Appeals court backs former county judge in district court clerk case

An Arkansas appeals court has upheld the authority of a former Independence County judge to refuse to fill a vacant district court clerk position.

In a Jan. 28 decision, the Arkansas Court of Appeals affirmed a ruling by Independence County Circuit Judge Holly Meyer that former County Judge Robert Griffin acted within his constitutional authority when he declined to allow the hiring of a deputy district court clerk requested by District Judge Chaney Taylor. Griffin died in August 2025 while the case was pending.

The dispute began in early 2021 after a longtime deputy clerk at the Independence County District Court retired. Although the court’s budget funded four deputy clerks and one chief clerk, Griffin directed county officials not to fill the vacancy, citing fiscal concerns and questions about legal authority.

County officials pointed to a state law requiring city approval for appointing deputy clerks in district courts “of any city,” arguing that approval from the Batesville City Council was needed. Taylor disputed that interpretation, saying the position was a long-standing, county-funded role. When city approval was not sought, Griffin concluded the court no longer needed as many clerks and relied on Amendment 55 of the Arkansas Constitution to block the hire.

Taylor sued for a declaratory judgment. In 2024, Meyer ruled the statute did not apply because the district court is operated by the county, not the city, but also held that the county judge has constitutional authority to refuse to hire county employees, even for budgeted positions.

Taylor appealed, but the Court of Appeals found most arguments moot or improperly raised. On the remaining issue, the court agreed that while the quorum court sets staffing levels and pay, the county judge has final authority to hire or decline to hire county employees.

Independence County Attorney Daniel Haney criticized the lawsuit and appeal, saying Griffin acted responsibly and that the county incurred unnecessary legal costs. Taylor said he was disappointed in the ruling and is exploring further options.