An ongoing dispute between Jefferson County Judge Gerald Robinson and Jefferson County Assessor Gloria Tillman continues as payroll issues for County employees are once again arising due to the dispute.
Over the weekend SeArk Times was provided a payroll affidavit showing payroll has been denied for county workers until Jefferson County Clerk Shawanda Taggart removes Morgan Tillman and Yvonne Humphrey off of the payroll.
Last month Robinson told SeArk Times the issues arise from the County Assessor approving sick time for Humphrey that she does not have. There are also issues between Robinson and Tillman over her daughter, Morgan Tillman, working in the Assessor’s office in what Robinson has called “nepotism”.
Two court orders were presented to Taggart in order to reduce the payroll accounts of both Humphrey and Tillman. The court order directs the county clerk to reduce payroll by $4,866.65 for the April 30 payroll. The deductions are coming from two payees, with $3,850.71 being deducted from the first and $1,015.94 from the second.
Despite the order, Taggart said in an email obtained by SeArk Times that the court orders are unconstitutional due to an attempt to “circumvent the authority of another elected official”.
The email is shared below;
It is critical that the employees and citizens of Jefferson County understand how the Judicial system works. As the County Clerk, I want to reiterate that I do not have the authority to oversee another elected official in their capacity as we are all elected by the people of Jefferson County although the County Judge would like for everyone to believe this is a task that I can accomplish. This means I nor the County Judge have any legal standing to remove or change any elected official’s payroll submissions for their employees.
As you are aware, the County Judge did submit a court order (CC2024-9) directing payment amounts be removed from the payroll claim on Friday, April 26, 2024. However, this method of using a court order to reduce a payroll amount is an attempt to circumvent the authority of another elected official which would still compromise my constitutional duty in processing payroll. The County Judge does not have the authority to utilize a limited judicial role to execute an executive function. That is the reason Arkansas Constitution speaks of the separation of powers doctrine. Signing claims, including payroll claims, is an executive function of the County Judge and County Clerk. I have executed my function by submitting payroll on three (3) separate occasions which have all been denied by the County Judge.
Despite the County Judge’s attempt to use my office as a defense mechanism to overexert his authority into another elected officials office, I have and will always pledge to ensure that the County Clerk’s office will strive to do what is right and lawful within my elected duties. It is imperative to emphasize that the Office of the County Clerk remains committed to fulfilling its duties and responsibilities in processing payroll for all county personnel in a timely and accurate manner.
The payroll claim will be returned to the County Judge’s office this morning as it was submitted on April 18, 2024 as my responsibility is to submit payroll based on what has been received by all elected officials. I would hope that the County Judge recognizes that his decision to deny the payroll claim has halted the payroll process for all county employees.
Thank you for your attention to this matter,
Shawndra Taggart
While the current pay dispute has not been resolved at this time, Robinson has told SeArk Times that he intends to seek legal action against both Tillman and Humphrey due to this ongoing situation.
A copy of the payroll affidavit provided to SeArk Times.
