Arkansas Code of 1987 (2023) › Title 14 - LOCAL GOVERNMENT (§§ 14-1-101 — 14-387-706) › Subtitle 7 - WATER AND SOIL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICTS (§§ 14-114-101 — 14-126-103) › Chapter 125 - CONSERVATION DISTRICTS LAW (§§ 14-125-101 — 14-125-907) › Subchapter 3 - BOARD OF DIRECTORS (§§ 14-125-301 — 14-125-312) › Section 14-125-301 - Directors generally - Definition

(a)
(1)
The governing body of the district shall consist of five (5) directors, elected or appointed pursuant to this chapter.
(2)
The three (3) elected directors shall be qualified electors residing in the district.
(3)
Two (2) directors shall be appointed by the elected directors and shall be persons who are owners of land within the district and who are by training and experience qualified to perform the services which will be required of them in the performance of their duties under this chapter.
(b)
The directors shall designate a chair and may, from time to time, change the designation.
(c)
The term of office of each director shall begin on the first day of the month next following his or her date of election or appointment, as the case may be, and shall be for three (3) years. The directors who are first appointed shall be designated to serve for terms of one (1) year and two (2) years, respectively, from the date of their appointment.
(d)
Before entering on the duties of office, each director shall take and subscribe to the oath of office required by Arkansas Constitution, Article 19, § 20.
(e)
A director shall hold office until his or her successor has been elected or appointed and has qualified.
(f)
(1)
All vacancies shall be filled by appointment by the elected directors.
(2)
Vacancies in the office of an elected director shall be filled for the unexpired term.
(3)
Vacancies in the office of an appointed director shall be filled for a new full term.
(g)
In making appointments, the elected directors shall consider any recommendation which may be made by the remaining members of the local board.
(h)
A majority of the directors shall constitute a quorum, and the concurrence of the majority in any matter within their duties shall be required for its determination.
(i)
As reimbursement for his or her attendance at any scheduled meeting of the district, a director may receive a sum not to exceed fifteen dollars ($15.00) plus mileage allowance at the same rate authorized by law or state travel rules for state employees, per mile traveled from his or her home to the place of meeting and return. He or she may also be reimbursed for his or her actual expenses, including traveling expenses, necessarily incurred in the discharge of his or her other duties.
(j)
(1)
Any director may be removed by the governing body of the district upon notice and hearing, but only for neglect of duty or malfeasance in office.
(2)
As used in this subsection, "neglect of duty" means absence from three (3) successive, regular district board meetings.
(3)
Removal of a director shall require an affirmative vote of no fewer than four (4) directors.
(k)
(1)
Except as provided in subdivision (k)(2) of this section, a director shall not qualify for reappointment or reelection unless he or she attended at least sixty-five percent (65%) of the scheduled conservation district board meetings and at least three (3) state or area meetings during each three-year term of office.
(2)
Absences that are excused by the governing body of the district shall not disqualify a director for reappointment or reelection.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 60, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 59, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2023, No. 691,§ 58, eff. 7/1/2023.
Amended by Act 2019, No. 315,§ 1005, eff. 7/24/2019.
Acts 1937, No. 197, § 7; Pope's Dig., § 11839; Acts 1969, No. 181, § 4; 1977, No. 295, § 1; 1983, No. 687, § 1; A.S.A. 1947, § 9-907; Acts 1993, No. 1005, § 1.