Take Some Time, Do It Right

Republican voters are looking for a new way of doing business in Faulkner County after November’s elections.

But last week’s sudden announcement of a proposed new $77,000/year position in the County Judge’s office is already leaving a sour taste in their mouths.

With only three weeks left in the year, the Democrat-led Personnel Committee and Budget Committees have unanimously backed the new proposal, paving the way for full Quorum Court approval and addition to the 2023 Budget at the December 20 Quorum Court meeting only one week later.

It feels like a jam-up, reminding voters of the “way it’s always been done” here in Faulkner County. Why the rush?

Proposal Was a Surprise

Republican JP Jerry Boyer (R, Dist. 12) sponsored Ordinance 22-59 that outlines a “revenue-neutral,” “position-neutral” new position that would handle health insurance, procurement, and the County’s $24.2 million in ARP funds — at the request of County Judge-elect Allen Dodson.

In the past, the County Administrator has performed many of the duties of this new, proposed position.

Boyer says the County needs an “ARP Administrator” with special skills and, together with the open position for County Administrator on the County website, it’s obvious the County is soliciting candidates to replace the County Administrator.

Although Dodson and his future staff have been discussing future County business with many current and soon-to-be JPs, Boyer’s announcement at the Personnel Committee meeting was a surprise for many conservative Republicans on the Court and certainly so for the voting public.

Questions

Now JPs — some of whom did not attend last week’s budget meetings so have not yet formally heard the details — are asked to vote on a major position change, a permanent, major change in the administration of County business, after one short discussion at one Quorum Court meeting?

What about transparency? Why did this wait until the last possible moment? How is there time for JPs to even understand all the details, much less go back-and-forth to discuss their positions/vote with their constituents?

What about the new Quorum Court taking their seats in just a few weeks? They will have to oversee this 2023 Budget, along with all its ramifications.

It feels like a jam-up, but it doesn’t have to be that way. The Court should vote to table this proposal until at least next month to allow our County’s legislative body to handle it properly.

Take some time to do it right!

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