(A) Definitions. For the purpose of this section, the following definitions shall apply unless the context clearly indicates or requires a different meaning.
COMMITTEE or COMMITTEES. Both standing and special committees of the Quorum Court.
SPECIAL COMMITTEE. A committee of the Quorum Court constituted to complete a specified assignment to be dismissed upon completion of this task.
STANDING COMMITTEE. A committee of the Quorum Court, constituted to perform in a continuing function, intended to remain in existence.
(B) Standing committees enumerated. There are hereby established the following standing committees of the Quorum Court:
(1) Finance Committee;
(2) Personnel and Grievance Committee;
(3) County Building Committee;
(4) Jail Committee;
(5) Solid Waste; and
(6) Rescue Truck.
(C) Composition. Each committee shall consist of not less than three or more than five members, with the exception of the personnel and grievance committee, which shall consist of all members of the Quorum Court.
(D) Appointments. In accordance with A.C.A. § 14-14-904, the County Judge shall appoint all standing and special committees of the Quorum Court. The County Judge may consider seniority as a means of selecting committee members.
(E) Terms of members. The length of membership for each committee member shall coincide with the Justice’s term of office. The County Judge or his or her designated agent shall be an ex officio member of each standing and special committee. The Treasurer or his or her designated agent shall be an ex officio member of the Finance Committee.
(F) Calling of meetings. Committees shall meet at the call of the Chairperson, or any two committee members.
(G) Scheduling of meetings. Committees shall coordinate scheduling of meetings in order to allow attendance by any interested individual or Justice, at any single committee meeting. Committee meetings shall be coordinated through the administrative staff of the County Judge’s office. All Justices shall be notified by the County Judge of the time and place of each committee meeting. The County Judge shall also notify representatives of the media of committee meetings.
(H) Nature of meetings; notice. All committee meetings shall be open and public. Committees are authorized and encouraged to hold public hearings, where appropriate. Representatives of the media shall be given at least two hours’ notice of all committee meetings.
(I) Reports. Each committee shall periodically report its progress, findings, and recommendations to the Quorum Court during regular or special meetings.
The formal committee report in the regular or special session of the Quorum Court shall provide opportunity for both a majority and minority report, if and when such a situation exists.
(J) Overlapping issues. If an issue, problem, or program is referred to a committee, which is deemed to be overlapping with another committee's responsibility, both committees shall be entitled to report findings and recommendations.
(K) Appointment of additional committees. The County Judge, in accordance with A.C.A. § 14-14-904 or other state law, may appoint other standing and special committees, which shall function in accordance with the procedures as set forth in this section.
(Ord. 2001.01, passed 1-16-2001; Am. Ord. 2003.1, passed 1-6-2003; Am. Ord. 2005.1, passed 1-3-2005; Am. Ord. 2007.1, passed 1-8-2007; Am. Ord. 2009.1, passed 1-5-2009; Am. Ord. 2011.1, passed 1-3-2011; Am. Ord. 2013.1, passed 1-7-2013; Am. Ord. 2015.1, passed 1-5-2015; Am. Ord. 2017.1, passed 1-9-2017; Am. Ord. 2019.1, passed 1-7-2019; Am. Ord. 2023.1, passed 1-9-2023)