Quorum Court

The legislative body of county government is called the quorum court and is composed of 9, 11, 13 or 15 members depending on the population of the county. Phillips County has 11 members. The quorum court members are called justices of the peace and are elected for 2 year terms from districts within the county.
These districts officials meet each month, more often if necessary, to conduct county business and review ordinances and resolutions for passage. Phillips County Quorum Court meets the 2nd Tuesday Night of each month at the Phillips County Courthouse.
The county judge is the presiding officer over the quorum court without a vote, but with the power of veto. This veto can be overridden with a 3/5ths vote of the total membership of the quorum court (A.C.A. 14-14-801). As provided by Amendment No. 55 of the Arkansas Constitution, a county government acting through its quorum court may exercise local legislation authority not expressly prohibited by the constitution or by law for the affairs of the county. (A.C.A. 14-14-801).
Some limitations are: the quorum court cannot declare any act a felony (felonies are covered by the State Criminal Code); quorum courts may exercise no authority unrelated to county affairs (A.C.A. 14-14-806).
The quorum court may exercise the following powers, but not limited to: (A) the levy of taxes in manner prescribed by law; (B) appropriate public funds for the expenses of the county in a manner prescribed by ordinance; (C) preserve the peace and order and secure freedom from dangerous or noxious activities; provided, however, that no act may be declared a felony; (D) for any public purpose, contract, or join with another county, or with any political subdivision or with the United States; (E) create, consolidate, separate, revise, or abandon any elected office or offices except during the term thereof; provided, however, that a majority of those voting on the question at a general election have approved said action; (F) fix the number and compensation of deputies and county employees; (G) fix the compensation of each county officer with a minimum and maximum to be determined by law; (H) fill vacancies in elected county offices; (I) provide for any service or performance of any function relating to county affairs; (J) to exercise other powers, not inconsistent with law, necessary for effective administration of authorized services and function (A.C.A. 14-14-801).
Quorum Court Members: