Craighead County voters will have the opportunity in November to decide whether to merge the county’s separate treasurer and tax collector offices into a single role. According to County Judge Marvin Day, the proposed change is intended to reduce costs and consolidate power. However, the proposal has faced opposition, including from Justice of the Peace Garrett Barnes, who voted against it when it was presented to the Quorum Court earlier this year.
Barnes, one of five Quorum Court members opposing the ordinance in February, expressed concerns over the lack of a clear plan to justify the consolidation. He also questioned whether voters would have sufficient information to make an informed decision on Election Day.
“I think we need to be absolutely certain on what we’re getting before it even goes to the ballot,” Barnes said. “Right now, we are not absolutely certain on what we’re going to get. There’s no substantiated plan that shows how it’s going to be better than what we already have.”
Barnes added that during discussions in Quorum Court, he did not receive public support in favor of the measure, whether through emails, calls, or other comments. He also highlighted the county’s 12-year streak of successful legislative audits as evidence that the current arrangement is working.
“We don’t know exactly what we’re going to get,” Barnes reiterated. “I think we should figure it out before we send it to the voters to vote on.”
Proponents of the proposal argue that the merger would streamline operations and cut costs over time. If the measure passes, the consolidated office would begin operation in January 2031.
The decision now rests with voters, who will determine the measure’s future at the ballot box this November.