Justices plan to separate sheriff, collector offices

The position of Poinsett County Sheriff/Collector may be two separate positions under a proposal headed to the state legislature next year. At its meeting Monday evening, the Poinsett County Quorum Court approved a resolution expressing support for legislation to separate both offices. According to the resolution, nearly a third of the state’s 75 counties have consolidated offices for Sheriff and Collector with officials saying it will be more effective and efficient to separate the offices.

By: Jonesboro Sun Staff Report

The position of Poinsett County Sheriff/Collector may be two separate positions under a proposal headed to the state legislature next year.

At its meeting Monday evening, the Poinsett County Quorum Court approved a resolution expressing support for legislation to separate both offices. According to the resolution, nearly a third of the state’s 75 counties have consolidated offices for Sheriff and Collector with officials saying it will be more effective and efficient to separate the offices.

Under state law, counties can combine or separate offices by ordinance and general election and the state legislature can combine or separate offices by passing a bill.

Poinsett County Sheriff/Collector Kevin Molder said both positions are different from when they were first created and that separating them would be more efficient.

"The roles of the Sheriff and Collector have changed in contemporary society, requiring sheriffs to concentrate on intricate law enforcement and public safety challenges, while collectors face increasingly complex financial and accounting responsibilities to their county residents. Currently, only 24 out of Arkansas's 75 counties have combined Sheriff and Collector offices under a single elected official, as the responsibilities of these two roles differ significantly. It is generally more effective and efficient to separate them. Poinsett County would benefit from having both a Sheriff and a Collector who can focus on their specific duties and are elected separately by the voters of Poinsett County," Molder said.

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