Quorum court deadlocks 5-5 on delegate to Association of Quorum Courts, delays selection
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Summary
Nominations for Miller County’s delegate to the Association of Quorum Courts produced a 5-5 tie between Justice Howdy Smith and Carl Standridge; members discussed tie-breaking options under Robert’s Rules of Order and agreed to revisit the selection at a future meeting.
Members of the Miller County quorum court nominated Justice Howdy Smith and Carl Standridge to serve as the county’s delegate to the Association of Quorum Courts meeting scheduled for April 18, 2026. After a hand/roll call vote, the court recorded a 5-5 tie.
Members discussed whether the judge or an absent member could cast a tie-breaking vote and whether proxies were permitted. One member suggested re-voting; others noted the judge—who could normally break ties—was absent. The court considered deferring the selection to a later meeting and agreed to revisit the nomination at the next scheduled session so a full complement of members can participate.
The tie meant no delegate was formally appointed during the meeting. The court was told the association requires the county to submit dues and contact information for the delegate; one speaker noted the association's fee is $11 per county to attend and dues of $165 were referenced elsewhere in the meeting. The court instructed staff to resolve logistics and return the item at the next meeting.
