Local Offices

If you've ever bought or sold real estate in Arkansas, or have gone to court, you've likely interacted with a county's Circuit Clerk office.

Depending on your county, the circuit clerk role might be combined with the county clerk position. This administrative role is tied to record keeping, and is one of nine executives in county government.

Over their four-year term, a circuit clerk is responsible for:

• Maintaining records for criminal, civil and juvenile courts, including what is pending in circuit court and the outcomes of past court cases and proceedings
• Preparing summons, warrants, orders, judgments, and injunctions
• Preparing lists of potential jurors and notifying people of jury duty in circuit court
• Recording property deeds and subdivision plats, mortgages, liens, surety bonds, and professional licenses
• Swearing in notaries

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county circuit clerk from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from about $22,188 to $130,902 in their 2021 county government salary survey. Counties that reported a low salary were for part-time positions where the person is also paid for another role in county government.

One of the few interactions most Arkansans have with the county assessor is that last-minute appraisal of your car or boat or other personal property before the May 31st deadline. Or when you're trying to renew your vehicle or boat tags at the DMV and realize you forgot to assess this year.

The county assessor is one of nine executives in county government and is required by state law to review property values at least once every three years. Their work is used by the county tax collector to send out property tax bills every year.

Over their four-year term, a county assessor is responsible for:

• Determining the market value of all land, buildings, homes, barns, etc. in the county (known as "real property")
• Determining the market value of all cars, motorcycles, livestock, boats, etc. in the county (known as "personal property")
• Establishing how much taxes are owed on those properties based on their appraisals
• Compiling and sharing tax information on these properties with the county's Board of Equalization, which hears property tax appeals
• Being aware of all property transactions in the county
• Maintaining records of property transactions in the county

Want to know more about property taxes in Arkansas? We have a website about it: https://www.uaex.uada.edu/business-communities/local-government/property-taxes.aspx 

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county assessor from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from about $36,000 to $125,00 in their 2020 county government salary survey. 

Are you married? Do you vote? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you've interacted with a County Clerk.

Depending on your county, the county clerk role might be combined with the county circuit clerk position. This administrative role is tied to record keeping, and is one of nine executives in county government.

Over their four-year term, a county clerk is responsible for:

• Maintaining the official records (ordinances, resolutions, etc.) and minutes of the Quorum Court.
• Keeping records of annexations, incorporations, county purchases, election results, proclamations, levy of taxes, board appointments, bonds, improvement districts, right of way acquisitions, contracts, and agreements signed by the County Judge.
• Maintaining the county's voter registration list, including adding and removing people to the rolls.
• Keeping custody of the county's absentee ballots and ballot boxes.
• Overseeing early voting in a county (election day is overseen by the election commission).
• Issuing marriage licenses.
• Holding the role of treasurer if the county doesn't have one, and handles county payroll.
• Maintaining the records of the Board of Equalization, which oversees property tax appeals.

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county clerk from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from about $22,118 to $130,902 in their 2021 county government salary survey. Counties that reported a low salary were for part-time positions where the person is also paid for another role in county government. 

This tax collecting job might appear on your ballot under the “Collector” heading.

Depending on your county, the collector role might be combined with the sheriff or treasurer position on the ballot. 

The county collector is one of nine executives in county government.

Over their four-year term, a county tax collector is responsible for:

• Sending out tax bills to all property owners in the county
• Collecting tax payments owed to county, city, school, improvement districts
• Turning over the tax payments to the county treasurer every month
• Preparing a list every year of people who haven’t paid their taxes to publish in the newspaper
• In counties where there is a combined sheriff-collector position, the office also collects court fines

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county collector from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from about $16,298 to $116,000 in their 2021 county government salary survey. Counties that reported a low salary were for part-time positions where the person is also paid for another role in county government.

When someone dies in Arkansas, the county corner has a role in responding and documenting what happened. The county coroner is one of nine elected executive positions in Arkansas though it's an appointed position in some counties.

Over their four-year term, a county coroner is responsible for:

• Investigating deaths 24 hours a day, 365 days a week
• Determining cause of death
• Maintaining death records
• Controlling county jails when a sheriff is imprisoned there

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county coroner from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court using minimums and maximums in state law.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from about $6,000 to $125,527 in their 2021 county government salary survey. In Grant County, the coroner salary was listed at $75 per call. Counties that reported a low salary were for part-time positions.

Act 194 of 2017 created a tiered pay for coroners, allowing Quorum Courts the ability to pay a higher salary for corners with specific training. 

The role of a county judge is an administrative one in Arkansas. The county judge is the CEO of a county, an elected official responsible for the day-to-day business of running county government. 

The historic title can cause confusion for people who aren't familiar with this elected position because a county judge isn't hearing criminal court cases. In other states, the administrative role of County Judge is often called the County Administrator. 

Over their four-year term, a county judge is responsible for:

• Maintaining and having custody of county property
• Overseeing public roads and bridges outside city limits
• Administering county ordinances 
• Presiding over the Quorum Court, where the judge has veto power but not a vote
• Authorizing county spending or paying of bills
• Accepting grants from outside entities
• Hiring county employees that don't work for another county official
• Hearing property tax appeals (this is where that judge title comes in)
• Meeting with local mayors at least once a year for intergovernmental meetings

In some counties, judges have assisted with burial costs for indigent people or have created community service programs.

• At least 25 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county judge from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from just under $20,000 up to $133,000 in their 2020 county government salary survey. The survey indicated some county judges worked part-time.

The role of county surveyor is one of nine elected executives in county government. But not every county elects a surveyor. In many counties, the surveyor role is a part-time elected job for someone who is a licensed surveyor.

The elected position dates back to pre-licensure days and includes old job requirements.

Over their four-year term, a county surveyor is responsible for:

• Locating boundaries of specific properties at the request of the assessor
• Establishing disputed property lines upon the request of the county or the courts
• Acting as the county timber inspector where needed, and determines the amount of timber cut, keeps records, and prosecutes people who remove timber from state-owned lands. (This is an example of an old requirement that most surveyors don't get called in to do.)

• United States citizen
• At least 21 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions
• Must be a person of good character and reputation
• Must be registered as a professional surveyor by the State Board of Licensure for Professional Engineers and Professional Surveyors

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county surveyor from two years to four years.

The Association of Arkansas Counties 2021 county government salary survey does not include salaries for county surveyors. Rasburry said there's no county budget for him in Saline County and that he's called in on a contractual basis when there's a need for survey work by a county surveyor.

Depending on your county, the treasurer role might be combined with the sheriff or tax collector position on the ballot. 

The county treasurer is one of nine executives in county government.

Over their four-year term, a county treasurer is responsible for:

• Receiving property tax payments from the county tax collector and distributing the money to cities, schools and other entities that receive tax funds.
• Receiving county sales tax dollars and tracking what county funds those dollars go into.
• Serving as the county's investment officer and ensures county funds are banked where the money can earn interest.
• Keeping the county's financial records (aka checkbook).
• Presenting the county's financial status and income and expense reports every month at the Quorum Court meeting.
• In some counties, this person might provide other county officials advice on planning the county budget.

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county treasurer from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from about $36,000 to $130,000 in their 2020 county government salary survey. Some counties reported a treasurer salary under $20,000 but those were for part-time treasurers who might also be paid for another role in county government. In Pulaski County, the treasurer and tax collector role are combined.

JPs represent a section, or district of a county. The position is a township role rather than a county-wide one. Depending on their population, counties have 9, 11, 13 or 15 members serving on their Quorum Courts. This governmental body is similar to a city council but crosses city lines. Their ordinances can affect people inside and outside of cities, though typically their ordinances target unincorporated areas.

There are 75 counties and 75 Quorum Courts in Arkansas. In other states, the role of justice of the peace is called a county commissioner.

JPs are the legislative branch of county government, and they meet at least once a month. The county judge presides over the Quorum Court but has no vote. 

Over their two-year term, a JP is responsible for:

• Setting real estate, personal property and sales tax rates in the county.
• Determining the final budget for county departments and offices - including salaries - and appropriating funds for county expenses.
• Preserving the peace and order in the county, though they do not have the authority to make any offense a felony. This often takes the form of passing county laws and in some counties making planning decisions.
• Contract or join with any other county or city, or the federal government for a public purpose.
• Creating, consolidating, separating, or abandoning any elected office in the county if first approved by voters.
• Filling vacancies in elected county offices.
• Providing for any service or performance of any function related to county affairs.

Many Quorum Courts also have subcommittees that JPs serve on and discuss the more nitty gritty details before an issue appears before the whole group. These committees have included budget/finance, building, economic development, environmental, personnel, legislative affairs, public safety, 

Justices of the peace also have the authority to marry a couple.

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• Live within the county township or district they're running to represent
• No fraud or felony convictions

Justices of the Peace serve two-year terms. JPs receive a per diem for their service. State law sets it at not less than $125 per regular meeting and no more than $10,742 per calendar year in counties with less than 70,000 people. In larger counties, the maximum per diem is $12,761. In counties with more than 200,000 residents, the cap is $16,382 per year.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported per diems ranging from $125 to $864 in their 2021 county government salary survey. 

Judge positions are non-partisan roles, which means candidates are not identified on the ballot as a Democrat or Republican. Arkansas voters adopted this practice by approving Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution in 2000. Before then, these roles were identified by party.

Just as Arkansas is divided into 75 counties, the state is divided into multiple court districts with judges serving or representing specific communities. An easy way to grasp the court system is to think of a multi-layer cake. Each layer shrinks in size the higher up it is on the cake.

We explain the various courts below.

There are at least 32 District Courts in Arkansas, where judges serve four-year terms. To qualify for this position, a person must be a registered voter and have worked as an attorney for at least four years.

If you’ve ever received a traffic ticket or a city code violation, you’ve been assigned to district court. These judges hear less serious issues involving lower dollar amounts and misdemeanors.

Current District Court Information

There are 28 “judicial districts” in Arkansas. Circuit court judges in these judicial districts serve six-year terms. Candidates must have lived in Arkansas for at least two years, be a registered voter, and have had their law license for at least six years. Candidates must be at least 28 years old.

If you’ve ever gotten called for jury duty at the county courthouse, you’ve been to circuit court. These judges hear felony cases in their district. They oversee juvenile court. They hear civil cases involving divorce, wills, estates, guardianship, etc. They hold jury trials or decide the outcome themselves.

Some circuit court judges serve multiple counties, and some stay within one county.

Map of Judicial Districts in Arkansas

Current Circuit Court Information

Arkansas is divided into seven districts for the Arkansas Court of Appeals. There are 12 positions on this court, where judges serve eight-year terms.

Candidates must have lived in Arkansas for at least two years and have practiced law for at least eight years. A candidate must be at least 30 years old.

Judges on this court hear appeals of decisions made at the Circuit Court level. Judges review whether mistakes or errors were made by juries or a judge’s interpretation of the law.

Decisions made by the Arkansas Court of Appeals are final for most cases that do not qualify for further consideration by the Arkansas Supreme Court.

Current Court of Appeals Information

This is a seven-member court, where judges serve eight years as Supreme Court justices. They are elected by voters statewide.

Candidates must have lived in Arkansas for at least two years and worked as an attorney for at least eight years before running for office. A candidate must be at least 30 years old.

Judges on this court hear certain appeals from circuit courts and the Court of Appeals. In limited circumstances, a person can file a lawsuit or request directly to the Supreme Court for action.

The court hears cases involving constitutional issues, death penalty appeals, government-related cases, election issues, and issues with other judges.

The Arkansas Supreme Court also sets the rules and procedures that attorneys in the state must follow.

Current Arkansas Supreme Court Information

There are 28 prosecuting attorneys in Arkansas serving in the same judicial districts as Circuit Court judges.

The position of prosecuting attorney is a nonpartisan one, which means candidates and office holders do not identify as a Democrat or Republican on the ballot or when they are elected.

Arkansas voters adopted this practice by approving Amendment 80 to the Arkansas Constitution in 2000. 

Prosecuting attorneys are government lawyers responsible for pursuing criminal charges against people accused of violating state and local laws. They take the information collected by law enforcement and explain in court why that person should be held accountable They prosecute felony cases, juvenile cases, and misdemeanor offenses that occur outside city limits. 

Some prosecuting attorneys serve multiple counties, and some stay within one county. 

Over their four-year term, a prosecuting attorney is responsible for:

• Deciding whether to charge a person accused of a crime.
• Making recommendations related to a person's bail.
• Prosecuting criminal actions in court.
• Making recommendations related to a person's prison sentencing.
• Summoning people to testify before grand juries.
• Provide notice on court hearings to victims or families of victims.
• Assisting people with accessing victim services.
• Working with the county treasurer to process and account for any fines or fees collected.
• Overseeing deputy prosecutors in their office.

Additionally, prosecuting attorneys often communicate with defense attorneys to set the terms of a plea bargain for people accused of a crime. 

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote 
• Live within the district they're running to represent
• No fraud or felony convictions
• Licensed attorney for at least four years immediately before assuming office

Prosecuting Attorneys serve four-year terms. Although they are elected locally and they submit their department budgets to county Quorum Courts, prosecutor salaries are set by the Independent Citizens Commission.

Voters created the commission by approving a constitutional amendment in 2014. The commission reviews and sets the salaries of constitutional officers, legislators, judges and prosecutors. Prosecuting attorneys are paid between $141,217 and $166,138 depending on the population of the counties they serve.

Constables are often overlooked nowadays as an elected official even though they are one of the positions established by the Arkansas Constitution. You might actually never come into contact with your constable, who are mostly unpaid members of the law enforcement community.

The role of constable goes back to a time when Arkansas was less populated, more rural, and difficult to travel. Constables helped keep the peace by patrolling townships, an area smaller than a city. Not to be confused with established towns, townships were legal boundaries used to establish voting precincts. Counties had multiple townships and multiple constables in their early days.

Arkansas still has townships today but not many people in Arkansas are familiar with the concept as cities have grown and sheriff departments have expanded. Township boundaries still come into play when a community holds a vote on whether to allow alcohol sales, and when voting on constables.

There have been efforts to eliminate this position but no constitutional amendment has been approved for the ballot.

There are fewer constables in Arkansas now days than there used to be. County Judges have the legal authority to reduce the number of townships, effectively reducing the number of constable positions. Several have done so, and the Arkansas Supreme Court in 2020 upheld a decision to do so in Washington County.

Over their two-year term, a constable has the same law enforcement authority as a sheriff in their township. They have arrest power, can write citations, and respond to accidents. 

A 2007 law, however, placed training requirements on constables if they wanted to carry a gun on duty and have access to the Arkansas Crime Information Center. State law also requires them to wear uniforms while on duty and label any patrol vehicle with "Arkansas Constable" on it. They are required to turn over any fines collected from citations to the county.

Under state law, they no longer have authority to appoint deputies. They are required to keep records of any citations and administrative records, similar to requirements placed on sheriffs.

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constable serves a two-year term. The Quorum Court can set their salary but most do not allocate any funding for this position. Constables pay for their equipment out of pocket and most do not have county assistance or office space. 

Arkansas Constable Association

List of Arkansas townships

Sheriffs across Arkansas are responsible for the care of more than 10,000 people a day in their combined county jails. Over the course of a year, 45,000 people cycle through these jails in Arkansas, according to the Prison Policy Initiative. Public safety costs accounts for more than 1/3 of county budgets.

The county sheriff is one of nine elected executive positions in Arkansas. In some counties, the role is combined with county tax collector.

Over their four-year term, a county sheriff is responsible for:

• Serving as county tax collector in counties where a separate position doesn't exist.
• Executing court summons, enforcing judgments, orders, injunctions, garnishments, serving evictions, and making arrests on warrants issued by the courts.
• Preserving the peace, preventing/detecting/investigating criminal activity, control of crowds at public events, control of traffic at accidents, protecting property during emergencies. 
• Custody of the county jail and the people incarcerated within it. This includes providing food and health care to people in jail as they wait for bond or the outcome of their court case. (Note: not every county has a jail, but the sheriff's department still would be responsible for transporting people to the jail they use and to/from court).
• Record keeping related to law enforcement and people in jail.

• United States citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Registered to vote in their county
• No fraud or felony convictions

A constitutional amendment approved by voters in 2016 changed the term of a county sheriff from two years to four years. The pay for the job varies depending on the population of the county, and is set by the Quorum Court using minimums and maximums in state law.

The Association of Arkansas Counties reported salaries ranging from $14,886 to $137,349 in their 2021 county government salary survey. Counties that reported a low salary were for part-time positions where the person is also paid for another role in county government.