Washington County

Established: October 17, 1828

Area: 957.4 square miles

Government:

As set forth in Act 742 of 1977, Arkansas county government is divided into three departments: legislative (Quorum Court), executive (Court Judge) and judicial (County Court). Elected county officials include Justices of the Peace, County Collector, County Assessor, County Clerk, Sheriff, County Coroner, County Surveyor and County Treasurer.

Legislative Department (Quorum Court)

All legislative powers of the various county governments are vested in the Quorum Court. The Quorum Court consists of 13 elected Justices of the Peace, each elected for a term of two years.

Those services which the Quorum Court must provide under Arkansas law include the administration of justice through the courts, law enforcement protection, real and personal property tax administration and the keeping of court and public records. Other services which the Quorum Court may provide include agricultural services, community and rural development services, county planning, parks, libraries, museums, civic center, public camping grounds, emergency services, fire protection, juvenile services, pollution control, public health, solid waste and recycling services, transportation, water, sewer and other utility services.

Executive Department

The County Judge performs the duties of the chief executive officer of the county and presides over th Quorum Court. He does not have a vote, but the power to veto.

Judicial Department

The Judicial division of the county government are vested in the county court. Washington County is part of the 19th Judicial District. Elected positions in the Judicial Department include two Circuit Court Judges (one civil judge, one criminal judge), two Chancery Court judges, one Circuit Clerk, one Chancery Clerk and a Prosecuting Attorney.