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Counties say they still cover $4 million shortfall for district judges as legislators await audit, cite wide local variance in retained fees
Summary
Association of Arkansas Counties and municipal representatives told the joint committee that retained shares set in 1994 produce wide disparities in revenue, local governments still cover about $4,000,000 in district-judge salary shortfalls, and the committee expects DF&A and legislative audit results before its August meeting.
Taylor Anford, policy staff with the Association of Arkansas Counties, told the joint House and Senate Judiciary Committee that the Act 38 study is examining funding sources, collections and distribution systems for Arkansas district courts and that several recurring issues have emerged: counties and cities "are still paying around $4,000,000 for district court judges' salaries," retained shares vary widely by district because the retained share was set based on collections as of Dec. 31, 1994, and installment payment fees have raised equity concerns for defendants who must make long-term payments.
"We believe ... overall, the local governments will have spent ... and there will be a deficit for the revenue that is coming…
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