House committee backs bill to split sheriff and tax collector offices in Searcy County

The House City, County & Local Affairs Committee recommended passage of House Bill 1137 at a committee meeting, approving a measure to separate Searcy County's combined sheriff and tax collector offices into two elected positions.

Representative Walker, who presented the bill to the committee, said the measure "separates the offices of sheriff and tax collector in Searcy County." He said the change responds to "growing complexities in both law enforcement and tax collection" and that the bill has "strong local support," including a county resolution passed in November. Representative Walker told the committee the new office would take effect Jan. 1, 2027, with the position to be filled in the 2026 general election. He also said the "quorum court will decide what the compensation is."

Committee members asked for clarifications. Representative Richardson asked, "Wondering how many exactly, deputies they expect to hire?" Representative Walker responded that the bill separates oversight and does not itself create a staffing plan: it would establish an elected tax collector to oversee the employees already working in the tax collection office rather than transferring or adding staff. Representative Rai confirmed the county quorum court had passed a resolution indicating local support and that the county attorney had been available for public questions at that meeting.

No members of the public signed up to speak for or against the bill during the committee meeting. Representative Painter moved "do pass." The chair called for the voice vote; the chair declared, "Ayes have it." The transcript records a committee voice vote and does not include a roll-call tally.

The committee's recommendation was recorded as a "do pass" motion. The transcript does not specify any amendments, a second to the motion, or the next legislative step for the bill.