you and us to help educate those around you of our general mandates. In county government we will all go through highs and lows, times of expansion and growth … or of contraction and layoffs. But in all cases the most important thing we can have is a healthy understanding of our mission, and a perspective of the basic necessities we are required to provide.
Chris Villines Chris Villines AAC Executive Director COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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Collective impact
y home is Johnson County and it is nestled in the foothills of the Ozark National Forest. The changing of the seasons is evident in the cascading leaves and the vibrant colors peppered along the hillsides. This is a scene that is a far cry from where we found ourselves this summer in a historic drought. I’m sure most Arkansans are welcoming the moderate temperatures as we currently have the perfect weather to enjoy our beautiful state, fall football or other outdoor activities. Climate dictates most of what we can accomplish when you think about it. This is also very true in politics. The 89th Arkansas General Assembly is fast approaching and for those involved in the Association of Arkansas Counties Legislative Committee, it seems the session has already begun as the AAC legislative package has been in the works for months. The climate of Arkansas politics seems to be following a national trend of more partisanship not partnership. We saw this climate change as recently as last year’s fiscal session when a couple of party line votes seemed to be just that instead of elected officials communicating frequently and compromising and working together for the betterment of Arkansas. The citizens of Arkansas deserve the best representation our electorate can provide them and this increasing usagainst-them attitude is not the way we can get it done. We have challenges and adversities in front of us like never before and the solution lies in understanding a concept called “collective impact.”
President’s
We can have a much grander Perspective impact acting as one entity than we can ever have acting as individuals. Our Arkansas Capitol network and potential success rests in our ability to communicate, identify our resources and common strengths and challenges. All parties deserve a seat at the table, but votes and decisions should not already be made before the conversation takes place. That climate will be our downfall if we Hon. Mike Jacobs allow it to manifest. Our state has AAC Board President; fared well when compared to most Johnson County Judge of our peers, but the next true test, the true challenge lies ahead in the 89th Session. Instead of walking away from the middle on certain issues at the onset, we all need to make sure that our first action is to face one another and have the conversation. The conversation that is at the heart of the greatest political system known to man. The conversation that Arkansans deserve and our system is built on. We should respect our democracy, and not trod upon it. If partnership should prevail, we can collectively make the impact our citizens deserve.
The Honorable Mike Jacobs Johnson County Judge / AAC Board President
Arkansas State Capitol SNAPSHOTS “If we have honestly acknowledged our painful but shared past, then we can have reconciliation.” — Elizabeth Eckford, Little Rock Nine member
The Little Rock Nine Monument on the north mall of the State Capitol was dedicated in August 2005. It was created by artists John and Cathy Deering as a testament to the courage of nine African American students who enrolled in Central High School in 1957. This event was the beginning of the desegregation of Little Rock public schools and a critical event in America’s civil rights movement. Every County Lines edition features a monument or testament from the State Capitol grounds. For more information on your State Capitol go to: www.sos.arkansas.gov.
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(AAC Photo / Scott Perkins)
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L e g i s l at i v e t a n g e n t s
Legislation aimed at the middle of the extremes
Legislative Corner
As this edition of County Lines rolls off the press we are fast Obama administration. In addition, approaching two new legislative sessions—both of which may have SRS was created as a way to insure profound implications on county government. I’m speaking, of counties and schools, who formerly course, of the 2013 sessions of our state’s General Assembly and the had received a portion of the revUnited States Congress. enues derived from timber harvests in At both the state and federal levels the debate over type and national forests, were held harmless Jeff Sikes amount of government is ongoing. One side advocates for a bottom when these revenues began to dry up AAC Legislative Director up, limited government with an emphasis on free market solutions due, in large part, to efforts by some to most of life’s challenges while the other emphasizes a more top of the more extreme elements of the down, bureaucratic notion as to the more effective government. environmental community. In essence One extreme sees all governSRS was the federal government ment as limiting personal freepaying counties and schools not dom, hence an evil, necessary to to cut timber. be sure, but an evil nonetheless, This resulted in a double loss ne extreme sees all government while the other sees government to the fed that is, mathematically, as an indispensable good, providunsustainable over the long run as limiting personal freedom, ing the rules and the structure and, more importantly, devastathence an evil, necessary to be sure, but an that insure personal freedom. The ing to those communities that truth, as in most things, probably counted on the forest products evil nonetheless while the other sees govresides somewhere in the middle industry for their livelihood. and the middle is where county Clearly the structure of SRS ernment as an indispensable good, providgovernment, most certainly, and the expenditure of time and finds itself in this battle royale. money necessary for even a oneing the rules and the structure that insure The question for county officials year reauthorization is not the is, “how do we craft legislation best way to run a railroad. That’s personal freedom. that will appeal to, or at least where the balance comes in. not offend, members of both We will be proposing legislaschools of thought?” The answer, tion in the next Congress to I would suggest, is by providing replace SRS with a better system a balanced legislative approach of managed timber harvests in at both the federal and state levels. This is exactly the plan for a bold our national forests. legislative initiative we are currently advocating at the national level Using the best available, peer reviewed science we will argue that that would replace the Secure Rural Schools (SRS) and Community more efficient timber management practices support overall forest Self-Determination Act funding currently received by counties and health by promoting healthy timber growth while preventing the schools. spread of disease and beetle infestations, promote a greater diversity At the federal level your association is a member, and sits on the of wildlife and prevent the occurrence and spread of forest fires that board of directors of, the National Forest Counties and Schools have plagued our forests but have particularly devastated the West in Coalition (NFCS). The coalition has been instrumental in successrecent years. fully reauthorizing the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self By implementing a policy of best management timber practices Determination Act (SRS) for 2012 through its Partnership for a in our national forests, nationwide, we will begin to revitalize those Rural America campaign. communities that have been devastated by a loss of their main By successfully reauthorizing SRS we were able to avoid a loss of industry as well as putting vitally needed dollars into our county and almost $10 million to counties and schools in Arkansas. That’s the school infrastructures. good news as regards SRS, however, the downside is the reauthoWith a balanced approach the environment as well as our citizens rization was only for one year and cost the members of the NFCS win. Without balance we will continue to get what we’ve always over $1 million in organizational/lobbying fees—not including the got—more unhealthy forests, more disease and beetle infestations, revenues expended by members on travel to and from Washington, more forest fires, less diversity of wildlife and crippled communities D.C. lobbying their individual members of Congress as well as the full of tax consumers rather than taxpayers.
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...Recent Attorney General Opinions...
Summarized for county perspective AG OPINION NO. 2012-052 The Attorney General concluded that the Arkansas State Highway Commission (ASHC) has a duty to maintain all roads that are properly designated as state highways under A.C.A. 2767-2079(b) and that duty includes maintaining the ditches and drainage on city streets. A.C.A. 14-301-101 declares the city council shall have the care and supervision and control of all public highways, bridges, streets, etc. within the city and cause these public ways to be kept open, in repair and free from nuisances does not relieve the ASHC from its more specific and more recently imposed duty by the General Assembly to maintain state highways. The Attorney General noted that further legislative clarification may be warranted. (Likewise under the law, apparently counties do not have statutory duties to maintain, repair, or conduct drainage work on state highways, U.S. highways or interstate highways. The Attorney General further explained the responsibility for enforcing any regulations adopted by the ASHC would generally be upon the issuing agency, the ASHC. For example a state regulations to prohibit discarding of debris or leaves unto the ditches of a state highway would be the responsibility of the agency issuing the regulations.
AG OPINION NO. 2012-058
This opinion reveals that the Board of Corrections is in the process of adopting regulations to implement, ACT 570 of 2011, the “Public Safety Improvement Act.” A.C.A. 16-93-711 subsection D deals with the monitoring of inmates after serving 120 days of their sentence but does not specifically require the offender to pay the costs of electronic monitoring. A.C.A. 16-93-1205 allows the receipt of compensation from fees or from other available sources for participating in a community correction program. The contract provides the costs to the offender will be $2.37 per day or $219.30 for 90 days. With this background, the Attorney General found the Board of Corrections could adopt rules assessing the fee, as a front-end loaded fee, upon the offender for participating in a community COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
opsnoi
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corrections program. However, the Attorney General cautioned the Board of Corrections about adopting a rule that denied indigent parolees access to the community correction programs which require electronic monitoring, if the denial is based solely on the inability of the indigent to pay the front-end loaded fee. He cited Attorney General Opinion No. 20080153 which opined that the refusal of a court to consider probation as a sentencing option purely because of their status as indigents may be subject to challenge for violation of the Equal Protection Clause guarantees set forth in the 14th Amendment of the United States Constitution and Sections 2 and 3 of Article 2 of the Arkansas Constitution.
Whether or not an employee was directly or indirectly involved in an incident is relevant and may turn on Mark Whitmore whether there AAC Chief Counsel are allegations of a single event or multiple events. See also: Attorney General Opinions 2012-105.
AG OPINION NO. 2012-112
Reflect disclosure of the names of county employees or list of county employees is generally not protected. The AG has explained that the General Assembly has refrained from establishing a protection from releasing an employee’s name on the basis of “harassment exception” or “increased risk of harm exception.” Attorney General Opinion 2012-071: Under Arkansas law convicted felons are prohibited from possessing or owning firearms. However, drug courts are pre-adjudication courts and are not convicted provided they comply with the terms of participation. So, participation in a drug court program does not amount to the conviction of a felony or a prohibition from possessing or owning firearms.
Upon request, it is the duty of the Attorney General to determine if a decision of a custodian is consistent with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). The AG says records generated as part of an investigation may be considered employee evaluations or job performance records and may be exempt from release under the FOIA and may constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. The Attorney General’s office and commentators have typically classified that personnel files typically include: employment applications, school transcripts, payrollrelated documents such as re-classifications, promotions, demotions, transfer records, health and life insurance forms, performance evaluations, recommendation letters, etc. However, notwithstanding the exemption, A.C.A. 25-19-105(c)(1) provides that employee evaluations may be subject to release upon final administrative resolution of any suspension or termination at which the records form a basis for the decision to suspend or terminate the employee and there is a compelling public interest. Compelling public interests involve violations of public trust or gross incompetence; the existence of a public controversy; and the employees position within the agency. Custodians may consistent with the FOIA clearly withhold employee evaluations of low level employees not suspended or terminated. However, in the context of law enforcement officers, the level or ranking of the employee has less weight and the public interest is greater.
AG OPINION NO. 2012-111, 2012-110, 2011-156 and 2011-058
AG OPINION NO. 2012-090
The Attorney General explained the Arkansas State Medical Board, a state agency, is not required by A.C.A. 12-18-402 to report suspected child maltreatment identified or reported to the board. However, the individual physicians that serve on the Arkansas State Medical Board are mandatory reporters under the law since physicians are mandatory reporters under A.C.A. 12-18-402(b)(19). The General explained the physician’s duty to report as a mandatory reporter arises the same from their suspicions whether they arise in connection to the service on the board or in connection to their regular practice of medicine. 11
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What you must know about Nov./Dec. QC meetings Editor’s note: This FAQ topic has been published previously; however, it is very timely and contains critical information for counties’ November quorum court meetings.
shall the quorum court set the levy of QallWhen county ad valorem taxes and other taxes as :
required by law?
Arkansas Code Annotated 14-14-904(b) Levy of taxes and making appropriations. (1)(A)(i) The quorum court at its regular meeting in November of each year shall levy the county taxes, municipal taxes, and school taxes for the current year. It should be noted that unless the county has been granted an extension from the state due to a roll back that the levy must be done in the November meeting. It has long been a suggestion of the Association of Arkansas Counties that the court not adjourn the November meeting. Instead recess and open the meeting back up at a later date to take up this issue and finish the business of that meeting before adjournment. : Can the quorum court amend the levy ordi-
Qnance after it passage?
The short answer to this question is the quorum court can’t raise or lower the levy after it has been set at the November meeting. This question has been opined in Attorney General Opinion 1986-625 and an excerpt from that opinion states: “When a statute prescribes a certain time for the levying court to convene and levy taxes, a levy by it at any other time is invalid.” It also is quoted in another excerpt, “Since quorum courts are required specifically to levy taxes at only one time each year, it is my opinion that any attempt to re-levy taxes at any other time is void.” However the county court has been given authority to correct errors and that authority lies in A.C.A. 14-14-904(b) (4): “If a county court determines that the levy of taxes by the quorum court is incorrect due to clerical errors, scrivener’s errors, or failure of a taxing entity to report the correct millage rate to the quorum court, the county court shall issue an order directing the county clerk to correct the error in order to correct the millage levy. “(5) If a determination is made under this subchapter or § 26-80-101 et. seq., that the taxes levied by the quorum court are out of compliance with Arkansas Constitution, Article 14, § 3, as amended by Arkansas Constitution, Amendments 11, 40, and 74, then upon notice from the Director of the Department of Education, the county court shall immediately issue an order directing the county clerk to change the millage levy to bring the taxes levied into compliance with Arkansas Constitution, Article 14, § 3, as amended by Arkansas Constitution, Amendments 11, 40, and 74.” : Can the annual budget be passed after the first
Qof the year?
The legal answer to this question would be no. As stated in A.C.A. 1414-904(b) (1) (ii): “Before the end of each fiscal year, the quorum court shall make appropriations for the expenses of county government for the following year.” The language here states the quorum court shall make appropriations for the expenses of county government for the following year or upcoming year. If an appropriation is not made the county government would 12
FAQs:
Frequently
Asked Questions
in effect have to shut down until such an appropriation is made. Any attempt to continue the operation of county government without the proper appropriation would run afoul of A.C.A. 14-14-1203. Compensation and expense reimbursements generally. “(a) APPROPRIATION REQUIRED. All compensation, including salary, hourly compensation, expense allowances, training expenses, and other remunerations, allowed to any county or district officer or employee thereof shall be made only on specific appropriation by the quorum court of the county.”
Wes Fowler GovernmentRelationsDirector
: What are the voting requirements to pass the annual budget?
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This can be found in A.C.A. 14-14-907 (d) Readings and Publication. An appropriation ordinance may be enacted without separate readings or publication prior to passage. However, publication shall be initiated within two (2) calendar days, excepting holidays, after approval of the measure by the county judge. (e) Voting Requirements. The passage of appropriation ordinances or amendments to existing appropriation ordinances enacted without separate readings shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the whole number of justices comprising a quorum court. On the passage of every appropriations measure, the yeas and nays shall be called and recorded in the minutes of the meeting.” It should be noted that the language above is permissive. This allows the local governing body a much easier way of dealing with the many adjustments that may be needed during the year and in a much timelier manner, when dealing with appropriations. However it does not prohibit appropriation ordinances (ie: annual budget) to be adopted like all other ordinances on three separate readings with a simple majority vote of the whole body; when it becomes a problem to acquire the 2/3 vote requirement. It could however take much longer and be more cumbersome. As stated in A.C.A. 14-14-905 (c) PASSAGE. (1)(A) “On the passage of every ordinance or amendment to an existing ordinance, the yeas and nays shall be called and recorded. “(B) A concurrence by a majority of the whole number of members elected to the quorum court shall be required to pass any ordinance or amendment. “(2)(A) All ordinances or amendments to existing ordinances of a general or permanent nature shall be fully and distinctly read on three (3) different days unless two-thirds (2/3) of the members composing the court shall dispense with the rule. “(B) This subdivision (c)(2) shall not serve to: “(i) Require a vote after each individual reading, but a vote only after the third and final reading; “(ii) Require the ordinance or amendment to be read in its entirety on the first, second, or third reading; or “(C) Restrict the passage of emergency, appropriation, initiative, or referendum measures in a single meeting as provided by law.” COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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The budget, Medicaid shortfall, expansion
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Medicaid at the center of several critical decisions
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udget hearings are under way in Little Rock as we prepare for next year’s legislative session. As we discuss how best to spend your taxpayer money on state services for the next two years, Medicaid often becomes part of the conversation. There’s good reason for this, as the future of this health-care program is at the center of a number of important discussions.
We also have an opportunity to save state tax dollars through a federal expansion of Medicaid. While this Hon. Mike Beebe expansion would add about 250,000 Governor of Arkansas Arkansans to the program, most of whom are the working poor, the federal government would pay the entire cost until 2017. A small state share would then kick in, First, some basic facts. Medicaid is paid for with federalsteadily rising but topping out at 10 percent in 2020. For this and-state tax dollars. It provides health care for about 800,000 upcoming biennium, some Arkansans. The majority of programs paid for by the Medicaid recipients are children state or requiring the 70and seniors, but services are 30 split would instead be also available for citizens who covered entirely by the federal fter two years of planning, Arkanare disabled, blind or pregnant. government. This would save This differs from Medicare, us an estimated $128 million sas began putting our paymentwhich provides primary health in general revenue over two care for Americans age 65 years. However, there must be and older. Seniors receiving reform initiative in place this month. It is an political consensus on Medicaid Medicaid benefits are usually in expansion in the legislature, nursing homes or require other otherwise we could not unprecendented undertaking to rein in healthlong-term care. appropriate and spend those federal funds. care costs while also improving care.
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Historically, the federal government has covered 75 percent of Medicaid costs, with Arkansas paying the other 25 percent. However, our recent improvement in per-capita income has changed that formula, increasing Arkansas’s share. Starting this next fiscal year, that obligation moves to 70 percent federal and 30% from the state. Because of that shift and the continued overall increase in health-care costs, Arkansas faces a shortfall in our Medicaid budget next July, most recently estimated at about $350 million. To balance our future state budgets, we must address this shortfall. We’ve already begun to do that through our state-wide effort to change how we pay for health care and by getting costs under control. After two years of planning, Arkansas began putting our payment-reform initiative in place this month. It is an unprecedented undertaking to rein in health-care costs while also improving care. While we believe that this initiative will eventually create significant savings, and could serve as a model for other states to replicate, we have begun on a smaller scale. This initiative will not fully address our immediate Medicaid shortfall. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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As our state economy continues to recover from the national recession, our growth will create new ongoing revenue to help address the Medicaid shortfall. There is also bipartisan consensus to use some of our state’s budget surplus to provide one-time Medicaid funding. All of these potential sources of additional Medicaid support may not resolve the shortfall completely. In the current political climate, the only other viable step will be cuts in some programs. If it comes to that, we will work with the legislature to minimize the impact of any such cuts. This is the hard work we do to keep our budget balanced and to preserve Arkansas’s tradition of fiscal responsibility while taking care of all of our citizens.
Mike Beebe The Honorable Mike Beebe Governor of Arkansas 13
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Free legal help available
County Law Update
ore than half of Arkansas’ 75 counties are members of county liability. It works. the Association of Arkansas Counties Risk Management Remember all Americans and, thereFund (AACRMF). AACRMF member counties are not fore, all county employees have the same charged for the legal help provided in connection with liberty rights. any employment decision. Also, there is no “deductible” charge. There is “At-will” and “permanent” employees, no reason not to call. There is every reason to call. So, ... please call. We therefore, have exactly the same liberty want to help you avoid the risk of liability. rights. A county may not deprive any perWhen you call for free legal help in connection with an employment son of “... liberty ..., without due process matter, we will draft any of law.” Mt. Healthy necessary paperwork with City School Dist. no charge to the member Bd. of Education Mike Rainwater county. This is a benefit of v. Doyle, 429 U.S. Risk Management ore than half of Arkansas’ AACRMF membership. 274 (1977); 14th Legal Counsel The paperwork will eviAmendment. If you dence both the applicable are an AACRMF 75 counties are members... facts and the applicable member, please let law. It will incorporate us help you with any employment. There is every reason to call. We want to the “procedural due proBy the way the AACRMF is also offering a free cess” requirements of afemployment policy update to all AACRMF memhelp you avoid the risk of liability. fording a timely hearing ber counties. opportunity. Any county (AACRMF member, or not) that If a County Grievance wants a copy of the newly updated 2012 Model Committee hearing is Employment Policy should send its request to requested, the AACRMF will draft the response of the county. In that rainwater@rainfirm.com. We will e-mail you a copy. process, we will help determine if the facts or the law require the county to provide the requested hearing. A hearing is not required in all instances. We will help you know when a hearing is and is not required. All of this is (Mike Rainwater, a regular contributor to County Lines and lead attorney done at no charge to the AACRMF member county. for AAC Risk Management, is principal shareholder of Rainwater, Holt, and The reason the AACRMF trustees have authorized the provision of this Sexton, P.A., a state-wide personal injury and disability law firm. He has been pre-hearing legal help, without charge to AACRMF member counties, is a lawyer for more than 30 years, is a former deputy prosecuting attorney and that this process has proven to be an effective way to manage the risk of has defended city and county officials for more than 25 years.)
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We want your news Did an aspect of county government “make news” recently in your county? Did any of your county officials or staff get an award, appointment or pat on the back? Please let us know about it for the next edition of County Lines magazine. You can write up a couple of paragraphs about it, or if something ran in your local paper, call and ask them to forward the story to us. We encourage you or your newspaper to attach a good quality photo, too: e-mail sperkins@arcounties.org.
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Arkansas County Tax Collectors award Bobbye McAlister Scholarships The following are this years winners on the Bobbye McAlister Memorial Scholarships awarded by the Arkansas County Tax Collectors Association. Students receiving $1,000 scholarships were: London King, granddaughter of Sylvia Knoles, Franklin County Collector; and Dalynn T.D. Johnson, grandson of Carol Johnson, retired Craighead County Deputy Collector, mother is Robin Johnson current Craighead County Deputy Collector. The student who received the $500 scholarship was Tyler Lee Hays, stepson of Cathy (CJ) Hays, Greene County Collector. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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College savings should be on your mind all the time The month of September is typically the time when students of all ages settle into new routines, whether it involves basic K-12 curriculum, technical school training, or beginning classes at the university level. With the focus on back-to-school, the College Savings Plan Network, an affiliate of the National Association of State Treasurers, declared September to be National College Savings Month. In Arkansas, Gov. Mike Beebe proclaimed the month as College Savings Month in Arkansas as well. “As costs continue to escalate, education is becoming a primary concern for parents all over Arkansas,” said Martha Shoffner, Arkansas Treasurer of State and chair of the Arkansas Section 529 Plan Review Committee which oversees the Arkansas College Savings Plans (The committee is also staffed by Arkansas Department of Higher Education Interim Director Shane Broadway and Arkansas Teacher Retirement System Director George Hopkins). “Our message to parents is to encourage a disciplined savings plan in order to increase their children’s likelihood of success and to avoid over-reliance on student loans,” Shoffner
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said. “Early planning can pay big dividends when college approaches.” The Arkansas College Savings Plans consists of two taxadvantaged Qualified Tuition Savings Plans: the 529 Plan, named for IRS Section 529 in the tax code which authorizes such savings options and are sponsored by the state; the direct-sold Arkansas GIFT Plan and the advisor-sold iShares 529 Plan. The growth of funds invested in these plans is tax-deferred, both federally and on the state level, and are never subject to tax as long as the money is used for qualified higher education expenses. Arkansas residents invested in either one of these two state plans may also deduct up to $5,000 annually ($10,000 for married couples) from their taxable income for Arkansas state tax purposes. In addition, lower-tomoderate income families may qualify for up to $500 a year in matching funds (through the Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Pro-
gram) for up to five years for contributions into the Arkansas GIFT Plan as a way to supplement these savings. “We have worked hard in Arkansas to make our state college savings plans an attractive option for families looking for ways to make their children’s dreams of the future a reality,” Shoffner said. “ The Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program has attracted attention from other states looking for ways to help lower-to-moderate income families build a financial bridge to higher education, and continues to assist Arkansas families of limited means in assuming a leading role in their children’s future success.” Complete information on the Arkansas GIFT Plan, the Aspiring Scholars Matching Grant Program, and the Arkansas iShares 529 Plan may be found online at www.arkansas529. org or by calling the Arkansas College Savings Plans office toll-free at (855) 686-2582.
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What should JPs know to perform their duties under the Constitution?
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justice of the peace should know Amendment 55 and part of the County Code, Title 14, Chapter 14, “Legislative Powers” (Subchapter 8); and “Legislative Procedures” (Subchapter 9). The Association of Arkansas Counties publishes on the AAC website, www.arcounties.org under publications library: “The Arkansas Justice of the Peace Procedural Manual,” “Amendment 55, Act 742 of 1977 as amended” (which serves as a guide to Amendment 55 and the implementing language known as the “County Code”); and the “Procedural Guide for Arkansas County Quorum Court Meetings” by the Cooperative Extension Service, University of Arkansas, and United States Department of Agriculture. In the summer edition of the County Lines Wes Fowler, AAC contact for justices of the peace, explained the timeframe for publication of ordinances after passage by the quorum court and the effective dates for: ordinances generally (A.C.A. § 14-14-905); appropriation ordinances (A.C.A. 14-14-907); and emergency ordinances (A.C.A. § 14-14-908). During the fall meeting of the County Judges Association of Arkansas, Fowler, AAC government relations director, and former county judge and county clerk will conduct a presentation and panel discussion on procedure for quorum court meetings. As my contribution for the presentation, I updated these materials. Below is my opinion of the crux of what a justice of the peace in Arkansas should know. There are certain duties and responsibilities a justice of the peace and quorum court are mandated to perform; certain actions you may perform; and certain duties or actions you are prohibited from performing (shall, may and can’t). Many successful leaders in the General Assembly were once justices of the peace. They learned how county government worked. It’s now been 25 years since graduating law school and obtaining my law license; and I am about to achieve a decade of work at a place and with people I love. So, from my perspective here are some of the basics to being a justice of the peace in Arkansas. The quorum court shall adopt by ordinance: an annual budget for the necessary/mandated expenses of county government; affix the salaries of county employees and county officials; levy millages for the county taxes, municipal taxes, and school taxes; and meet at an organizational meeting and adopt organizational/procedural rules. A.C.A. § 14-14-901 vests the legislative power of county government in the quorum court of each county, subject to the limitations imposed by the Arkansas Constitution and by state law. A primary purpose of the quorum court is to enact a budget for the county that assures the rendering of necessary and mandated services to the citizenry. A.C.A. § 14-14-904 (b)(1)(a) (ii) states that: “Before the end of each fiscal year the quorum court shall make appropriations for the expenses of county government for the following year.” The core of the mandate is contained in A.C.A. § 14-14-802(a). Which prescribes: “(a) A county government, acting through the county quorum court, shall (emphasis added) provide, through ordinance, for the following necessary services for its citizens:(1) The administration of justice through the several courts of record of the county;(2) Law enforcement protection services and the custody of persons accused or convicted of crimes;(3) Real and personal property tax administration, including assessments, collection, and custody of tax proceeds;(4) Court and public records management, as provided by law, including registration, record18
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ing, and custody of public records; and (5) All other services prescribed by state law for performance by each of the elected county officers or departments of county government.” The remainder of this provision of the Arkansas code recites a litany of discretionary services that a quorum court may provide for its citizens; and authorizes appropriations for functions not expressly prohibited by the Mark Whitmore Constitution or laws of Arkansas. Despite the clear mandate, from time to AAC Chief Counsel time a county quorum court will breach their clear duty under the law to adopt an annual and adequate budget for mandated/necessary services. In Union County v. Union County Election Commission, 274 Ark. 286 (1981) the court held counties do not have discretion to decide whether money shall be provided for elections. It is apparent the courts will look to see if there is assertion and proof that a mandatory service is not being provided and whether the appropriation is reasonable. See also: Haynes v. Faulkner County, 326 Ark. 557 (1996). In Mears v. Hall, 263 Ark. 827 (1978) the Supreme Court explained that a quorum court cannot escape the liabilities of providing for mandated services; and a county judge cannot refuse to approve disbursement of county funds in accordance with legally proper ordinances and appropriations. Under Amendment 55, §§ 4 and 5 the quorum court is confided the Constitutional responsibility for affixing the number and salaries of county employees and salaries of county officials. The AAC publishes annually on the AAC website a salary survey of salaries for county employees, officials, and the number of positions for the various 75 counties. A.C.A. § 14-14-2504 prescribes the floor and ceiling of salaries for county officials based upon class of county. Comparison of salaries and benefits to those of city and state employees or officials performing comparable tasks frequently demonstrate the salaries for county employees and officials are substantially lower and not commensurate with their duties. However, in tough economic times some counties are laying people off work or eliminating health insurance. A.C.A. § 14-14-904(b)(i)(A)(i) absolutely mandates: “The quorum court at its regular meeting in November of each year shall levy the county taxes, municipal taxes, and school taxes for the current year.” The law allows for an extension by the Director of the Assessment Coordination Department (ACD) for up to 60 days of the date for the levy of taxes for good cause shown by the county judge and county clerk from reappraisal or rollback. See Attorney General Opinion Nos: 2010-157; 1997-421; and 1997-393. Attorney General 2007-301: held that the road tax levied under Amendment 61 is to be levied at the regular time taxes are levied as A.C.A. § 26-79-101 (at the regular November meeting of the Quorum Court). Subsection 904(b)(i)(A)(iv) allows the county court to order a correction to the levy ordinance due to clerical error, scrivener error, or failure of the tax entity to report the correct millage to the quorum court. See also: Attorney General Opinion Nos: 2004-021 and 2003-031. Some counties have sought refuge by recessing the regular November meeting Continued to Next Page
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AAC Board Profile Jimmy Hart
family, my wife Nancy and the four great young adults we raised together. Past president of the County Judges
Office: Conway County Judge for 12 years.
Association of Arkansas and AAC
County I was born in: Conway County
board member.
I got started in county government because: I
The hardest thing I have ever done is:
wanted to make a difference and develop a “can
Dealing with the loss of my 16-year-old
do” attitude in our county.
niece in an auto accident.
What I like most about my county / state is:
At the top of my “bucket list” is to:
The people, the natural scenic beauty, Petit Jean Mountain, Mt. Magazine, and area lakes.
My favorite meal: Homemade spaghetti and sausage Italian style.
Take a driving vacation to the west coast. Jimmy Hart, C onway Count y
When I’m not working I’m: Spending time with our children and grandchild — Loren.
The accomplishments of which I am most proud: My
What should JPs know ...? (rather than adjourning) or by obtaining ACD extension or issuance of a county court order when appropriate under the law. From time to time, however, a few counties have had to do without county general or county road taxes for failure to comply with the law. They adjourned the regular meeting in November without having adopted the levy ordinance or to have available the extensions provided for the specific circumstances required by law. A.C.A. § 14-14-904 (a), (d), (e) direct and envision the quorum court at its initial organizational meeting adopting organizational/procedural rules. These rules affix the date, time and location of regular meetings of the quorum court; and may along with budget appropriations affix the per diem compensation for attending regular, special and committee meetings of the quorum court subject to the limitations prescribed by the General Assembly under A.C.A. § 14-14-1205. Since justices of the peace are district officials, not county officials, their compensation may be reduced during their term, according to Attorney General Opinion No. 2003-059. A.C.A. § 14-14-904(e) further provides: “Except as otherwise provided by law, the quorum court of each county shall determine its rules of procedure and may compel the attendance of absent members in such manner and under such penalties as may be prescribed by ordinance.” A.C.A. 14-14-502(b) provides for separate of powers: “The powers of county governments of the State of Arkansas shall be divided into three COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
My pet
You might be surprised to learn that: I don’t do Facebook.
peeve is: Keeping it simple.
Motto or favorite quote: Of all the things that I have lost ... my mind’s the one I miss the most.
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(3) distinct departments, each of them to be confined into a separate body: Legislative, Executive; and Judicial. A.C.A. § 14-14-904(d) provides” “The County Judge shall preside over the Quorum Court without a vote but with the power of veto.” “The presiding officer shall appoint all regular and special committees of a quorum court subject to any procedural rules which may be adopted by ordinance.” The county judge is the chief executive official and presiding officer, but not a member of the quorum court. He rules on motions and guides debate according to the rules of procedure The various other county officials are likewise members of the executive branch. A justice of the peace would be well served by spending some time with their local assessor, circuit clerk, county clerk, collector, coroner, county judge, sheriff and treasurer. Learn the substantial duties of their offices and the assignments of their staff. However, it is clear from separation of powers once funds are appropriated the quorum court is not authorized to micro-manage the expenditure of appropriated funds by the executive branch. See Attorney General Opinions Nos. 2005-293; 2004302; 1998-398; 1989-365; and 1989-206. In Attorney General Opinion No. 2011-087: “The authority of the county judge, not the quorum court, to hire or fire the county attorney, or enter necessary contracts is beyond reasonable argument.” Justice of the peace is an official elected by the Constitution of Arkansas. The law and duties above should be wellknown to all justices of the peace in Arkansas and dutifully performed. 19
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What we need is a good dose of common sense - not partisan politics
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ne of Josh Billings’ quotes about common sense that I like is “Common sense is instinct, and enough of it is genius.” He also was quoted as saying, “Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.” But, in the world of today’s politics Horace Greeley may have been more apropos in his description of the term. He said, “Common sense is very uncommon.” In the world of government we seem to live in a climate soaked by partisan propaganda, each side trying to secure the voter’s loyalty by almost any means possible. They instigate outrage of the basest kind using patriotism, wedge issues and factions of all kinds to solidify their base. It is always “conservative versus liberal” – although conservatism and liberalism have seen quite a metamorphosis over the years. It has been that way at the federal level for many years but, it has also become that way in our state and local races here in Arkansas. Campaigns for office are no longer like they once were. Instead of running a positive campaign for office based on one’s own merits – they run for office based on their opponents’ demerits or on issues that have nothing or very little to do with the office they are seeking. We are forced into making a decision based, not on who is best for the job, but who has the least negatives or is the least offensive. Our elections, at almost all levels, have become nothing less than a struggle for power. This power struggle is like many wars. There are many casualties and very little progress. There seems to be no end in sight. But there needs to be. We need a good dose of common sense so that progress can be made instead of reaping the stalemate of partisan politics. Did you know the original founders of the United States opposed the formation of a two-party system for the partisanship they believed it would foster? Their fear was that “politicians” would place more loyalty with the party than for the nation. Seems they may have been correct and it has filtered down into state and local government. I believe true public servants will use common sense and the art of compromise to accomplish what is good for the masses. Have you noticed that political extremists dominate the radio and TV talk shows even though the majority of voters remain moderate? It’s because the media has simply made a business decision. Controversy increases ratings. That our government and political system is harmed and diminished seems to be of no concern. Should we accept the extremism we see from both sides as “politics as usual?” Of course we shouldn’t! Democracy survives, even as a republic like we are, on a properly informed citizenry. And that means providing good and honest information – not spin, misinformation, double-talk, sound bites that purposely take things out of context, and out-right lies. And one of the most ingenious and offensive tactics used in recent years is using issues in a race that will not and cannot be addressed by the person seeking that particular office. Why anyone, as the old saying goes, “with one eye and half sense” buys into that type of campaigning is beyond me. For the good of our country and state we must rise above partisan politics! To do that we must leave our preconceived ideas behind and see things as they really are. Since, in today’s world of politics, 20
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things are usually looked at as liberal or conservative let’s look at standard definitions of those philosophies. n Liberalism: A political movement founded on the autonomy and personal freedom of the individual, progress and reform; government by law with the consent of the governed. An economic theory in favor of laissez Eddie A. Jones faire (French meaning “to let people Guest Writer do as they wish”) capitalism and the free market. A 19th century political idea that championed individual rights, civil liberties and private property. Principles, theories or actions that guarantee individual freedoms in society. n Conservatism: A political philosophy that favors tradition and gradual change, where tradition refers to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. The term is derived from Latin, and means to preserve; to protect from harm or loss. It favors limited government involvement with respect to religious, cultural, or nationally defined beliefs and customs. It believes in adhering to moral absolutes. It emphasizes respect for traditional institutions, distrust of government activism and opposition to sudden change. Because of partisan politics over the past generation or two, these standard definitions scarcely apply to today’s usage of the words. The Democratic Party is referred to as the liberal party and the Republican Party as the conservative party. Yet there are many moderate and conservative Democrats – especially in the South and in some western states. And there are many moderate and liberal Republicans especially in the northern and eastern states.
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However, the national political party structures are driven by the far left (liberal) and the far right (conservative) – and that, too seems to filter down to the state parties. It is next to impossible to effectively govern from the extremes. Successful, effective and progressive leaders govern from the middle because that’s where the majority of the populace is. Our trouble and the problem with federal and state government is that many people who run for office are either far left or far right thinkers. That gives rise to partisan politics and a stalemated government. More often than not, the main goal of each party is to increase its own power and influence. The R’s and the D’s see themselves more like natural enemies than a group of patriotic statesmen. Instead of working to dominate and silence the other they should be cooperating and compromising to effectively and progressively move our government forward. I am a Democrat. But like the vast majority of Arkansas Democrats I am a moderate Democrat – even conservative on moral issues. I’m where most people are in their political thinking. What does that mean? It means I am in the middle. I’m in the area where you can effectively lead and govern. It does not mean I’m straddling the fence – but it does mean that I can find common ground on most issues to help solve a problem. As food for thought let’s take a look at the words of some influential leaders in this country from years gone by. n The father of our country, George Washington, in a message to American Catholics said, “As mankind becomes more liberal, they will be more able to allow that those who conduct themselves as worthy members of the community are equally entitled to the protection of civil government. I hope to see America among the foremost nations
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in example of justice and liberality.” n Ralph Waldo Emerson, a writer, minister and the father of American Transcendentalism – an early movement of independent thinking and severing ties to organized political parties said, “We are reformers in spring and summer. In autumn and winter we stand by the old. Reformers in the morning; conservatives at night. Reform is affirmative; conservatism is negative. Conservatism goes for comfort; reform for truth.” n Interesting words from R.H. Fulton included these, “The highest function of conservatism is to keep what progressiveness (liberalism) has accomplished.” The words of Mr. Fulton clearly illustrate that the right levels of conservatism and liberalism can co-exist and in a natural relationship. What is unnatural in governing is extremism from either spectrum. The idea of common sense in government is solid advice at all levels of government. But, as the general election is upon us and we elect State Representatives and State Senators for the Arkansas General Assembly, let’s hone in on county government and its relationship with state government, especially the state legislature. How do we rise above partisan politics? We start by facing the truth. The answers to county government problems will never be found in liberalism or conservatism. Each side is too limited, committing itself to a constrained approach that refuses to accept possibilities that disagree with their basic ideologies. Common sense tells us that a healthy life embraces both change and tradition – not pitting one against the other. Human nature should approach problems directly for reasonable solutions – not indirectly, as does partisan politics for less meaningful or negative results. County government problems are not solved through party labels but through common sense. Political extremists dominate the talk shows and garner the news headlines even though the majority of voters remain moderate. Moderates combine the finer points of liberalism and conservatism – change and tradition. Neither liberal nor conservative in their own right are bad words or philosophies. Liberalism at its best seeks creative but moderate reform to enhance the lives of people based on reasonable assumptions. This is a good thing. And conservatism, properly applied, preserves what is best from the past and restrains progressive tendencies to a more cautious pace. This is good, too. When we’re sick we take a good dose of the right kind of medicine. Partisan politics, in my estimation, is a sickness that needs a good dose of medicine. As the legislative session starts in January, we must espouse that county government problems and needs do not carry a party label and are not solved by a party label. They are only solved by a good dose of common sense which embraces both change and tradition. “Retaining your capacity for reason is common sense.”
etaining your capacity for
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reason is common sense.
(Eddie Jones, county consultant, of Pocahontas served as Randolph County Treasurer from 1981 until taking the reins as AAC Executive Director in 2007; he retired that post in mid-2010. Readers can reach him at: e.jonesconsulting@gmail.com.)
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Above: The Columbia County Cou square in Magnolia.
Left: State Rep. David Fielding (Dis County Tax Collector Cindy Walker. every year as time and resources h
State Rep. spends day By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor Editor’s note: This is the second in a series of articles focusing on state representatives and senators job-shadowing their respective county elected officials.
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ctober is a busy time for tax collectors across the state, but Cindy Walker, Columbia County Tax Collector says the main misconception about the collector’s office is that tax payment time is the only time collectors are busy. “We are always working on an aspect of the tax collection process whether it be running statements and printing tax books or certifications or closing the books and balancing or mailing delinquent notices,” Walker said. “Another misconception is that some tax payers don’t realize that the vast majority of the payments we collect go to directly to fund our public schools.” State Rep. David Fielding (District 5) spent one busy October morning job shadowing Walker. It was only days before the Oct. 15 deadline and the office was hustling and bustling as tax payers filtered in and out of the office. The Columbia County Tax Collector’s office is designed to be very similar to a bank with several teller windows. “It was a new experience to see all that office does on a firsthand base after being on the quorum court for 20 years. I had very little knowledge of what goes on in her office; but was aware of how the tax payers’ money is issued that is collected for the county.” 22
Fielding was appointed to the Columbia County Quorum Court in 1989 by then-Gov. Bill Clinton. He served 20 years until he then ran for the state representative seat in district 5. “I think it is very important that our state representatives and senators know how the passage of certain laws will affect county government before they are implemented. Many times laws are passed without the necessary funds to support the law,” Walker said. “I think it would be a great benefit for all state senators and representatives to shadow county officials to get a better understanding of the workings of county government. Those who have experience in a county or municipal office have this understanding.” Walker is in her fourth term as tax collector and has implemented several new practices and protocols. Consolidating statements and receipts was one accomplishment staffers of the office raved about. Accepting partial payments has been another benefit for tax payers while the online payments have increased efficiency as well. “We try to make it as convenient and pleasant as possible for our tax payers,” Walker said. “We greet them with a smile and have found that a little kindness goes a long way.” Fielding said he was pleased to see county records preserved on film and with the rebinding process that is ongoing in the office. “Shadowing is a good tool to use to see what all the county office has to do each day,” Fielding said. “It helps to understand county government more when legislative bills come before us.” Rebinding of the real estate books is a project Walker manages on the side of the normal operations of the office. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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urthouse, built in 1852, is the focal point of the town
strict 5) looks through the tax books with Columbia . Walker said she has rebound about 10-15 books have allowed.
State Rep. David Fielding visits with Columbia County Tax Collector Cindy Walker in her office in the Columbia County Annex in Magnolia. Fielding served on the Columbia County Quorum Court for 20 years before he joined the state legislature.
with Columbia Co.
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Jamey Griep, (center) who has worked in the Columbia County Tax Collector’s office since 1983, explains how computers and digital technology have changed the way the county accepts and records tax payments.
“We’re in our third year of this process and we’re averaging about 20 books a year,” Walker said. “These books are very important to our county and I felt it is worth preserving this documentation.” Walker has rebound books from 1855-1925 currently and all the binding is done on site. “Shadowing is a great opportunity for all,” Walker said. “Collectors’ main role is to collect the money and educate the public. Many people do not realize that our public schools COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
are funded by property tax and that we also collect for many improvement districts in the county.” She said her office tries diligently to inform the tax payers about the homestead credit, freezing of taxes and how citizens can pay their current taxes in any amount after the books open in March. “My role as a legislator is mainly creating and amending state laws as the need arises,” Fielding said. “The most gratifying thing is having the ability to help your constituents.” 23
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John Robinson, warning coordinator meteorologist for the National Weather Service, explains the various factors that impact notification and warning of a weather event in the state of Arkansas. He described the time line of events concerning the Albert Pike flooding tragedy.
Above: Crittenden County Judge Melton Holt accepts a framed copy of the summer edition of County Lines magazine where his life and recovery after a tragic motorcycle accident was chronicled. Holt was the host judge for the County Judges Association of Arkansas meeting in West memphis in September. Wes Fowler (left), AAC government affairs director, Preston Scroggin, CJAA president, and Chris Villines, AAC executive director, all provided comments thanking Holt for his service. Right: Lindsey Williams, state fire marshal, explains Arkansas law concerning burn bans.
Wes Fowler (standing), AAC government relations director, addresses judges in an executive committee meeting while Mark Whitmore (from left), AAC chief legal counsel, Preston Scroggin, CJAA president, and Jeff Phillips, Jackson County Judge, look on. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
Arkansas Co. judges conduct business at annual fall meeting
The County Judges Association of Arkansas met for its annual fall meeting in West Memphis in late September and attendees were treated to an appearance from the host judge that a year ago seemed to be impossible. Crittenden County Judge Melton Holt, who suffered extensive critical injuries in a motorcycle accident in July 2011 attended Thursday’s meeting welcoming the judges to his county. He also received a token of appreciation for his service as he decided not to seek re-election. He was met with a standing ovation when he was introduced. “It is very nice to be here. There were times when I didn’t think I would be back,” Holt said. “The Lord is a beautiful thing and if it wasn’t for the Lord, I wouldn’t be here. My family stood by me and I was never alone. I appreciate all of you ... so keep on keeping on.” Lindsey Williams, state fire marshal, explained that the county judge is the only entity that can order a burn ban. Williams, who was a volunteer firefighter for 32 years in White County, said the fire code dictates that fireworks can only be sold and set off from June 20 July 10 and from Dec. 10 - Jan. 5. Joe Fox, state forester with the Arkansas Forestry Commission, told judges that prescribed burning is the single best tool against wildfires and forestry efforts saved about 18 million in property last year. David Maxwell, Arkansas Department of Emergency Management director, also spoke about emergency response and mutual aid agreements. 25
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COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
Keepin’ up with the Joneses D
in Dallas County
allas County was the destination for the County Lines cover story for this fall edition. Keeping up with the Joneses is a tall task in Dallas County. Jimmy and Donna Jones are the only husband and wife who also serve as the county judge and assessor in the state of Arkansas. They have influenced their county in many ways and both say they are proud to serve the community that has given them so much.
They have been married for 41 years and both take their roles as public servants passionately. They not only serve in their respective offices but the Jones have also taken the lead on several community projects and efforts to help give the residents of their county as high of a quality of life as possible.
Only a door that is usually open separates their offices in the courthouse and one doesn’t have to spend much time there to know these two are on the same page.
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Jimmy Jones Dallas County Judge
Donna Jones Dallas County Assessor
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Left: Dallas County Judge Jimmy Jones works with Vickey Selman, administrative assistant, in his office. Above: Jones addresses the crowd at the Dallas County Courthouse during its centennial celebration in 2011.
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home & in office By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor
allas County Judge Jimmy Jones wears boots and some might say that is his trademark. They fit his work ethic and management of the county to a tee. Jones was born and raised in Ramsey in Dallas County and has served as its county judge since 2001. He’s a family man who applies those values to his community service as well. “My parents deserve a lot of the credit for where I’m at today,” Jones said. “I probably had the most honest set of parents on the planet. I come from humble beginnings and have been blessed in many ways. They would give you the shirt off their back if they could. They left me a good name.” Jones’ parents ran and operated the Ramsey country store in the late 1940s and early 1950s and they taught a young Jones to work hard and respect others. Receiving respect from a 90-year-old constituent, Mr. Lacey Evans, one April afternoon has stayed with Jones as he continues to define his legacy as judge. “This man’s son told me it was his father’s birthday and he was turning 90,” Jones recalled. “So I headed out to his house to visit with him and take him and his son to dinner. When he got in the truck, he told me, ‘You know I have been paying taxes all my life and I have never had a county judge ask me to get in the vehicle with them.” Jones said elected officials don’t really know whose lives they are touching and that day has always stuck with him. He was sworn-in in 2001 during an ice storm and said his county was ravaged with floods the next two years as well. His first term was dominated by managing and recovering from acts of nature and trying to help his community save its hospital. Dallas County passed two separate 1-cent sales taxes to support the hospital, and eventually passed a permanent 1-cent sales tax in 2011 to secure the hospital’s future 28
impact on the quality of life in Dallas County. “I’m very proud of the hospital and realized early on just how critical local healthcare is to our community,” Jones said. “If you don’t have healthcare and don’t have this hospital, our community suffers greatly.” He also said Dr. Hugh Albert Nutt and Brian Miller, Dallas County Hospital administrator, have been and continue to be instrumental in the hospital’s vitality. The courthouse has been improved tremendously since Jones has been at the helm. Improvements to the structure that was built in 1911 include a new roof, new gas and water lines and new paint throughout. “We had a roof that was in bad shape and all those internal lines had to be replaced,” Jones said. About 90 percent of those projects were funded through grants obtained through the Arkansas Historical Preservation Program. “We try to do the best we can with our state aid money in our road department as well and have realized that chip-and-seal roadways are not going to hold up under the volume of truck traffic we have in our county,” Jones said. “It costs more but when we overlay a roadway it is there and can hold up much longer.” Jones said there is a major misconception among the public concerning the county judge’s role in county government. “A lot of folks think the county judge’s main job is to keep the roads repaired and cleaned up,” Jones said. “However, that is a very small part of the county judge’s role.” Jones cited County Road 206 that connects Sparkman to Fordyce as a major infrastructural improvement during his tenure. “The people of Sparkman had to either drive way out of their way or only on a gravel road to get to Fordyce,” Jones said. “Paving that road was my first state-aid project in Dallas County and gave Sparkman residents a much more efficient path to the courthouse.” Jones summarized some of the accomplishments throughout the county as well and said Vickey Selman, administrative assistant, has been crucial to his office running smoothly. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
Jones takes a phone call from a constituent this October in his office.
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“We built a new health center, a new senior citizens’ center, walking trails in the Sparkman area, a new fire department in Sparkman and in Manning, remodeled a pavilion for community events in Princeton, and in Carthage, we secured a new fire station, and helped administer the opening of a new jail,” Jones quickly said as he tried to remember the highlights of improvements. Rural water systems have been developed in the Lea’s Ridge area, Sparkman and Bucksnort as well. Rural fire stations have also been improved to greatly enhance fire protection in rural Dallas County. “I have seen those firefighters in action in the last two years especially and they deserve to be commended,” Jones said. Downtown Fordyce was also placed on the National Register of Historical Places in 2008 and Jones said that has been a significant positive for the community. “We’re also very proud of our wonderful museum,” Jones said. “It has been honored as one of the best museums in the state.” A big homecoming, so to speak, for Dallas County was when Steam Engine 101 came back home from the Little Rock Zoo. Fordyce Lumber Company used the engine in the 1930s but it had been located in the Little Rock Zoo for many years. “I was asked if the county wanted it and I talked to several people and everyone thought it would be a big asset for it to come back home where it belonged,” Jones said. Steam Engine 101 Fordyce-Princeton sits in downtown Fordyce today. Jones said going forward he would like to see continued improvements in rural water and he is working diligently to attract more industries because Dallas County “needs jobs just like any other county.” The economic downturn has been rough on the community and Jones said he wants to continue to focus on economic development and improving the infrastructure. “We’re also excited about the expansion of U.S. Highway 167 North to four lanes that we hope will make us more attractive for new businesses to locate in our county, such as the new Jet Asphalt Plant located COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
along that new highway improvement. We are very excited that they chose Dallas County to locate their plant,” Jones added. The man behind the chair After he returned home from the guard he worked in the construction industry for a stint and then he “made one of the best decisions in his life” when he went to work for Allied Telephone Company in 1969. “I was a field engineer for 26 years and worked in several different departments in the company,” Jones said. “They educated me and provided training that I couldn’t receive any where else. Allied was very good to me.” Allied Telephone Company had about 100 employees when Jones was hired in 1969. In 2000, when he left the company, it was then known as Alltel and boasted more than 26,000 employees. “I was fortunate to be able to attend several schools and training,” Jones said. “The training they gave me was a big plus for me and has helped me as county judge.” He married Donna in 1971 and said “that was yet another one of the best decisions in my life.” Jones said there’s not a day that goes by that he’s not humbled and credits his parents and Donna for helping make him who he is today. “We worked on the farm when I was growing up from daylight to dark,” Jones said. “I was about 7 years old and already working farm equipment. I was walking with my daddy one day and I was dragging my right foot. Daddy whapped me pretty good and I asked him why he did that. He said, ‘Those heals cost just as much as the soles … Pick your feet up.’” Jones said he has picked up his feet ever since. After 32 years with the telephone company, Jones said his desire to help people and certain factors in the business called him to make a change in his professional life. “I talked with many friends and people in the county and decided to Continued Page 32
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story We have always done everything together. We’re used to working together. We’ve built things together.We started with $500 and
a motorcycle. We just learned that you work and try to manage and do it together.
— Donna Jones, Dallas County Assessor, speaking about working with her husband, Jimmy Jones, Dallas County Judge.
g the situation n i s s e Ass Dallas County Assessor Donna Jones impacts her county by understanding its various needs and taking action.
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By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor
er accomplishments and service to her community are seeded in her graceful and passionate heart for others. However, she says her greatest accomplishment is raising her two children. Dallas County Assessor Donna Jones was born in Los Angeles, Calif., but her family, the Atchleys and the Williams, were originally from the Jacinto and Ramsey communities in Dallas County. They often came back for vacation during her childhood and that’s where Donna and Jimmy met. She said with a smile, “I went to town one evening with my cousins and there he was.” In 1971, they were married and moved to the Ramsey Community, northwest of Fordyce, where they have called home for 41 years. “We have always done everything together. We’re used to working together,” Jones said. “We’ve built things together. We started with $500 and a motorcycle. We just learned that you work and try to manage and do it together. And we have tried to teach our children the same thing.” Jones began her professional career with Fordyce Bank & Trust where she worked for 10 years before she served four years as the secretary at Fordyce Grammar School. She then returned to the banking industry, worked for the prosecuting attorney and also owned and operated the Fabric & Gift Shop in Fordyce for four years. Jones joined the Dallas County Assessor’s office as its chief deputy tax assessor in 1997. When the assessor’s position became vacant, she decided to run for the office and is in her second term as Dallas County Assessor. Jones said when she was young she worked with her mom who was in real estate and would help type up legal descriptions. “I remember saying, I don’t know what I’m going to do when I grow up, but I am not going to do anything that has to do with legal descriptions,” Jones said. “So, I have worked for the attorney that did deeds, worked at the bank where I did home mortgages where I dealt with 30
Donna Jones (from left), Dallas County Assessor, looks over parcel information with Vanessa Peirce, deputy assessor, while Becky Miller, chief deputy assessor, answers a tax payer’s questions on the phone. legal descriptions, had dealings with the courthouse, where I did title searches, so I learned about that and thought, ‘I think I could be helpful in that area.’ That’s what spurred me to want the job in the assessor’s office.” Jones said there have been days in her life that she has almost dreaded going to work, but not in the assessor’s office. “I love it, I don’t ever dread coming to work. My staff is wonderful. I enjoy everyday and I especially enjoy helping people,” Jones said. Jones said some of the main misconceptions concerning the assessor’s office is that “timber companies don’t pay taxes on their land, which they do, and taxpayers sometimes feel that their property is valued higher than someone else’s and shouldn’t be. We work very hard along with our appraisers, to stay in compliance with the State to maintain Continued to Next Page
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Football, rock and roll, architecture
ordyce, the Dallas County seat, is a mecca for fans of football, rock and roll, and historic architecture. Football fans make the pilgrimage to Fordyce to see the boyhood home of Paul W. “Bear” Bryant and Redbug Field, where Bryant learned the skills that would eventually make him the winningest coach in college football history. Rockers go there to see where Rolling Stones guitarists Ron Wood and Keith Richards were famously arrested in 1975. And architecture aficionados visit Fordyce to see the Dallas County Courthouse. Monumental in scale and proportion, the 1911 Dallas County Courthouse, the largest and finest Classical Revival structure in the county, symbolizes Fordyce’s rapid growth as a railroad and trade center that culminated in its replacing Princeton as county seat in 1908. The Classical Revival style is uncommon in Dallas County, but its democratic style was often used for government and bank buildings in the first quarter of the 20th century. The Dallas County Courthouse is also an outstanding example of architect Frank W. Gibb’s early designs. Experienced as an engineer and surveyor, Gibb apparently had no formal training in architecture, which did not stop him from moving from Chicago to Arkansas and establishing a healthy practice. Gibb frequently designed classically-inspired structures, including the Yell County Courthouse in Dardanelle, which shares several characteristics with its cousin in Fordyce. The price of this
magnificent structure was a mere $65,000. As the traveler enters downtown Fordyce, one of the first things seen is the octagonal clock tower that looms above the Dallas County Courthouse, still keeping perfect time. The craftsmanship of the architect, as well as builder Edgar Koonce, is apparent in the classical pediments atop the building’s entrances. The primary façade, facing Third Street, features soaring Doric columns supporting the triangular pediment, the name DALLAS boldly emblazoned on a panel between the trim and cornice. The interior of the Dallas County Courthouse is also striking, with rich, dark woodwork, marble wainscoting and octagonal tile floors. According to Leslie Nutt, currently entering her third term as Dallas County treasurer, the sterling condition of the interior can be largely attributed to her predecessor, Lowana Brumley, who served as treasurer from 1983 to 2008 and absolutely loved the building. “In the mid ‘90s, Lowana pushed to renovate the courthouse and that’s what we did: from the top floor, to the courtrooms, to the second floor and the landscaping outdoors,” Nutt said. “In years past people would chew tobacco and for whatever reason spit on the marble walls and it would run down to the floor. The walls were stained yellow from this and age. The marble and floors were stripped and restored.” At the same time, artist JoAnne Diffie of Bismarck repainted the stenciling on the doors of the county offices, paying particular attention to the entrances to the vault between the offices of the county clerk and treasurer. The vault contains a trove of records dating to Dallas County’s founding in 1845 – a rarity among counties, many Continued to Page 33
Assessing the situation fair and equal values throughout the county.” Jones said Dallas County has received grants for its GPS mapping and 911 addressing. “We have had a large undertaking in combining parcels,” Jones said. “We’ve combined about 3,000 parcels because we have a lot of rural property and ACD [Assessment Coordination Department] wanted us to combine those parcels and we’re down to half of that and I expect that to be finished by the end of 2013.” Jones helped to place Prosperity Baptist Church in Ramsey on the Arkansas Historical Registry of Historic Places and then the national registry. She has also obtained grants for new windows, structural improvements and a new roof for the building. “It’s just beautiful,” Jones said about the church she has attended for 41 years. Jones is also a member of the State Review Board for Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Donna and Jimmy’s offices in the courthouse are joined by a door that stays open most of the time. “I always reminded him that I was here first,” Jones laughingly said. “At first, I worried that people would think we were trying to run things. The only thing I’ve tried to run is my office the way the people would like it run and I know he does the same thing. Everything that is here is the peoples’. It isn’t ours. We’re here to serve them.” COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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In her spare time, Jones said she spends time with her grandchildren every chance she gets and she also enjoys fishing and sewing. “Live each day to the fullest and treat others like you want to be treated,” Jones said in regard to her personal philosophy. “The older you get the more you realize how blessed you are to have parents Donna Jones shows who want you to strive and to do well. off her attire for Dallas Jimmy is an overachiever and he has County’s centennial cel- taught me a lot of that over the years as ebration in 2011. well. We don’t stop at what you are supposed to do, we’re supposed to do more than what is expected of us.” Jones is the daughter of William Lyle and Armon Williams Atchley. She and Jimmy have two children — Tommy and Lavonne. Tommy graduated from Arkansas State University and Lavonne is a graduate from the University of Arkansas at Monticello. They have four grandchildren and are happy to report they recently found out they have the fifth one on the way — Braden and Kathryn Claire Jones and Nathan and Lauren Juhl. 31
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Brian Miller, (from left) CEO and administrator of the Dallas County Hospital, Dr. Hugh Albert Nutt, M.D. and Dallas County Judge Jimmy Jones browse new equipment in the new lab in the hospital. Jones said Miller and Nutt have been instrumental in the hospital’s success.
run for the job [county judge’s office],” Jones said. “I didn’t run for the position. I ran to do the job and do it well.” Jones grandfather worked for Travy Hillman, former county judge, and Hillman was a figure who Jones said had an impact on him. Hillman gave Jones a job as a kid cutting bushes and other various tasks. “He was a big man in more than one sense. He was always helping people and that’s something I’ve tried to do as judge. I’ve watched most judges in this county help people, many of them were my friends and they have all inspired me. I try to make everyone at ease and when they come into this courthouse. I want them to feel at home.” Jones is always looking out for Dallas County, but in his spare time enjoys spending time with his two children and their families, especially his grandchildren, as well as spending time on his place. “I really enjoy hunting and the outdoors and take pride in taking some community children who might not have the opportunity otherwise to enjoy the outdoors,” Jones said. When asked about the dynamic of working in the same office as his wife, Assessor Donna Jones, he said, “We’ve always been able to work together. She’s here to do the same as I am, and that is to serve the public. We’re honored for the people of this county to allow us to serve. We appreciate the opportunity to give back to a community that has been good to us.”
Jones is a member of Prosperity Baptist Church in Ramsey, a member of EM Lodge No. 363 in Fordyce and is a founding member of Tricounty Shrine Club in Fordyce. He was also appointed to the Arkansas Motor Vehicle commission by Gov. Mike Beebe in 2008. He serves on the Southwest Planning and Development Executive Board and the County Judges Association of Arkansas Executive Board. He was also honored as the 1993 Dallas County Farm Family of the Year and was chosen as Boss of the Year by the Fordyce Chamber of Commerce in 2007. “I hope people say that when they came to me for help as judge that I certainly helped if I could,” Jones said. “I’ve tried to take care of healthcare, our senior citizens, our youth and the working people of Dallas County. I also want to help support the existing businesses in our county in doing whatever I can to insure their success.”
Jimmy and Donna Jones take a moment to pose for a photo opportunity in front of Steam Engine 101 in downtown Fordyce. Jimmy made the decision to have the steam engine moved back to Fordyce where most of the citizens thought it belonged. The engine ran the rails in Dallas County in the 1930s in the lumber industry.
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of which suffered courthouse fires during the years. As with most historic buildings, the Dallas County Courthouse has had to adapt to modern needs, including the installation of elevators to make the building accessible to all of the county’s citizens. The entrances to the elevators are framed by wooden openings hand-made by local craftsman Clayton Cochran, and most visitors would not realize that they did not date from the courthouse’s 1911 construction. The second floor courtrooms have been modernized, but even there careful attention has been paid to details, as with the dropped ceilings that feature panels engraved with geometric designs. Historic wood railings do survive in the courtrooms, though, as reminders of the rooms’ historic design. The records in the vault are not the only artifacts from Dallas County’s history to greet courthouse visitors. A photograph of Sheriff F.M. Pearson gazes sternly from the wall of the lobby, across from the cornerstone of the 1898 Princeton jail that was stripped during World War II so that its bars and cells could be melted down for the war effort. In the treasurer’s office, photos of treasurers dating back to George W. Mallett, who served from 1854 to 1856, line the wall. One man, E.H. Green, who served from 1872-1874, was married several times and had many children – Treasurer Nutt said his photo is the most-copied in the courthouse. Other, more modern items share space with the historic artifacts. A large canvas mural, painted by the same artist who did the courthouse stenciling, shows historic buildings from throughout the county, with the Dallas County Courthouse as its centerpiece. Across from it, carved from wood, is a large version of the Dallas County seal, which was designed by Rachna Patel, a Fordyce School District student in a contest sponsored by County Judge Jimmy Jones. The members of the quorum court selected the winners, and Dallas County had its first official seal. Past and present merge seamlessly at the Dallas County Courthouse as it moves into its second century of serving the county’s citizens, preserving the memories of generations of county officials and their stories. “She’s our little jewel,” Treasurer Nutt said affectionately. Editor’s note: The Arkansas Historic Preservation Program has graciously agreed to partner with County Lines magazine and submit various historical stories like this one about our state’s courthouses, their communities and their people.
Dallas Co. Treasurer Leslie Nutt: Stories told in the courthouse For County Lines Arkansas Historic Preservation Program Editor’s note: Dallas County Treasurer Leslie Nutt shared memories of some of the people who have served Dallas County during the years, among them: Lowana Brumley was Dallas County. She started working part time for the Dallas County Treasurer’s Office in 1956 under Treasurer Floyd Edwards. She would work for Dallas County for 53 years, 25 of those as County Treasurer. Lowana was also the historian for Dallas County – I always said she came with the Courthouse back in 1911. She knew everything from the time the courthouse was established in Princeton to it being stolen and moved to Fordyce in the middle of the night in 1908. She loved to listen to the older people of the county and had a real love of the place she called home. Lowana would tell of the times that Sheriff Clay Atkinson and his part-time deputy Dan Burford ran the sheriff’s office from the treasurer’s office. They would sit in the office and talk to Treasurer Jack Crowder and solve all the problems of the county. If someone needed help or if someone had committed a crime Sheriff Atkinson would leave on his horse and go take care of the situation. There wasn’t much crime that the sheriff couldn’t handle all by himself. She loved the Dallas County Courthouse. She was a wonderful advocate for Dallas County and the best friend a person could ask for. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
Jack Crowder, Dallas County Treasurer from 1962-1982, was a character. He was the State Farm agent and county treasurer. His nickname was “St. Jack.” It was known that if you had a problem you could come to his office and talk to him and he would act like he was turning his collar from back to front, meaning the preacher was in. He was a good Christian man and a deacon in his church. He loved everyone and had sound advice and you knew nothing you said would be repeated. Brenda Williams Black is the first collector separately elected in Dallas County. She started part time in 1983 and was elected to office in 2002. The office was run manually before Brenda took office. She totally automated the collector’s office, and customers are now able to pay their taxes online. Lee Hornaday was the Dallas County Sheriff from 1979-1990. Lee died in office and his daughter, Sylvia Heatherly, finished out his term. Donny Ford is the Dallas County Sheriff. He took office in 1991. He is the longest serving sheriff in Dallas County history. County Judge Jimmy Jones came to office in 2001. Jimmy is a very in-touch and hands-on judge. He is very community minded and has done a lot for our county. He is very easy to talk to and cares about all entities of the county. He is another reason our courthouse has remained in mint condition. He has worked hard to make sure it stands for another 100 years. 33
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allas County was formed Jan. 1, 1845, from Bradley and Clark counties and named in honor of George M. Dallas, who had been elected Vice President of the United States in 1844. Dallas County is known for its rolling hills and pine forests. The world’s first southern pine plywood plant was built in Fordyce, and timber resources still drive its economy. Tri-County Lake, where Dallas, Calhoun, and Cleveland counties meet, offers water recreation activities. The Ouachita River, the longest and largest river in the Ouachita Mountain region, forms the western county line and provides floating and fishing. The Cotton Belt route through the town of Fordyce, the county seat, brought prosperity when it arrived in Dallas County in 1882. Fordyce is Arkansas’ only single county seat to have been moved from a central location when the railroads bypassed its original site of Princeton. In April of each year, the weeklong “Fordyce on the Cotton Belt Festival” is held which draws not only the local citizens but many tourists as well.
Dallas County
Dallas County Courthouse Third and Oak Streets, Fordyce. Ar.
Dallas County Elected Officials
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Courthouse n Courthouse built: 1911 n Architect: Frank W. Gibb n Style: Classical Revival n Materials: brick, concrete, shingle, stone n Cost: $65,000 n Listed on National Register of Historic Places March 27, 1984 n Since 1997, Dallas County has received 10 courthouse grants from the Arkansas Natural and Cultural Resources Council through Arkansas Historic Preservation Program totaling $350,475 for the restoration and preservation of the Dallas County Courthouse.
Jimmy Jones
Leslie Nutt
County Judge
Treasurer
Susie Williams
Donna Jones
County/Circuit Clerk
Assessor
Justices of the Peace Wendell Lee Florence Moore Gerald Totty John B. Meador Clark Brent 34
Walter L. Hawkins, Jr. Alfred Fite Roy Butler J.C. Freer, Jr.
Donny Ford
Brenda Williams
Sheriff
Collector
Tom Tidwell Coroner
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Trina Jones
Van Buren County Assessor n Born in Leslie, Ark., in Searcy County n Graduated from Clinton High School in 1984 n Began working for the county in high school for the sheriff/collector n In 2003, started first mapping program in assessor’s office n Elected assessor in 2006 n Volunteers for CASA, The Call
Jones engages values in Van Buren County
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iligently working is a trait that she came by honestly. She learned that from her Granny Page. Her life was built on working hard in her professional and personal lives as she always strived to do the job right and treat people as she would want to be treated. When the passion for getting the job done brings a little extra stress, she finds relief in a peaceful setting nestled in the beauty of Van Buren County.
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Pictured are (front row, from left) Trina and Ronnie Jones; (back row, from left) Megan, daughter; Jeremy, son; Tyler, son-in-law; who is married to Whitney, daughter. The Jones hike to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain every Memorial Day to enjoy the beauty of Van Buren County.
Jones balances work, family, community
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By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor
rina Jones, who is in her third term as Van Buren County Assessor, was born and raised in the county she serves today. “Hard work was a way of life for my family growing up. We worked in the fields during the summer and helped dad cut wood in the fall,” Jones said. “We didn’t have much growing up but we were always thankful for what we did have. My Granny Page taught me ‘to always work hard and do your best at everything you do.’” Jones lost her grandmother when she was only 15 years old in an automobile accident. “She was a true lady and a very hard worker,” Jones said. “She made all of her own clothes and grew and raised her own food. I can remember when I was about 12 years old picking ‘Tommy Toes,’ strawberries and potatoes. Granny Page would pull a quarter out of her change purse for me every time I weeded her flower bed.” Jones said she is most proud of her faith, her family and her work family “in that order.” “I have been very blessed to have a loving family not only at home but at work as well,” Jones said. “I have always tried to treat others the way I want to be treated. If we all remembered that one thing then this world would be a better place for every one.” Career journey — “I never thought of myself as a politician.” In high school Jones worked for the Van Buren Sheriff and Collector Gus Anglin. “I loved it. Working in the courthouse was exciting. There was always something going on … But never in a million years would I have thought I would ever be an elected official. To me, that would have been such an honor and I thought it was way out of my reach.” In 1995, Jones began a five-year working relationship with Collector Lisa Nunley. Nunley was the first elected collector in Van Buren County after the county made the decision to separate the sheriff and collector positions. While not straying far from the inner workings of the county, Jones 36
accepted a position in the appraisal department for Assessor C.L. Mackey in 2000. In 2003, Jones started the first mapping program in Van Buren County. “We had never had anything computerized. We only drew out our legal by hand or on deed plotter but no aerial views. It was amazing to see the faces of our taxpayers when they came in and I could show them on the computer where their houses and land was,” Jones recalled. “Coming to work every day mapping was like getting to put a puzzle together and getting paid to do it. I loved it.” Jones said she would still be mapping if Mackey hadn’t retired in 2006. Mackey was the longest serving county official in Van Buren county at 28 years of service, and his retirement left a void in the assessor’s office. That void allowed Jones to make a decision to step into the world of elected service. “I’m terrified to speak in public. I really had to come out of my comfort zone to run for office,” Jones said. “Being able to walk up to a total stranger and ask for their vote was a major accomplishment for me.” Jones emerged victorious in 2006 as Van Buren County’s Assessor and has served in that position for six years; however, she has worked for the county for almost 18 years. “I love this work and my county and I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else,” Jones said. “The people here are part of my family and a lot of them are. I am so grateful that all of our county officials work so well together. Our county has a great group of county officials who are all dedicated to making our county run as efficiently as we can.” When asked what has held her interest in county government for all these years she said, “The work is interesting all in all and it’s a good job. I enjoy the assessment process and going to the gas wells. You know if it wasn’t for the natural gas industry, there would be no jobs in our county.” The natural gas industry has had an explosive impact on Van Buren County, its residents and their quality of life. In 2005, Van Buren County assessed about 6,000 parcels with nonproducing mineral values at $375,150. That was before any natural gas exploration had begun in the county. In 2012, the county assessed COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
Trina Jones works with Tess Tumbleson in the Van Buren Royalty Department which is located in the Van Buren County Annex.
I have been very blessed to have a loving family not only at home but at work as well. I have always tried to treat others the way I would want to be treated. If we all remembered that one thing then this world would be a better place for every one. — Trina Jones
n What time do you get up most mornings? 6:00 a.m. n What is your favorite TV show? NCIS n If you could live anywhere in the world where would it be? Dauphin Island, Ala. n What is your favorite cuisine? Chicken Alfredo n Favorite dessert? Snickers Cheese Cake n What kind of vehicle do you drive? Corvette n Where would you visit if you had the chance? France n Favorite time of day? I love to get up early before anyone is up and set on the back porch and have my first cup of coffee. n Favorite sport to watch? Football.
87,157 mineral-producing parcels at $296,716,398. Jones said mineral values are about three times more than real estate values in Van Buren County. She also said the arrival of the natural gas industry has also increased business and personal property values from about $8 million in 2005 to $154 million today. The county now employs three full-time positions in the mineral department alone. In 2008, just three years after the natural gas industry came to town, Van Buren County would endure adversity that was brought home by mother nature. An EF4 tornado ripped a path of destruction 122 miles long in Arkansas on Feb. 5, 2008, and Van Buren County sustained significant damage. “This storm changed every one in our county,” Jones said. “We no longer take our homes for granted. We are grateful to have our homes to come home to because it can be taken away in seconds just like so many homes were that day.” The storm claimed several lives in Arkansas that day and three were Van Buren County residents. “Our county annex building was hit that day with only minor damage compared to houses all around us,” Jones said. As the community forged onward and continued rebuilding their homes and their lives, another storm hit the community only three months later. “It was so heart wrenching having to go from house to house taking pictures of the devastation of people’s homes knowing that some of them didn’t have insurance at all,” Jones said. “My heart broke for those families.” Jones’ passion for family and children spans much further than her role in county government. Those values direct her volunteering as well. Giving back In her spare time, Jones volunteers for Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and a new local nonprofit, The Call, which stands for Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime. “I am a voice for abused and neglected children in my county,” Jones said. “I go to court with them. I visit them when they are at home or in a foster home. I make sure they are getting the help they need with school, emotional issues, supplies and clothing.” COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
n Are you a morning person or night? Morning. n Do you have any pets? Yes, 2 Pomeranian: Spud and Gigi; 2 English Bull Dogs: Samson and Hoss; 1 horse: Gracie n What did you want to be when you were little? Veterinarian. n What is your best childhood memory? The day my neighbor gave me a horse after I had returned it to him. Every time it would get out of his field it would come to our house. So he told me to keep it. So I did and loved that little mare. Her name was Sugar even though she was solid black. n Any pet peeves? Being late for work and having to step over shoes to get in the front door of my house because my kids and husband don’t put them up. n Which store would you choose to max out your credit card? The Grand Showroom in Dennard, an antique furniture store. n What was your favorite vacation? Cancun with Ronnie. n Do anything spontaneous lately? My husband and I renewed our wedding vows while on a family vacation in August. n Have a motto or personal philosophy? “Hard work never hurt anyone,” and “If you are going to do a job, do it to the best of your ability.”
CASA advocates, in most cases, are the only person that will stay consistent during the whole process until adoption or reuniting with family. “Sometimes it is sad and is very difficult,” Jones said. “My heart goes out to those kids and parents. I’m there to be their voice and share what their needs are.” Jones also serves as the fundraising coordinator for The Call. She said they recruit, train and equip foster parents. “There are only two foster homes in Van Buren County and about 36 foster kids,” Jones said. “The Call has four sets of parents in training right now so we hope to add four Van Buren County foster homes this year. Our overall goal is to establish 25 foster homes in our county.” The Call hosted its grand opening in September. Jones also serves Pleasant Valley Baptist Church where she has attended for 26 years. She has been the church treasurer for the last two years and church clerk for eight years. Family and leisure When the demands of the job, volunteering and life in general put a little extra stress on Jones, she said she finds peace in nature. “I walk out into the field where my horse, Gracie, is and sit down in the grass and just watch her,” Jones said. “I just sit there and look at the beauty she is and the trust she has with me and I know every thing will just fall into place. She gives me peace when I need it the most and she doesn’t even know she’s doing it.” Jones was born in Leslie during a snow storm in February. Her family lived in Crabtree which is a small area west of Clinton. Jones said she married the love of her life, Ronnie Jones, in 1984 just after graduating high school. Their first child, Megan, 26, was born on their second wedding anniversary. They have two other children. Whitney is 24 and they call her their “miracle baby” because she was born at five months. Whitney is set to graduate from pharmacy school soon. Jeremy, 20, “the baby,” is attending registered nursing school in Morrilton. The Jones live in the fourth house that they built together. “I take great pride in my work and I want my office to be known for its efficiency and fairness to everyone,” Jones said. “I want to be able to look back at my time as assessor and say, ‘I did my best.’” 37
More than 500 members and vendors gathered in Washington County to attend the 44th annual Association of Arkansas Counties Conference Aug. 8-10 in Springdale. Sixty-nine counties were represented at the conference. From tee off for the Randy Kemp Memorial Golf Tournament to the closing session on Friday, elected county officials and county employees again came together to learn, share and collectively make county government better for the people of Arkansas. “The AAC staff, led by Jeanne Hunt, once again organized and executed an excellent conference,” said Chris Villines, AAC executive director. “Our speakers’ topics were varied and all did a wonderful job. The breakout sessions were high quality and all member associations reported effective and productive meetings during our conference. We thank all our sponsors and vendors for their support and passion for county government.” The theme was “County Government ... It’s a Jungle Out there.” n n n n n
Complete list of conference SPONSORS AND VENDORS Summary of SPEAKERS AND PRESENTATIONS AAC ANNUAL SAFETY AWARDS RANDY KEMP MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT MEMBER ASSOCIATION MEETINGS
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Barbara Townsend (lower left), Chicot County Assessor, and Adria, her husband, stroll through the vendor area.
AAC Member Benefit Services (501) 372-7550 www.arcounties.org AAC Risk Management Services (501) 375-8805 www.arcounties.org ADEM/Federal Surplus Property (501) 683-6700 www.adem.arkansas.gov AEP-SWEPCO (501) 379-1127 www.aep.com www.swepco.com A-Lert Roof Systems (800) 344-0609 www.centurionind.com American Municipal Services (888) 290-5660 www.amsltd.us American Stamp & Marking Products, Inc. (800) 872-7840 www.americanstamp.com Apprentice Information Systems, Inc. (479) 631-8054 www.apprenticeis.com Arkansas Auditor of State (501) 682-6030 www.auditor.ar.gov Arkansas Bankers Bank (501) 371-0535 www.bankers-bank.com Arkansas Broadcasters Association (501) 227-7564 www.arkbroadcasters.org Arkansas CAMA Technology, Inc. (501) 771-2985 www.arcamatech.com Arkansas Coalition for Affordable & Reliable Electricity – ACARE (318) 673-3394 www.aep.com
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Arkansas Commission on Law Enforcement Standards & Training (870) 574-1810 www.clest.org Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands (501) 683-3031 www.cosl.org Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (501) 682-0609 www.adeq.state.ar.us Arkansas Department of Information Systems (501) 682-2701 www.dis.arkansas.gov Arkansas Electric Cooperatives, Inc. (501) 570-2200 www.aecc.com Arkansas Farm Bureau Federation (501) 224-4400 www.arfb.com Arkansas Federal Credit Union (501) 982-1000 www.afcu.org Arkansas Game & Fish Commission (501) 223-6301 www.agfc.com
Austin McCullough with the Mississippi River Parkway Commission, plays a game at the AAC Risk Management Services booth. Cindy Calvert (left), claims examiner, looks on while Denise Glenn, claims adjuster, moves the coconuts. Arkansas Good Roads Transportation Council (501) 375-8566 www.arkansasgoodroads.com
Arkansas Livestock & Poultry Commission (501) 907-2400 www.arlpc.ar.gov
Arkansas Insurance Department (501) 371-2640 www.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Secretary of State (501) 682-1010 www.sos.arkansas.gov
Arkansas Lt. Governor (501) 682-2144 www.ltgovernor.arkansas.gov
Asphalt Zipper, Inc. (801) 847-3200 www.asphaltzipper.com
AT&T (501) 373-8084 www.att.com Atlas Asphalt, Inc. (870) 251-2371 www.atlasasphaltinc.com Crews & Associates (501) 978-7953 www.crewsfs.com
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AAC staffers work at the registration table in the lobby.
Glen Ward, humorist and inspirational speaker, greets Haze Hudson, Miller County Justice of the Peace.
Ricoh USA, Inc. (501) 227-8170 www.ricoh-usa.com Ryburn Law Firm (501) 228-8100 Shred-It Arkansas (501) 912-5809 www.shredit-ar.com Southwest Solutions Group (972) 250-1970 www.southwestsolutions.com
Fibrebond Corporation (318) 377-1030 www.fibrebond.com Fidlar Technologies (309) 794-3225 www.fidlar.com Financial Intelligence (501) 276-4213 www.financial-intel.com Friday, Eldredge & Clark Law Firm (501) 370-1517 www.fridayfirm.com GovDeals, Inc. (334) 387-0532 www.govdeals.com
The Rockets entertain the crowd during Thursday night’s dinner and dance.
Group Insurance Consultants (479) 783-2255 www.gicfs.com
Liberty National Life Insurance Company (501) 225-5556 www.libertynational.com Metro Disaster Specialists (501) 758-2845 www.metrodisaster.com National Association of Counties (202) 393-6226 www.naco.org Nationwide Retirement Solutions (405) 282-3577 www.nrsforu.com Pictometry (636) 443-5779 www.pictometry.com
Southwestern Energy Company (501) 548-6819 www.swn.com Stephanie’s Selections (405) 361-2200 www.stephaniesselections.com Stephens, Inc. (501) 377-2000 www.stephens.com Surdex Corporation (636) 368-4400 www.surdex.com Sutterfield Technologies, LLC (580) 786-4390 www.sutterfieldtechnologies.com
PNMit (888) 399-2453 www.pnmit.com
Systemedic Corporation (501) 227-5553 www.systemedic.com
Information Capital (501) 246-8060 www.gowithtaxpro.com
Potlatch Corporation (870) 226-1177 www.potlatchcorp.com
TaxPro (501) 246-8060 www.gowithtaxpro.com
Information Network of Arkansas (501) 324-8908 www.arkansas.gov
Purcell Tire & Rubber Company (501) 455-0091 www.purcelltire.com
Time Striping, Inc. (479) 806-3411 www.timestriping.com
Election Administrators (314) 226-1643 www.eavote.com
Institute for Building Technology & Safety (IBTS) (703) 481-2000 www.ibts.org
Rainwater, Holt & Sexton, PA (501) 868-2500 www.callrainwater.com
Total Assessment Solutions Corporation (TASC) (870) 356-4511 www.totalassessments.com
Democrat Party of Arkansas (501) 374-2361 www.arkdems.org
Employer Support of the Guard & Reserves (501) 412-4018 www.esgr.org
Justice Solutions (800) 614-6361 www.badgetogavel.com
Raymond James / Morgan Keegan (501) 666-1566 www.morgankeegan.com
United Systems of Arkansas (501) 374-0812 www.unitedsystems.com
Duro-Last, Inc. (618) 407-7330 www.duro-last.com
Engineering Services, Inc. (479) 751-8733 www.engineeringservices.com
LGS - Local Government Solutions (281) 858-8555 www.us-lgs.com
Republican Party of Arkansas (501) 372-7301 www.arkansasgop.org
Warrior of Arkansas (501) 455-2540 www.warriorark.com
HMN Architects (913) 451-9075 www.hmnarchitects.com
DataPath Administrative Services (877) 685-0655 www.idpas.com DataScout, LLC (479) 521-5607 www.datascoutpro.com
EFSGeoTechnologies (870) 460-9994 www.efsgeotech.com
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Gov. Mike Beebe addresses the AAC delegation as the lead-off speaker at the 44th annual Conference in Springdale. Chris Villines, AAC executive director, looks on while Beebe talks about troubling trends in Washington, D.C., and about Medicaid expansion. Beebe said he hasn’t made up his mind about Medicaid expansion in Arkansas, but he is weighing all the facts and trying to encourage Arkansans to have an educated conversation.
AAC Conference speakers shine at Springdale By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor
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Lenny Eliason, National Association of Counties past president, talks about his president’s initiative, “Healthy Counties.” He said Americans should live healthier lifestyles and break the trend of little or no exercise. 42
he 44th annual AAC Conference was peppered with educational, insightful and entertaining speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds. As usual, Gov. Mike Beebe gave a rousing speech that was met with numerous rounds of applause. Gov. Beebe told members that the American form of government is still the best on the planet during the opening general session on Wednesday. He spoke for several moments about the trends in partisanship in Washington, D.C., and he specifically shared “food for thought” on Medicaid expansion. “We don’t need to get caught up in Arkansas in the same kind of stalemate and rhetoric that is going on in Washington. I’m not calling any specific names and I’m not blaming one party or another. I think there is enough blame to go around for everybody in terms of the lack of cooperation … the lack of civility and the lack of accomplishments that we see in Washington, D.C.,” Beebe said. “That’s not going to change people until the voters require it to change. Because as bad as things are, ultimately the people are still the boss. Ultimately, we will get the government that the people decide we’re going to have.” Beebe explained that Medicaid expansion would add about 200,000 to 230,000 people in the “working poor” demographic. He talked about the adCOUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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AAC Board members Danny Hickman (from left) Jim Crawford, and Debbie Wise visit with Attorney General Dustin McDaniel before McDaniel addresses the AAC general session.
Glen Ward, humorist and motivational speaker, entertains the audience with multiple stories. His messages are comical and thought provoking.
verse effects of uncompensated care on the health care industry as well. “The bad news is if Arkansas opts to participate in this [expanded Medicaid], are we buying into something we aren’t going to be able to afford?” Beebe asked. “My inclination is there is more good than bad on the expansion of Medicaid for our people. I have an obligation to all of our people that whatever decision we make that we don’t seed our own autonomy … our own authority .. our own ability to be masters of our own fiscal house going forward.” Beebe said his mind wasn’t made about Medicaid expansion yet and that he was putting all the facts in front of Arkansans so the people can be informed and have a conversation about what’s best for Arkansas. “This is still the greatest form of government ever invented by mankind on the earth and it has to be preserved and the way you preserve it is with an intelligent, informed, committed electorate where people still are the boss and where they make decisions and elect good people based on what’s in the best interest of all us.” Lenny Eliason, National Association of Counties past president, began his speech by telling the audience that Gov. Mike Beebe should run for the United States Senate because, “we need people like him in Washington.” Eliason delivered the keynote address Wednesday and he focused his message on his president’s initiative “Healthy Counties.” “We spend 80 percent of our health care dollar on the treatment of chronic and preventable diseases,” Eliason said. “These diseases are a direct result of what we eat, how we eat and lack of exercise.” Eliason noted society’s admiration and access to processed food during the last 100 years as a main factor in the country’s collective health. “Thank you for taking the time to stand and serve … because without you we wouldn’t be the great country we are today,” Eliason said. “It’s important to recognize the fact that you’ve been serving us and continue to serve us.” On Thursday, a former Presidential candidate and retired commander took the podium to encourage county leaders to take part in devising America’s strategy. Wesley Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Europe and former United States Presidential candidate, provided the keynote address during lunch Thursday. Continued to Next Page
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Wesley Clark, former NATO Allied Supreme Commander Europe, asks county officials to help America find its strategy during his speech during the AAC conference.
Conference speakers shine “What is America’s economic strategy in the world?” Clark asked. “You can’t describe it because the truth is we don’t have one. We had one in the 19th century.” Clark briefly described the country’s military history, the Cold War, dependence on foreign oil and said that America lost its plan or strategy after emerging from the Cold War victorious. “Some of you are Democrats and some of you are Republicans,” Clark said. “It doesn’t matter what party you are. This country has to come together. We have to have a strategy. We have to focus on the so-called low-hanging fruit [domestic fuel].” Clark said county officials are at the “leadership pivot point” in America. “When county government starts demanding of our elected representatives, not only in the state Capitol but in the national Capitol, to stop talking about things that divide us and start coming up with a real plan that takes America forward. I’m here to ask you to do that.”
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On the last day of conference, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel explained his perspective of Arkansas’ success compared to the majority of other states that haven’t fared as well in this economic downturn. He said Arkansas is one of only four states to balance its budget every time. He also repeatedly gave credit to the county officials. “I know that our counties are filled with dedicated, hard working, competent people who strive for excellence each and every day,” McDaniel said. “Every courthouse in this state is filled with people who do the very best for the people who live in their counties and every single one of you should be applauded and thanked and thanked and thanked.” McDaniel told the audience he loves being attorney general and is proud of his office’s accomplishments. “This is where the rubber meets the road. You deserve as much credit as any governor, any legislator or attorney general for all the good things that are going on in our state,” McDaniel said.
2012 AAC safety award winners
AAC Board Member Leonard Krout, Pope County Coroner, testifies on behalf of coroners during the Senate and House City, County and Local Affairs Committee meeting at the AAC Conference. 44
The Association of Arkansas Counties awarded its annual safety awards during the AAC’s annual conference in Springdale Aug, 8-10. Pike and Calhoun counties received the only two certificates in the state for no reportable injuries in 2011. Counties that were honored scored at least 80 percent on the AAC’s safety survey, had a loss ratio of less than 50 percent and had not been in the hazardous employer program during 2011 or 2012. The 2012 AAC safety award recipients are: Arkansas, Baxter, Benton, Calhoun, Carroll, Chicot, Clark, Clay, Conway, Craighead, Crawford, Crittenden, Desha, Drew, Jackson, Johnson, Lawrence, Lonoke, Marion, Mississippi, Newton, Perry, Pike, Polk, Pope, Saline, Sevier, Sharp, Stone, Union, Washington and White. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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Golfers hit the greens at Oakridge Golf Course in Huntsville for the Randy Kemp Memorial Scholarship. David and Peggy Kemp address the players at Oakridge Golf Course before tee off of the Randy Kemp Memorial Golf Tournament. Randy Kemp, former AAC communications director, died in a tragic motorcycle accident in August 2011. In his honor, AAC renamed its annual tournament. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit the Randy Kemp Memorial Scholarships.
Randy Kemp Memorial tournament swings at Oakridge Golf Course Bill Gipson, AAC board member and Perry County Justice of the Peace, browses the vendor area. Cathy Perry, AACRMS admin. assistant, runs the AAC’s photo identification machine for Georgia Henderson, Poinsett County Justice of the Peace.
AAC Board President Mike Jacobs, Johnson County Judge, presides over the opening general session.
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About 30 golfers teed off at Oakridge Golf Course on Aug. 7 to fund raise for the Randy Kemp Memorial Scholarships. Kemp was the AAC’s first communications director and he joined the AAC in 2008 after a successful career in newspapers. He died in a motorcycle accident in August 2011. “It was easy to help raise money for a cause that has Randy’s name,” said Wes Fowler, AAC governmental affairs director. “He was a good man who loved what he did.” The Randy Kemp Memorial Scholarship aims to raise funds for scholarships for descendents of county officials or employees who intend to pursue a college degree in communications. Fowler organized the event and donated his golf course in Huntsville for the tournament. The first Randy Kemp Memorial Scholarship was awarded to Karen Ricketts, who is pursuing a degree in broadcast journalism at Arkansas Tech University. Fowler recognized Arkansas CAMA Technology for making a donation of $2,500 to the scholarship fund. He also recognized Madison County Judge Frank Weaver for Madison County’s fund-raising efforts of $500 for the fund. The AAC appreciates all who supported the fund and the golfers who participated. Tournament results First flight Scott Moody and Max Tackett – 63 Tony Washington and Zac Bradley – 63 Cory Scott and Will Jones – 64 Second flight Kevin Tucker and Buddy Villines – 67 Don Baker and Chic Phillips – 70 David Rivera and Larry Crone – 71 Closest to the Pin No. 1 – Scott Moody Closest to the Pin No. 4 – Max Tackett Closest to the Pin No. 7– Scott Moody Closest to the Pin No. 15 – Zac Bradley Gift cards were earned for the top three in each flight and for closet to the pins.
Max Tackett (left) and Scott Moody won the tournament. 45
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Tate McCotter, administrator National Institute for Jail Operations, presents jail operations information to members of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association and jail administrators at conference.
Phyllis Villines, first vice president of the Arkansas Circuit Clerks Association, takes notes during the association’s meeting during the AAC conference. Sharon Blount, second vice president, also follows along with the agenda.
Rita Chandler, Arkansas County Tax Collectors Association president, concludes her association’s meeting during the AAC Conference.
David Maxwell, director of Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, updates the County Judge’s Association of Arkansas during its meeting at the AAC Conference. Pictured are (sitting, from left) President Preston Scroggin, Faulkner County; Lanny Fite, Saline County; Rick Davis, Garland County; and Sonny Cox, Arkansas County.
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The Quorum Court Association conducts a meeting during the AAC Conference. Pictured are (from left) Jeanne Andrews, Logan County, Gene Raible, Johnson County, Carole Bullock, Drew County and Elwanda Templeton, Jackson County. Secretary of State Mark Martin fields questions from the Arkansas County Clerks Association during its meeting at the AAC annual conference.
The AAC Conference theme, “County Government ... It’s a Jungle Out There!” provided some colorful scenes for the dinner and dance. Pictured above is Claire Davis, Little River County administrative assistant.
Monty Davenport, property assessment coordination manager, talks with the Arkansas County Assessor’s Association.
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EQ Board meets north of the river
Monty Davenport, property assessment coordination manager with the Assessment Coordination Department, tells members of the Equalization Board in late July that he appreciates what they’re doing and for their service. Pictured (from left) Faye Tate, Assessment Coordination Department deputy director, and John Nichols, EQ Board attorney.
Debra Asbury, Assessment Coordination Department director, tells members of the Equalization Board that her department follows the regulations described by law and they are there to help when county assessors need them. Rob McGee, Agri-Mineral and GIS manager for ACD, talks about Arkansas Code Annotated 26-58-109 which made mineral rights taxable in addition to real property.
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Hundreds of assessors and staff members attended the 2012 Equalization Board seminar in North Little Rock on July 31. The Assessment Coordination Department (ACD) presented the seminar and Monty Davenport, property assessment coordination manager, delivered the keynote speech. “We appreciate what you’re doing for your state and for serving on the EQ Board,” Davenport said. Rob McGee, Agri-Mineral and GIS manager for ACD, explained agricultural and mineral right legalities when it deals with properly assessing the such. He also said schools budget on three-year rolling assessment averages which is a factor to be considered when understanding assessment coordination. AAC Board Member and Poinsett County Assessor Johnny Rye complimented McGee’s visit to Poinsett County this year and said “Agri values went up and he did a great job in our county.”
AAC Board Member and Saline County Assessor Jim Crawford listens to Debra Asbury, ACD director, talk about ACD’s ongoing goals and plans for 2013.
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We’re all about officer safety and citizen safety. So the more we know about a personthebetterchancetherewillbe a positive result from that encounter or traffic stop or call.
— Jay Winters
Winters reflects on upbringing, looks to future for ACIC By Scott Perkins County Lines Editor
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e would be tested early in life. That test came in the loss of his father before he turned 16 years old. Jay B. Winters, Sr., director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center, says his Christian upbringing was the most influential factor that helped mold who he is today. His father’s battle with Cancer would help strengthen that faith and put a 15-year-old Winters in a position to take on a grown-up role in his family’s life. “I learned some responsibility after my dad died,” Winters said. “We lived in Illinois when he died and he knew he was dying and he had told me he wanted us to move back to Arkansas.” Winters, his brother and mom moved back to more familiar area after his father’s death and Winters credits Pope County residents A.G. Barton, Ed Jones and Junior Taylor for welcoming his family back to Arkansas and providing work for him. “They knew our family and knew Dad had died and tried to help me out,” Winters said. “Those three guys had me working for them and helped teach me responsibility.” Winters graduated in 1972 from Dover High School. Within a week of graduating, he enlisted in the United States Army, where he received an honorable discharge after three years of active duty. “Of course they taught me responsibility there…” Winters said. He explained how his brother-in-law Ron Mainhart, who was a Russellville Policeman, told him about a job with the department. Winters began his law enforcement career with the Russellville Police Department in August 1975 and said he had never really thought about a job in law enforcement before then. “Because Ron was my brother-in-law, he didn’t want to train me so COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
n Jay B. Winters, Sr. n 1972: Graduated from Dover High School n 1972: Enlisted in the United States Army n 1975: Honorably discharged n 1975: Joined Russellville Police Department as patrolman, public information officer and patrol shift sergeant n1991: Sworn in as Pope County Sheriff n 2009: Hired as deputy director of ADEM n 2011: Appointed as director of ACIC Don Johnson, the former Pope County Clerk, did my training,” Winters said. “I would say Ron and Don had everything to do with my law enforcement career.” Winters was a patrolman, public information officer, and a patrol shift sergeant until he left the Russellville Police Department in December 1981 to pursue a deputy position with Pope County Sheriff James “Jim” Bolin in early 1982. “I enjoyed it and felt like the work was beneficial,” Winters said. Winters became the jail supervisor and he was later named the jail administrator for the Pope County Sheriff’s Office. He also assisted with patrol duties and criminal investigations. “Jim was very good to me,” Winters said. “He let me do some things like speaking to groups and children in schools. My actual job was jail supervisor, but because I had some law enforcement experience, I helped out some in patrol and some in criminal investigations. And so he gave me the options to help out with all that stuff. It was a great experience Continued Page 55
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Auditor of State Charlie Daniels presented retiring Arkansas County Clerks with a “Diamond” award from the his office during the Arkansas Association of County Clerks continuing education meeting in early September at the Association of Arkansas Counties in Little Rock. Pictured are (from left) Daniels; Becky Hicks, Woodruff County; Karen Pritchard, Washington County; Janis Mack, Randolph County; Lib Shippen, Mississippi County; Beth McMahan, Desha County; Ruth Trent, Crittenden County; and Janet Harris, deputy auditor with the Auditor of State’s office.
Arkansas County Clerks hold continuing education meeting Members of Arkansas Association of County Clerks gathered at the Association of Arkansas Counties in Little Rock in early September for a continuing education conference. Attendees enjoyed topics such as stress management, legislation report, Auditor of State office update and fraud prevention. “This was one of our best meetings to date,” said Rhonda Cole, president and Clark County Clerk. Jeff Sikes, AAC legislative director, updates members about the AAC legislative process.
Jerry Spratt with Legislative Audit talks about the warning signs of possible fraudulent behavior in the workplace. Tena O’Brien Benton County Clerk (center) listens intently. 50
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Disaster prevention, 0 1 p o T
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planning check list
Inspect and control the envelope, your own staff behavior and check the “secret places”…
Inspect roof systems on at least an annual basis, look for wear, holes, openings where water can enter, loose materials that can be caught by the wind. Check for “bats in your belfry” and “skeletons in your closet and basements.” Critters love to make their homes in those secret places and leave offerings behind for you to deal with later. Bat guano has been found in courthouse attics measured in feet of depth. Check for loose, damaged or missing soffit, fascia and siding. Check gutters and downspouts to make sure they are properly secured to the building. Make sure fences, equipment covers and other protective systems are in place and in good condition. Inspect windows and doors for tight fitting seals and weather-stripping. Repair and caulk as needed. Implement an outright ban on open flames such as candles and smoking. Severely limit or ban the uses of electric space heaters. Make certain enough fire extinguishers are present, staff is educated on their use and they are inspected regularly. Ask local city, county or state building and fire inspectors to conduct an inspection of your facilities. Follow and implement their recommendations. Establish a regular building security routine.
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Check the drainage
Inspect gutter and downspout systems at least four times each year, and more in the fall and spring when leaves and debris are more likely to clog them. Clear all obstructions immediately. Always inspect again immediately after a storm or wind event. Check grate drains, swales, ditches, floor drains, sump pumps and all other devices and systems designed to remove and or control water within and around the perimeter of the structure. Check at least monthly and always inspect again immediately following a storm, flood or wind event. Floor drains around water heaters and heating systems in mechanical rooms tend to get overlooked, and clog up with debris from workmen and cleaning personnel.
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Power up
Have the main electrical panels and sub panels, electrical service entrance, main disconnects and other major components of the electrical system inspected by a licensed electrician at least once each year. Repair any damage or high-risk situations immediately. Consider the addition of an automatic generator backup system, if not to run the entire operation, at least to run critical systems. Consider the addition of a security and access alarm system.
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Don’t get flushed
Have a licensed plumber or mechanical contractor inspect plumbing systems on a yearly basis. Repair any damage or highrisk situations immediately. That pesky urinal flush valve that sticks will stick and flood your entire building eventually, if you continue to ignore it. Automatic devices that shut off the flow of water in the event of such events are available from plumbing contractors. Make sure all key staff is aware of the location of water shut-off valves and understands how to operate them. COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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Stay cool! (or warm)
Failure of Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems (HVAC) can result in a loss of use, freezing and bursting of water pipes, failure of information technology systems and if nothing else, make everyone uncomfortable and unproductive. Have these systems checked at least twice each year, before heating and cooling seasons.
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Back it up!
Be certain your backup systems for critical information are in place and functional. An off-site back up of data is CRITICAL to the survival of almost any organization. Review and test your plan on a regular basis. Store all hard copy documents at least 6” above the floor or ground. If flooding has occurred before in a particular structure, store such items above the highest previous level or at another location. Label vital and historical records appropriately.
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Know where to go
Despite your best efforts, a storm, flood or other event could render your facility unusable. Have at least two alternate locations in mind where temporary operations could be set up, such as empty school buildings or perhaps the old Wal-Mart (every town has one, right?)
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Know who to call
Pre-select all of your critical outside resources. Get to know local disaster response contractors, check their references, call the Better Business Bureau and check up on them. Visit their facilities and meet their staff. Make a decision regarding who your “go-to” contractor will be. Consider having that contractor come and visit and inspect your facilities to become familiar with your operations.
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Write all this down somewhere!
Develop a comprehensive disaster response plan tailored to your specific needs, geographic location and type of operation. Be sure that all key staff has a copy of the plan both on and off-site. Review the plan on a annual basis. Be absolutely certain that 24 hour/365 day contact information is quickly available to all staff to contact all resources that may be needed. Maintain and update this database.
Educate and communicate
Practice implementation of the plan with all key staff members. Develop a “phone tree” for communicating during a disaster. Hold drills so everyone understands their role. Develop alternate communication methods such as radios, in the event standard communications are lost. Develop and practice evacuation plans, know where emergency shelters are and educate staff about these. Post evacuation signs and install emergency battery backup lighting.
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Editor’s note: Metro Disaster Specialists submitted the “Top 10 Disaster planning and checklist” in an effort to assist individual counties in the process of preventing and managing facility disasters. Metro Specialists managed the AAC’s massive water leak earlier this year. Metro is ranked among the nation’s top ten insurance restoration contractors in both the Qualified Remodelers and Remodeling Magazine – August 2012. 51
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AAC member discount update; how to help your waistline survive the holidays
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’m so excited to have the opportunity to serve the outstanding county employees and volunteer firefighters all across this great state. I am working to add to the list of discounts that are available to you. Here’s a summary of what we have so far: ADT: Receive a $100 VISA prepaid card and a free ADT Monitored Security System valued at $850 for no activation or equipment costs, and only $99 to completely install. AT&T: •17 percent off voice, data, and tablet plans $35.00 per month and higher. • Free activation • Waived upgrade fees • $75 new service credit when getting a Smartphone and a $39.99 rate plan or higher. This offer is good until March 15, 2013. • $50 new service credit on a $9.99 family line when getting a Smartphone plan. This offer is good until March 15, 2013. AutoZone: •10 percent courtesy discount through Do-It-Yourself (DIY). This is a change from the discount we originally publicized. However, the DIY price actually costs far less than the list cost (which our other plan was based on) and, with the additional 10 percent discount, will actually be a better savings. This new plan is also much more user friendly. Bob’s Pest Services: Saline County area. Average termite control is $98 per year while average pest control is $60 per quarter. Dell: •The Best Price Guarantee on consumer PCs from Dell •Exclusive member offers •An additional 10 percent on select electronics and accessories •Free shipping on select systems DIRECT TV: Save $31 a month for one year, receive a $75 VISA prepaid card, and get a free Whole-Home Upgrade when ordering as a new customer. Call today and you also get: • Free standard installation • Free HD DVR and 3 HD Receiver upgrades on select packages • Free HD in every room on select packages • Free HBO plus Showtime plus Starz plus Cinemax for three months • Access to DIRECTV CINEMA and 400 newest movie releases DISH Network Discounts: Call (888)-515-5921 or go to http:/ www.connectyourhome.com/edp/index.php?promo=80584 •New customers receive a $75 VISA prepaid card as well as; • 20 premium movie channels free for three months 52
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•Free Standard Installation •HD free for Life •$75 VISA prepaid card is available only to new customers. Go to the website above or call for complete details and restrictions.(These discounts Becky Comet are only for new customers.) AACMemberBenefitsManager Hewlett Packard: The HP Employee Purchase Program (EPP) offers HP and Compaq consumer products at discounts typically up to 10 percent off starting prices. You can also take advantage of instant rebates, coupons and HP Home & Home Office sales promotions that combine with your EPP discount – for a typical savings of 20-30 percent off. NAPA Auto Parts: 10 percent discount at participating NAPA stores. University of Phoenix: 10 percent off the cost of tuition for any associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral degrees, certificates and individual courses. Verizon: Verizon is offering Arkansas County Employees unlimited talk and text as well as an 18 percent discount on all data plans. Alltime Family Fitness in Clarksville, Arkansas: Johnson County employees may join for $25/month. To use these discounts you’ll need to identify yourself as a county employee or volunteer firefighter with a name badge, a check stub, or the ID cards that were created at the AAC conference. Check our website for any code numbers that may be necessary. Please let me know if you have any problems accessing any of these discounts. If you have a particular business you’d like me to check with in an effort to obtain a discount, feel free to e-mail me. I still don’t have a contact person from all 75 counties, so if you haven’t received any e-mails with discount updates and/or coupons, then I need a contact person from your county that can pass e-mails along to all the employees in your county. How to help your waistline survive the holidays . . . It’s just about time for the wonderful holiday season, the time of year that part of me looks forward to and part of me dreads. This will be my second holiday season since being on The Biggest Loser and losing 88 pounds. I survived the 2011 holiday season and I’m still wearing the same size I did going in. So I thought I’d share some of my thoughts as I get mentally geared up for this season. Here are seven tips that have worked for me that I will be following this year: Have a plan. Don’t go to any party or event without some forethought. Consider things like: what kind of foods will
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RMF Trustees Approved a reduction in auto rates! This is not a one-time decrease, but a rate reduction.
b rs: M me e R M F r a e D
Other discounts can save your county more when you participate in all three RMF programs. If you are already a RMF member, thank you for your business and enjoy our decreased auto rates.
an Deib e oN rm
If you’re not a RMF member, it is a great time to ask for a quote! The AAC Risk Management Fund is managed by a Board of Trustees comprised of YOUR county colleagues. As a fund member, YOU help develop the fund’s products that meet the needs of our unique and valued county resources and employees. Most of Arkansas counties are reaping the benefits of ownership of the AAC Risk Management Fund.
your Why not County
GENERAL LIABILITY : Civil Rights Liability Tortious Conduct (via statutory tort immunity) ublic fficials rrors missions AUTO PROTECTION: Auto Liability (Statutory Liability Limits) Auto hysical amage omp Medical Pay Coverage
PROPERTY PROTECTION: uilding ontents Mobile Equipment Electronic Data Processing Equipment oiler Machinery ollision
Call us to learn more Today ! Debbie Norman Risk Management & Insurance Director 501.375.8247
Cathy Perry Admin. Assistant 501.375.8805
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RURAL FIRE DEPARTMENT PROGRAM Auto Liability / Auto Physical Damage uilding ontents Blanket Portable Equipment / Scheduled Equipment General Liability
Barry Burkett Loss Control 501.375.8805
Cindy Calvert Claims Examiner 501.375.8805
RMF Legal Defense Provided By
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Winters reflects ... looks to future and it became a thing where I loved it.” Sheriff Bolin retired and Winters was elected Sheriff in 1990 and was sworn in on Jan. 1, 1991. “My family and my wife have always been very supportive of me,” Winters said. “My wife and I as a team decided I would run for sheriff.” During his tenure as sheriff, Winters was a member of the Arkansas Sheriffs’ Association, where he was an executive board member, legislative chairman, and president of the association from July of 2001 to July 2002. Winters was also one of the sheriff’s representatives on the Association of Arkansas Counties Board of Directors. He retired as sheriff in 2008. Winters was hired as deputy director of the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) in April of 2009 and continued that position until he was appointed as director at the Arkansas Crime Information Center in 2012. He said he had grown accustomed to working with a wonderful group of people at the Pope County Sheriff’s Office, but found another great group at ADEM. “I fell right into another group that obviously doesn’t do what they do for the money,” Winters said. “They do it because they love helping people. I can’t say enough about the folks there. They are a real asset to the state of Arkansas.”
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Winters has been married to his wife Sheena for 36 years and they have a son, Jay Jr. of Little Rock, and a daughter, Amber, son in law, Ryan, and two granddaughters, Kyleigh, 6, and Maycie, 2, of Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada. What’s going on at ACIC? Winters was appointed to the director of the Arkansas Crime Information Center (ACIC) on Jan. 31, 2012. The center is an assisting agency and it was created in 1971 to mainly provide law enforcement with information on driver’s licenses and vehicle license plates. He remembered August 1975 as the first time he used an ACIC computer. “I see where it was then and I see where we are now,” Winters said. “It’s just amazing.” He again reiterated the fine group of people he found at the ACIC. “These people work hard and strive for excellence,“ Winters said. “Because of that, we are now to the point … where we are now.” ACIC assists criminal justice officers with an array of information. The ACIC website, www.acic.org, also hosts the state’s sex offender registry. By the end of the year, Winters said driver’s license and vehicle information will be acces-
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sible on iPhones and is already available on Androids for criminal justice officers in the field. This mobile delivery model will make real-time information another asset to the Arkansas law enforcement community. ACIC is also responsible for maintaining the Victim Notification System in the state of Arkansas. Winters said his concentration right now is getting out to various meetings making sure law enforcement and other officials know what ACIC does. “We can get more information than they think we can get,” Winters said. “And so we can be very beneficial in investigations and have been instrumental in some investigations.” “Mobile applications are an important thing right now,” Winters said, “I think by the end of year that we will have that up and running.” Winters also alluded to several ongoing projects where ACIC is working with other entities to improve the databasing capabilities of the state. “We’re all about officer safety and citizen safety,” Winters said. “So the more we know about a person the better chance there will be a positive result from that encounter or traffic stop or call.”
We offer county and municipal discounts!
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Savings Times 2 Continued From Previous Page 52
AAC Law Clerk Lindsey Bailey <<<
be served; how can I fit that into my new healthy food plan; what kind of beverages will be served (You’d be surprised at how many calories can be in one glass. I’ve never been one that’s willing to use up my entire calorie budget on something I plan to drink. I’d much rather eat my calories.) If you’re attending a potluck, take something that fits into your plan. Make that your “go to” dish. At least you’ll know there’s something you feel good about eating. Don’t go to an event when you’re starving. If the event you’re attending has foods that you really want to eat, great. But, have a healthy snack before you go to take off the hunger edge. If you’re starving going in, you’ll probably overeat. If you’re dying to taste something, go ahead. Just don’t fill your plate with it. Take a spoonful that’s enough for a couple of bites. You’ll feel the satisfaction of the taste as well as the satisfaction of being in control of the food. Don’t beat yourself up if you get off your plan a bit. It takes 3,500 calories to make a pound. If you stay fairly close to your plan, you’re probably not going to overeat by 3,500 calories. The weight gain you may see on the scale the next day is probably just water weight. Get back on track, drink plenty of water to flush your system, and the scale will look better in a few days. Don’t let your celebration go on for days. Let yourself have a little indulgence on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s (or whatever days you plan for yourself ). But don’t make it one continuous celebration (I think a better word is binge) from Thanksgiving until New Year’s. Stay Active. Don’t give up your exercise routine just because the holidays are here. Remember, there’s nothing better than a walk around the neighborhood after a holiday meal. Take the whole family. What a great way to spend time together. Have a blessed holiday season! Comments? Suggestions? Questions? e-mail bcomet@arcounties.org.
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My favorite meal: Pulled pork BBQ sandwich with slaw and all the fixin’s When I’m not working I’m: Studying, cooking, rooting for the Hogs, or catching a show downtown at one of my favorite local musicians or bands. SUPPORT LIVE LOCAL MUSIC! The accomplishment of which I am most proud: Being able to have a well-balanced life between school, work, and doing things that I love. Letting law school take away the things I enjoy in life was never an option for me. Not everyone can find that balance. I hardest thing I have ever done: After being born and raised in Pocahontas, Ark., and graduating from ASU in Jonesboro, moving by myself to the “big city” of Little Rock on my own, on a very modest retail-worker’s salary, knowing only a few casual acquaintances, and having no real idea what I wanted to do once I got here. At the top of my bucket list is to: Travel the world – EVERYWHERE! I love and appreciate all different cultures, but I have not had much opportunity to travel outside of the U.S. yet. I want to go to Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Asia, Europe, Australia, EVERYWHERE! It would be nice if I could retire around age 50 to do that. You might be surprised to learn that: My secret ambition is to run for a state office someday. My pet peeve is: People who won’t listen to a viewpoint that is different from theirs. Lindse y Baile Motto or favorite quote: “If it’s worth doing, then y it’s worth doing well.” How long have you been at AAC and can you describe some of your successful AAC projects? I just started at AAC in summer 2012. I have helped county judges and sheriffs familiarize themselves with Arkansas law regarding forfeited assets, sales of county property, and how to dispose of worthless property. My article was published and a county compliance handbook should soon follow. I am working with the AACRMF and Workers’ Comp to help them realize and pursue their legal remedies when someone employed by the counties is involved in an accident and the responsible party is resisting payment. Also, I am assisting in ongoing litigation and proposed legislation regarding various issues for the counties that will help county officials maximize their potential to advance the counties’ interests. What have you learned about the legal field and/or county government while interning at AAC? First, I have become acquainted with the inner-workings of county government, how it is structured, and how it operates. I was not familiar at all with how county government worked. At AAC, I have learned that county employees are among the most loyal and hard-working government officials in the state, and that they all genuinely want to do what is best for their constituents. As our motto goes, “It may be hard work, but we do good things.” Has your experience altered your future goals or help solidify them or a combination of the two? My clerkship at AAC is my first as a law student, so of course it has helped mold my future goals, both regarding what I want and do not want to do. I was genuinely taken aback by all of the attorneys and staff at AAC and how they do so much work that will help the people. There is so much motivation here that has absolutely nothing to do with money, and that was refreshing. I am still not sure what exact field I want to practice in (I still have two years of law school left), but I do know that I want a career where I can go home every night knowing that I am working for the betterment of my clients, my community, my state and the law. Clerking at AAC has helped me realize that this kind of rewarding career is possible, even as a lawyer! COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
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AAC Law Clerk Brandy McAllister My favorite meal: Burger and fries. How long have you been at AAC and can you describe some of When I’m not working I’m: Lots of studying and your successful AAC projects? spending time with my husband and son. Since August 2011. County Codification. The accomplishment of which I am most proud: My What have you learned about the marriage. legal field and/or county government The hardest thing I have ever done: Made it through while interning at AAC? my first semester back at law school after the birth of I have learned so much I don’t know where to my son. begin… Much about the structure and workings At the top of my bucket list is to: Have chickens of county government, the relationship between and two goats (Sigmund and Fred). counties and the state, the legislative process, not You might be surprised to learn that: Mosquitos to park next to Mark, and through the codificaare attracted to people who just ate bananas. tion process I have learned an enormous amount of My pet peeve is: Willful ignorance. individual county law. Motto or favorite quote: Has your experience altered your future “It is not the critic who counts; not the man Brandy goals or help solidify them or a combination of who points out how the strong man stumbles, or McAllis ter the two? where the doer of deeds could have done them betHelped solidify them. Working here has energized ter. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose my confidence in our legislative system and in the democratic process. face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who Change does not have to be an abstract concept; and while the demoerrs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort withcratic process doesn’t guarantee a win every time, at the end of the day out error and shortcoming…” you know that if you work for it, it is possible. “The Man in the Arena” April 23, 1910, Teddy Roosevelt
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NaCoNews
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About NACo – The Voice of America’s Counties
National Association of Counties (NACo) is the only national organization that represents county governments in the U.S. NACo provides essential services to the nation’s 3,068 counties. NACo advances issues with a unified voice before the federal government, improves the public’s understanding of county government, assists counties in finding and sharing innovative solutions through education and research and provides value-added services to save counties and taxpayers money.
www.naco.org
Register now for NACo’s 2012 Healthy Counties Forum in Atlanta
Join NACo in DeKalb and Fulton counties, (Atlanta) Georgia, Nov. 27 - 28, for a day and a half health-focused forum to explore important changes in health care delivery and financing. The forum will examine broad health care policy and system changes, implications for county health care delivery systems, and a tour of Grady Hospital. Space is limited; please register by Nov. 1. Contact Anita Cardwell at (202) 942-4267 for more information.
NACo receives grant to assist counties with pipeline safety
NACo has been awarded a $50,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration. The grant will enable NACo to continue to work with elected county officials, county planners and other county staff across the U.S. to manage the risks associated with transmission pipelines, to engage local officials and the public in decision-making processes related to the placement of new pipelines, and to provide information and training about prudent land-use practices adjacent to transmission pipelines. Contact James Davenport at (202) 661-8807 for more information.
Volunteer for NACo’s Ambassador Program
NACo’s new Ambassador Program is helping new and existing members become more familiar with NACo and the many benefits available by pairing county officials and staff with an experienced “ambassador.” The ambassador will share his or her experience and help county officials and staff to better understand what NACo has to offer. To volunteer or to serve as an ambassador or to sign up to speak with an ambassador, please contact NACo’s membership team.
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re s o u r c e in d e x
NACo President Rodgers and Secretary Vilsack convene at regional drought meeting With more than two-thirds of the nation’s counties declared official drought disaster areas, NACo partnered with Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack to host a regional drought meeting in Douglas County (Omaha), Neb. on Oct. 9. NACo President Chris Rodgers, a Douglas County commissioner, served as a co-host of the event and moderator for the opening plenary session where he stressed the need for a comprehensive drought response and a multi-year Farm Bill. Contact Erik Johnston at (202) 942-4230 for more information.
Software company joins NACo’s Green Government Initiative as corporate partner WASHINGTON, D.C. – National Association of Counties (NACo) today announced that The Public Group, a premier Software as a Service (SaaS) provider with 15 years experience serving government agencies, has joined NACo’s Green Government Advisory Board as a new corporate partner. Green Government Advisory Board Chair Judy Shiprack, commissioner, Multnomah County, Ore., said the addition of The Public Group will enable NACo’s Green Government Initiative (GGI) to expand its ability to offer educational opportunities for county governments related to green purchasing and develop more holistic solutions and practices utilizing current technology. “We are pleased that The Public Group is joining the nation’s counties and our other corporate partners to help lead NACo’s Green Government Initiative,” Shiprack said. “During these lean economic times more counties are streamlining operations and finding efficiencies. Software tools like those offered by The Public Group can aid in these efforts.” The Public Group offers several solutions for county governments.
AC Risk Management .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 AC oW rkers’ Compensation Trust ............................................................ 4 a.c.t . Geospatial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Inside Front Cover Apprentice Information Systems, Inc .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Arkansas Geographic Information Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Arkansas College Savings Plans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Brown-Hiller-Clark & Associates .............................................................. 59 Crews and Associates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Back Cover Ergon Asphalt & Paving .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Glover Trucking.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55 ...... Nationwide Insurance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57 Rainwater Holt & Sexton, PA .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
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This publication was made possible with the support of these advertising partners who have helped to underwrite the cost of County Lines. They deserve your consideration and patronage when making your purchasing decisions. For more information on how to partner with County Lines, please call Scott Perkins at (501) 372-7550.
COUNTY LINES, FALL 2012
Association of Arkansas Counties 1415 West 3rd St. Little Rock, AR 72201
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID
PERMIT No.
2797
