Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders took decisive action today to address ongoing budget disputes in Jefferson County, introducing bipartisan legislation aimed at protecting county employees and maintaining essential services. The move comes after prolonged disagreements over the county’s annual budget threatened timely pay for staff and the continuity of local government operations.
The proposed legislation, which has garnered support from both sides of the aisle, requires cities and counties across Arkansas to approve their annual budgets by February 7th each year. If local officials fail to meet that deadline, the bill stipulates that the previous year’s budget will automatically remain in effect. This ensures that county employees continue to receive their paychecks and that vital services remain uninterrupted.
“The people of Jefferson County work hard, contribute to their community, and pay their taxes and since county leaders were unable to fix this budget dispute, pay their employees, and provide basic services to their citizens, we are stepping in,” Governor Sanders said during a press briefing. Her comments underscored the urgency of the issue and highlighted her administration’s commitment to protecting workers and residents affected by political gridlock.
The legislation is being sponsored in the state legislature by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Senator Ben Gilmore (District 26), Senator Stephanie Flowers (District 8), Representative Glenn Barnes (District 65), Representative Mike Holcomb (District 93), and Representative Kenneth B. Ferguson (District 64). Lawmakers emphasized that the bill is a practical solution designed to prevent future crises caused by budget delays.
Senator Ben Gilmore praised the governor’s leadership and highlighted the need for accountability at the county level. “Those of us elected hold a public trust and are obligated to serve our constituents. It is time for Jefferson County officials to focus on doing what is right and allow government operations to continue for the people they represent. I am grateful for the elected officials in Jefferson County who are working to find solutions and striving for unity. I call on all county officials to do what their constituents expect of them. I appreciate Governor Sanders’ leadership and the Jefferson County legislative delegation for stepping up to end this senseless crisis, and I urge my colleagues in the legislature to support this common-sense solution,” Gilmore said.
The stakes are high for residents and county workers alike. Without an approved budget, employees could experience delayed paychecks, and critical services—such as public safety, infrastructure maintenance, and community programs—risk interruption. Representative Glenn Barnes noted the human impact of the impasse, emphasizing the strain it places on families and individuals. “So many people are suffering as a result of the impasse and we believe that this legislation will allow the servants in Jefferson County to be paid. We hope that the people of Jefferson County will soon be able to receive their checks and pay their bills,” Barnes said.
Local officials have acknowledged the challenges and are working with state lawmakers to resolve the dispute. While negotiations continue, the legislation is intended to provide a safety net, ensuring that the county’s workforce is not punished for delays in political decision-making. The measure also sends a message to municipal leaders that maintaining continuity in government operations is a fundamental responsibility, and that failure to pass a budget cannot jeopardize employees’ livelihoods.
Governor Sanders’ announcement comes as part of her broader efforts to strengthen public accountability and protect state and local government workers. By codifying a clear deadline and contingency plan, the legislation seeks to remove ambiguity and prevent future crises that could leave employees without pay and residents without services.
As the bill moves through the legislative process, supporters hope it will achieve swift approval. Lawmakers point to the bipartisan backing as evidence that practical, common-sense solutions can prevail even amid political disagreements. If passed, the legislation will provide immediate relief to Jefferson County employees and establish a framework that other counties can follow to avoid similar disruptions.
For Jefferson County residents and workers, the message is clear: the state is stepping in to protect paychecks, safeguard services, and ensure that government operations continue without interruption, even in the face of local budget disputes.
