reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 4 - QUORUM COURT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-14-401 — 14-14-407) › Section 14-14-405 - Filing and publishing of plan

(a)
Not later than the date set for the apportionment of county quorum court districts, the county board of election commissioners shall file its report with the clerk of the county court, setting forth the district boundaries and the number of inhabitants within them.
(b)
Within fifteen (15) days of the filing of an apportionment plan, the clerk of the county court shall cause to be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the county the district boundaries apportioned and the number of inhabitants within them.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 36; 1979, No. 413, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3405.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 4 - QUORUM COURT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-14-401 — 14-14-407) › Section 14-14-406 - Contest of apportionment

Original jurisdiction of any suit to contest the apportionment made for county quorum court districts by a county board of election commissioners is vested in the circuit court of the affected county. Any such contest shall be filed with the circuit court within thirty (30) days following the date publication appears in a newspaper of general circulation.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 37; 1979, No. 413, § 4; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3406.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 4 - QUORUM COURT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-14-401 — 14-14-407) › Section 14-14-407 - Certification of plan

The clerk of the county court, within seven (7) calendar days following the expiration of the time period provided for the filing of contest of an apportionment plan, shall transmit to the Secretary of State a certified copy of the record made of an apportionment plan.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 38; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3407.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 5 - ORGANIZATION GENERALLY (§§ 14-14-501 — 14-14-502) › Section 14-14-501 - Body politic and corporate

A county government is a body politic and corporate created by the General Assembly and subject to its exercise of power. However, county governments shall possess legislative powers not denied by the Arkansas Constitution or by law. As a corporate body, county governments shall have corporate and governmental powers, a corporate name, and perpetual succession subject to limitations imposed by the General Assembly.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 39; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3501.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 5 - ORGANIZATION GENERALLY (§§ 14-14-501 — 14-14-502) › Section 14-14-502 - Distribution of powers

(a)
Division.
The powers of the county governments of the State of Arkansas shall be divided into three (3) distinct departments, each of them to be confined to a separate body, to wit: Those that are legislative to one, those that are executive to a second, and those that are judicial to a third.
(b)
(1)
Legislative.
All legislative powers of the county governments are vested in the quorum court. The people reserve to themselves the power to propose county legislative measures and to enact or reject them at the polls independent of the quorum court. The people also reserve to themselves the power, at their option, to approve or reject at the polls any entire ordinance enacted by a quorum court.
(2)
Executive.
(A)
The executive divisions of a county government shall consist of:
(i)
The county judge, who shall perform the duties of the chief executive officer of the county as provided in Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, § 3, and as implemented in this chapter and who shall preside over the quorum court without a vote but with the power of veto;
(ii)
One (1) sheriff, who shall be ex officio collector of taxes unless otherwise provided by law;
(iii)
One (1) assessor;
(iv)
One (1) coroner;
(v)
One (1) treasurer, who shall be ex officio treasurer of the common school fund of the county;
(vi)
One (1) surveyor; and
(vii)
One (1) clerk of the circuit court, who shall be clerk of the probate division of circuit court and ex officio clerk of the county court and recorder.
(B)
There may be elected a county clerk in like manner as a circuit clerk, and in such cases, the county clerk may be ex officio clerk of the probate division of circuit court, if such division exists, of the county until otherwise provided by the General Assembly.
(3)
Judicial.
The judicial divisions of a county government are vested in the county court, except with respect to those powers formerly vested in the county court which, by the provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, are to be performed by the county judge, and in the respective courts of this state as provided by law.
(c)
Limitations.
No person or collection of persons being one of these departments, legislative, executive, or judicial, shall exercise any power belonging to either of the others, except in the instances expressly directed or permitted.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 40; 1979, No. 413, § 5; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3502; Acts 2001, No. 997, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-601 - Legislative determination - Purpose

(a)
It is determined by the General Assembly that:
(1)
The present structure of county government does not meet the needs of every county in the state;
(2)
County government can be made more responsive to the wishes of the people through selected structural changes and consolidation; and
(3)
Greater economy, efficiency, and effectiveness in providing governmental services can be achieved through modernization of county government.
(b)
It is the purpose of this subchapter to:
(1)
Establish the basic procedures for the adoption and implementation of alternative county government organization pursuant to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, § 2(b), which provides: "The Quorum Court may create, consolidate, separate, revise, or abandon any elective county office or offices except during the term thereof; provided, however, that a majority of those voting on the question at a general election have approved said action."; and
(2)
Provide the citizens of each county the opportunity to select the form of county government organization which best serves their needs and desires.
Acts 1977, No. 742, §§ 54, 55; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 17-3701, 17-3702.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-602 - Definitions

As used in this subchapter, unless the context otherwise requires:
(1)
"Abandon" means to desert, surrender, forsake, or to give up absolutely;
(2)
"Consolidate" means to unite offices into one (1) office;
(3)
"Create" means to bring into being, to cause to exist, to produce;
(4)
"Revise" means to review, reexamine for correction or for the purpose of amending, correcting, rearranging, or otherwise improving; and
(5)
"Separate" means to disunite, divide, disconnect, or sever.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 58; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3705.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-603 - Offices included

(a)
Within the purposes of this chapter, the term "elective county office" shall mean any office created under the provisions of Arkansas Constitution Article 7, § 19, as amended by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 24, § 3, and Arkansas Constitution, Article 7, § 46.
(b)
The elective county offices established by these constitutional provisions are:
(1)
One (1) sheriff, who shall be ex officio collector of taxes, unless otherwise provided by law;
(2)
One (1) collector of taxes, where established by law;
(3)
One (1) assessor;
(4)
One (1) coroner;
(5)
One (1) treasurer, who shall be ex officio treasurer of the common school fund;
(6)
One (1) surveyor;
(7)
One (1) clerk of the circuit court, who shall be clerk of the probate division of circuit court and ex officio clerk of the county court and recorder, unless otherwise provided by law; and
(8)
One (1) county clerk, where established by law.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 56; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3703.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-604 - Offices excluded

Offices expressly excluded from the provisions of this subchapter are:
(1)
The judge of the county court created pursuant to Arkansas Constitution, Article 7, § 28, such office being an "elective county office" but not deemed separable from the county court which serves as a principal element of county government and constitutional organization;
(2)
Justices of the peace who are deemed district offices; and
(3)
Constables who are deemed township offices and who are not within the provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, § 2(b).
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 57; 1979, No. 413, § 11; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3704.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-605 - Authority to adopt alternative provisions - Options

(a)
Each county quorum court may adopt, by ordinance, any one (1) or more of the alternative county government organizational provisions established in this subchapter if the electors have approved the adoption of the proposed provisions by majority vote at a general election.
(b)
Alternative organizational proposals may include any one (1) or all of the following options. The principal officer of the office to be affected by the alternate organizational proposal shall be:
(1)
Elected;
(2)
Appointed in a manner prescribed by ordinance;
(3)
Appointed by a county government board in a manner prescribed by ordinance;
(4)
Selected as provided by ordinance; or
(5)
Not included in the proposed alternative county organization as a separate office.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 59; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3706.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-606 - Analysis of each office required

(a)
All proposals for alternative county government organization adopted by a county quorum court through ordinance for referral to the electors, or an initiative petition referring an alternative organization proposal to the electors, shall be based on a comprehensive analysis of each office or department included in the ordinance or proposal.
(b)
The analysis of each office or department shall consist of the following requirements:
(1)
A comprehensive analysis of the existing office or department organization included in the proposal and the procedures established for providing governmental services;
(2)
A comprehensive comparative analysis of the proposed alternative organization with regard to improved efficiency, effectiveness, responsiveness, and accountability to the people;
(3)
The preparation of a proposed plan of organization embodying the selected characteristics to be referred to the electors. The plan shall:
(A)
Establish the procedures for the election or appointment of any new officers. However, any appointive officer shall be deemed a part of the executive branch and, as such, shall be appointed by, and be responsible to, the county judge;
(B)
Provide for the scheduling of any necessary transfer of powers, records, documents, properties, assets, funds, liabilities, and bonding which result from the changes in a proposed county organization;
(C)
Provide for the continuity, where necessary, of existing officers and offices, the abolition of offices or their change from elective to appointive status, and the making of interim and temporary appointments; and
(D)
Provide that the plan may be prepared in narrative form but shall be finally embodied in a single or series of ordinances styled in a manner provided by law.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 60; 1979, No. 413, § 12; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3707.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-607 - Initiation and conduct of analysis

(a)
Initiation.
Any justice of the peace of each county may propose the initiation of an analysis for alternative county organization through the introduction and passage of an ordinance, or the initiation may be accomplished by an initiative petition of the electors.
(b)
Conduct of Analysis.
An ordinance adopted for conduct of an analysis of alternative county organizations shall provide for:
(1)
The final date of completion of the analysis;
(2)
The employment of any staff or other financial support where deemed necessary;
(3)
The conduct of the analysis; and
(4)
The selection of any one (1), or any combinations, of the following methods of conduct:
(A)
Directly by the county quorum court through the establishment of an office or department;
(B)
By interlocal agreement;
(C)
By purchasing the analysis services from a private or public vendor; or
(D)
By establishing a county board in a manner prescribed by the ordinance.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 61; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3708.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-609 - Referendum on proposed plan

(a)
All questions on alternative county organization as proposed by ordinance of the county quorum court, or as proposed by initiated petitions filed by electors of the county pursuant to Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 7, shall be submitted to the electors of a county only at the general election following the adoption of the ordinance or filing of the petitions.
(b)
(1)
Any ordinance or initiative petition submitting an alternative organization proposal to the voters shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation within the county no later than the first day of filing for the preferential primary immediately preceding the general election at which the alternative county government proposal shall be decided.
(2)
If approved by a majority of those voting on the question, the proposed plan for alternative county organization is effective on January 1 following the next general election in which the altered or consolidated county offices appeared on the ballot.
Amended by Act 2021, No. 314,§ 1, eff. 7/28/2021.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 63; 1979, No. 413, § 14; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3710.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-610 - Election results

(a)
An affirmative majority vote by the electors voting on the adoption of an alternative county organization plan shall be deemed the will of the people.
(b)
The election of any candidate during the same general election for any office consolidated, abandoned, or established as an appointive office by an adopted plan of alternative county organization shall be considered null and void.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 64; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3711.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-611 - Appointment of interim officers

Where a proposed plan approved by the electors for alternative county organization provides for the creation of any elective office by consolidation of two (2) or more offices, the proposed plan shall establish procedures for the appointment of an interim officer, who shall serve in the office so created from the effective date of the plan and until the next general election, or until a successor is elected and qualified. The appointee shall meet all requirements prescribed by law for appointment to an elective office.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 65; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3712.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-612 - Abandonment of alternative plan

(a)
A county quorum court may abandon any alternative county organization plan, or any part or section thereof, adopted by the electors pursuant to this subchapter, by referral and adoption of a revised organizational plan at a general election. However, no revised alternative county organization plan shall be considered by the electors until four (4) years have elapsed after the date of the referendum at which the original plan was adopted.
(b)
Nothing in this section, however, shall be construed as a limitation on a quorum court to submit a proposal to the electors at a general election for multicounty consolidation of an elective office.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 66; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3713.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 6 - ALTERNATIVE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-601 — 14-14-614) › Section 14-14-614 - Severability of ballot titles

(a)
Ballot Title.
(1)
Upon receipt of an alternative county organization proposal for either a single county or multicounty which is to be referred to the electors, it shall be the duty of the members of the county board of election commissioners to take due cognizance and to certify the results of the vote cast thereon.
(2)
Where the proposed measure is referred through more than one (1) or a series of ordinances, the board shall cause the ballot title of each separate ordinance to be placed on the ballot to be used in the election. The ballot shall state plainly and separately the title of each ordinance referred to the electors.
(b)
Severability.
If a single ordinance relating to a proposal for alternative county organization is rejected by the electors, the rejection shall not affect any other ordinance so adopted by the electors; or if any provision of an ordinance adopted by the electors for alternative county organization or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the invalidity shall not affect other provisions or applications of the ordinance which can be given effect without the invalid provisions or application. The provisions of any single ordinance and the validity of each voted upon by separate ballot titles are declared to be severable.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 68; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3715.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-701 - Legislative determination - Purpose

(a)
It is determined by the General Assembly that:
(1)
The present service organization of county government does not meet the needs of every county in this state; and
(2)
County governments can be made more responsive to the service needs of the people through the reorganization of county government into departments, boards, and subordinate service districts which are consistent in their organization and assignment of duties, responsibilities, and authorities.
(b)
It is therefore the purpose of this subchapter to:
(1)
Establish the basic procedures for the establishment of service organizations in county government; and
(2)
Establish the authorities and limitations of these service organizations.
Acts 1977, No. 742, §§ 98, 99; A.S.A. 1947, §§ 17-4101, 17-4102.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-702 - Authority to establish - Restrictions

The county quorum court of each county may prescribe, by ordinance, the department, board structure, and organization of their respective county governments and may prescribe the functions of all offices, departments, and boards. However, no ordinance shall be enacted by a quorum court which:
(1)
Divests the county court of any of its original jurisdictions granted by the Arkansas Constitution. However, where any county ordinance establishing a department or board and the assignment of functions thereof interferes with the jurisdictions of the county court, it shall be implied that the functions and acts may be performed on order of the county court or proper order of superior courts on appeal;
(2)
Alters the organization of elected county officials established by the Arkansas Constitution, except through the provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, § 2(b). However, any function or duty assigned by statute may be reassigned by ordinance; or
(3)
Limits any provision of state law directing or requiring a county government or any officer or employee of a county government to carry out any function or provide any service. However, nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent the reassignment of functions or services assigned by statute where Arkansas reassignment does not alter the obligation of the county to continue providing the function or service.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 100; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4103.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-703 - Office organization of county government

(a)
Unless otherwise provided or permitted by the Arkansas Constitution, county governments shall maintain the following organization of elected county offices:
(1)
Office of the County Judge.
The judge of the county court serves as the principal executive officer of the county and may establish divisions of his or her office to carry out any jurisdiction of the county court or duties assigned by county ordinance. No such delegation of administrative functions among departments of the office shall be construed as limiting or delegating any jurisdiction of the county court. Further, the county court may appoint advisory committees to assist in the formulation of policy for any department of the office. However, confirmation by the county quorum court of advisory committees so appointed or the oath of office is not required; and
(2)
Other Executive Offices of the County.
As established by the Arkansas Constitution, the organization of county offices shall include:
(A)
The office of treasurer;
(B)
The office of county clerk, as may be provided by law;
(C)
The office of assessor;
(D)
The office of clerk of the circuit court;
(E)
The office of sheriff;
(F)
The office of collector of taxes, as may be provided by law;
(G)
The office of surveyor; and
(H)
The office of coroner.
(b)
Any executive officer of the county may establish divisions of the office to conduct any function or duty assigned by the Arkansas Constitution or by law.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 101; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4104.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-704 - Establishment of county departments

(a)
The county quorum court of each county, by ordinance, may establish any number of departments for the conduct of county affairs and may prescribe the functions and duties of each department. This authority of a quorum court to establish county departments shall be conclusive and shall supersede any department organizations established by any elected county officer.
(b)
(1)
Direction of Departments.
All departments established by ordinance of the quorum court shall be under the direction and supervision of county judge except departments assigned to other elected officers of the county. Departments established and assigned to an elected officer other than the county judge shall be under the direction and supervision of the respective county officer.
(2)
Joint Departments.
Two (2) or more county governments may provide for the establishment of joint departments for the conduct of county affairs. Joint departments so created shall be established by interlocal agreements. The direction and supervision of joint departments shall be under the combined authorities of the county judge of each respective county in a manner to be prescribed by ordinance.
(3)
Employment of Department Administrator.
An ordinance establishing a department of county government may provide for the employment of a department administrator. The ordinance may prescribe minimum qualifications for the person so employed as administrator. However, the county judge alone shall employ all county personnel, except employees of other elected county officers. Where a department is established by the quorum court and the responsibility for direction and supervision of the department is assigned to an elected county officer other than the county judge, the elected county officer so designated shall employ all personnel authorized to be employed by the ordinance.
(4)
Management Reports.
A quorum court may require, by ordinance, reports for any purpose from any elective county office, department, board, or subordinate service district, or any administrator or employee of them.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 102; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4105.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-706 - Register of board appointment

The clerk of the county court shall maintain a register of county advisory and administrative board appointments established by a county quorum court, including:
(1)
The name of the board;
(2)
The ordinance reference number establishing the board;
(3)
The name of the board member;
(4)
The date of appointment; and
(5)
The expiration date of the appointments.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 104; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4107.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-707 - Conduct of affairs of county boards

(a)
Initial Meeting.
The time and place for the initial meeting of a county board shall be established by the county judge through written notification of each board member.
(b)
Meeting Dates and Notification.
All boards shall by rule provide for the date, time, and place of regular monthly meetings or other regularly scheduled meetings. This information shall be filed with the county court, and notification of all meetings shall be conducted as established by law for public meetings.
(c)
Special Meetings.
Special meetings may be called by two (2) or more board members upon written notification of all members not less than two (2) calendar days prior to the calendar day fixed for the time of the meeting.
(d)
Quorum.
A majority of board members shall constitute a quorum for the purpose of conducting business and exercising powers and responsibilities. Board action may be taken by a majority vote of those present and voting unless the ordinance creating the board requires otherwise.
(e)
Organization and Voting.
At its initial meeting of a quorum of members, each county board shall elect one (1) of their members to serve as chair of the board for a term of one (1) year. The chair shall thereafter preside over the board throughout his or her term as chair. In the absence of the chair, a quorum of the board may select one (1) of its members to preside and conduct the affairs of the board.
(f)
Minutes.
All boards shall provide for the keeping of written minutes which include the final vote on all board actions indicating the vote of each individual member on the question.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 105; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4108.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-708 - Subordinate service districts generally

(a)
Authority to Establish.
Subordinate service districts to provide one (1) or more of the services authorized to be provided by county governments may be established, operated, altered, combined, enlarged, reduced, or abolished by the county quorum court by ordinance.
(b)
Area Served.
A subordinate service district may include all, or any part, of the jurisdictional areas of county government. Two (2) or more county governments may create a joint subordinate service district by interlocal agreement.
(c)
Purposes of District.
A subordinate service district is defined as a county service organization established to provide one (1) or more county services or additions to county services and financed from revenues secured from within the designated service area through the levy and collection of service charges. These districts may be created for the following purposes:
(1)
Emergency services, including ambulance services, civil defense services, and fire prevention and protection services;
(2)
Solid waste services, including recycling services, and solid waste collection and disposal services;
(3)
Water, sewer, and other utility services, including sanitary and storm sewers and sewage treatment services, water supply and distribution services, water course, drainage, irrigation, and flood control services; and
(4)
Transportation services, including roads, bridges, airports and aviation services, ferries, wharves, docks, and other marine services, parking services, and public transportation services.
(d)
Financing.
Notwithstanding any provisions of law requiring uniform taxation within a county, a quorum court, by ordinance, may establish subordinate service districts and levy service charges to provide and finance any county service or function which a county is otherwise authorized to undertake.
Acts 1981, No. 874, § 1; 1983, No. 233, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4109.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-710 - Modification or dissolution of subordinate service districts

(a)
Modification.
A quorum court may, after adoption of an ordinance, with notice and public hearing:
(1)
Increase, decrease, or terminate the type of services that the subordinate service district is authorized to provide unless fifty percent (50%) of the electors residing in the district protest;
(2)
Enlarge the district to include adjacent land if fifty percent (50%) or more of the electors residing in the proposed addition do not protest;
(3)
Combine the subordinate service district with another subordinate service district unless fifty percent (50%) of the electors in either district protest;
(4)
Abolish the subordinate service district unless fifty percent (50%) of the electors in the district protest;
(5)
Reduce the area of a district by removing property from the district unless fifty percent (50%) of the electors residing in the territory to be removed from the district protest;
(6)
Change the method for administering the subordinate service district unless fifty percent (50%) of the electors in the district protest;
(7)
All changes in subordinate service districts may be submitted to the electors of the existing or proposed district, whichever is larger, by initiative or referendum.
(b)
Dissolution.
As provided in this section, a quorum court may abolish or combine subordinate service districts by ordinance. Dissolution or any combination of service districts shall provide for the following considerations:
(1)
The transfer or other disposition of property and other rights, claims, and assets of the district;
(2)
The payment of all obligations from the resources of the district;
(3)
The payment of all costs of abolishing or combining a district from the resources of the districts involved;
(4)
The honoring of any bond, debt, contract, obligation, or cause of action accrued or established under the subordinate district;
(5)
The provision for the equitable disposition of the assets of the district, for adequate protection of the legal rights of employees of the district, and for adequate protection of legal rights of creditors; and
(6)
The transfer of all property and assets to the jurisdiction of the county court.
Acts 1981, No. 874, § 1; 1983, No. 233, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4109.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-711 - Administration of subordinate service districts

(a)
Generally.
A subordinate service district may be administered directly as a part of the office of the county judge, as a part of a department with or without an advisory or administrative board, or as a separate department with or without an advisory or administrative board.
(b)
Budget.
The budget for each subordinate service district shall be appropriated as other funds of the county.
(c)
Tax Lists.
Upon request, the county assessor shall provide the quorum court with the assessed or taxable value of all property in a proposed established subordinate service district and a list of property owners and residential structures based on the last completed assessment roll of the county.
(d)
Service Charges.
(1)
(A)
Service charges for subordinate service districts shall be entered on tax statements by the county sheriff or county collector pursuant to §
26-35-705
and shall be collected with the real and personal property taxes of the county.
(B)
No collector of taxes shall accept payment of any property taxes if the taxpayer has been billed for services authorized by a subordinate service district unless the service charge is also receipted.
(C)
If a property owner fails to pay the service charge, the service charge shall become a lien on the property.
(2)
A subordinate service district may choose to forgo county collection of its annual service charges and instead collect its service charges on a suitable periodic basis if the subordinate service district provides its own billing and collection service.
(e)
Use of Funds.
Funds raised through service charges for a subordinate service district may be used only for subordinate service district purposes. These public funds shall be maintained in the county treasury and accounted for as an enterprise fund. Disbursements of all subordinate service district funds shall be made only upon voucher or claim presented to and approved by the county judge, acting in his or her capacity as the chief executive officer of the county, unless otherwise provided by ordinance establishing the district.
Amended by Act 2013, No. 537,§ 1, eff. 8/16/2013.
Acts 1981, No. 874, § 1; 1983, No. 233, § 2; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4109; Acts 1995, No. 552, § 1.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 7 - SERVICE ORGANIZATIONS (§§ 14-14-701 — 14-14-712) › Section 14-14-712 - Reorganization of existing county boards and commissions

(a)
All laws providing for the organization, jurisdiction, and operation of county boards and commissions, except the laws relating to county hospital boards of governors and except laws relating to county nursing home boards, shall be given the status of county ordinance until June 30, 1978. These organizations shall continue to function under those respective laws until reorganized by county ordinance. The organizations subject to reorganization by county ordinance are, but are not limited to, the following:
(1)
County library boards;
(2)
County planning boards;
(3)
County park commissions; and
(4)
County welfare boards.
(b)
Advisory board members appointed as a result of a reorganizational ordinance shall have a term of appointment as specified in this subchapter.
(c)
Ordinances enacted by a county quorum court for the reorganization of county government into county departments, with or without advisory or administrative boards or subordinate service districts, may be adopted in a single reading of the court.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 107; 1977 (Ex. Sess.), No. 13, § 6; 1979, No. 741, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-4110.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-801 - Powers generally

(a)
As provided by Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, § 1, Part (a), a county government, acting through its county quorum court, may exercise local legislative authority not expressly prohibited by the Arkansas Constitution or by law for the affairs of the county.
(b)
These powers include, but are not limited to, the power to:
(1)
Levy taxes in a manner prescribed by law;
(2)
Appropriate public funds for the expenses of the county in a manner prescribed by ordinance;
(3)
Preserve peace and order and secure freedom from dangerous or noxious activities. However, no act may be declared a felony;
(4)
For any public purpose, contract or join with any other county, with any political subdivision, or with the federal government;
(5)
Create, consolidate, separate, revise, or abandon any elected office, except during the term thereof, if a majority of those voting on the question at a general election have approved the action;
(6)
Fix the number and compensation of deputies and county employees;
(7)
Fix the compensation of each county officer within a minimum and maximum to be determined by law;
(8)
Fill vacancies in elected county offices;
(9)
Have the power to override the veto of the county judge by a vote of three-fifths (3/5) of the total membership of the quorum court;
(10)
Provide for any service or performance of any function relating to county affairs;
(11)
Impose a special assessment reasonably related to the cost of any special service or special benefit provided by county government or impose a fee for the provisions of a service;
(12)
Provide for its own organization and management of its affairs; and
(13)
Exercise other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for effective administration of authorized services and functions.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 69; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3801.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-803 - Providing of facilities

The power of county government to provide services includes the power to provide necessary and convenient facilities to support the services.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 71; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3803.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-804 - Regulatory powers

The power of a county government to provide services includes the power to exercise regulatory powers in conjunction with the services.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 72; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3804.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-806 - Powers requiring state delegation

Each county quorum court in the State of Arkansas exercising local legislative authority is prohibited the exercise of the following powers, unless the power is specifically delegated by the General Assembly:
(1)
The legislative power to authorize a tax on income or the sale of goods or services. This subdivision (1) shall not be construed to limit the authority of county government to levy any other tax or establish the rate of any other tax which is not inconsistent with the Arkansas Constitution or law;
(2)
The legislative power to regulate private activities beyond its geographic limits;
(3)
The legislative power to impose a duty on or regulate another unit of local government. However, nothing in this limitation shall affect the right of a county to enter into and enforce an agreement of intergovernmental cooperation; and
(4)
The legislative power to regulate any form of gambling, lotteries, or gift enterprises.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 74; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3806.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-807 - Restrictive provisions

A county exercising local legislative power is subject to the following provisions. These provisions are a prohibition on the legislative power of a county acting other than as provided:
(1)
All state laws providing for the:
(A)
Corporation or disincorporation of cities and towns;
(B)
Annexation, disannexation, or exclusion of territory from a city or town; and
(C)
Creation, abandonment, or boundary alteration of counties;
(2)
All state laws establishing legislative procedures or requirements for county government;
(3)
All laws requiring elections;
(4)
All laws which regulate planning or zoning. However, a county quorum court, in the exercise of its local legislative power, may either accept, modify, or reject recommendations of the county planning board. Modifications of the recommendations shall be made by the procedures provided in §
14-17-201
et seq. The quorum court is empowered to initiate its own planning and zoning laws;
(5)
All laws directing or requiring a county government, or any officer or employee of a county government, to carry out any function or provide any service. However, nothing in this subdivision (5) shall be construed to prevent counties from abolishing or consolidating an office under the provisions of Arkansas Constitution, Amendment 55, § 2(b), nor the reassignment of statutory delegated functions or services which the reassignment is permitted by law if the abolition, consolidation, or reassignment shall not alter the obligation of the county to continue providing the services previously provided by the abolished or consolidated office;
(6)
All laws regulating finance or borrowing procedures and powers of local government;
(7)
All laws governing eminent domain;
(8)
All laws governing public information and open meetings; and
(9)
All laws governing the vacation of roads, streets, or alleys.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 75; 1981, No. 278, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3807.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-808 - Consistency with state rules or regulations required

(a)
A county government exercising local legislative authority is prohibited the exercise of any power in any manner inconsistent with state law or administrative rule or regulation in any area affirmatively subjected by law to state regulation or control.
(b)
The exercise of legislative authority is inconsistent with state law, rule, or regulation if it establishes standards or requirements which are lower or less stringent than those imposed by state law, rule, or regulation.
(c)
An area is affirmatively subjected to state control if a state agency or officer is directed to establish administrative rules governing the matter or if enforcement of standards or requirements established by statute is vested in a state officer or agency.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 984, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 76; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3808.
Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 2 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-28-103) › Chapter 14 - COUNTY GOVERNMENT CODE (§§ 14-14-101 — 14-14-1314) › Subchapter 8 - LEGISLATIVE POWERS (§§ 14-14-801 — 14-14-814) › Section 14-14-809 - Concurrent powers

(a)
If a county government is authorized to regulate an area which the state by statute or administrative rule also regulates, the local government may regulate the area only by enacting ordinances which are consistent with state law or administrative rule.
(b)
If a state statute or administrative rule prescribes a single standard of conduct, an ordinance is consistent if it is identical to the state statute or administrative rule.
(c)
If a state statute or administrative rule prescribes a minimal standard of conduct, an ordinance is consistent if it establishes a standard which is the same as, or higher or more stringent than, the state standard.
(d)
A county government may adopt ordinances which incorporate by reference state statutes and administrative rules in areas in which a local government is authorized to act.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 985, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1977, No. 742, § 77; A.S.A. 1947, § 17-3809.