Residents of Jefferson County gather to voice their worries on the closure of the county government

Pine Bluff, Arkansas – In the midst of a county government shutdown, the Jefferson County community gathered to discuss Wednesday night’s quorum court hearing that failed to implement the 2025 budget for the second time this year, leaving many people without a paycheck.

The gathering’s organizers stated that it was crucial that the community have a chance to voice their opinions, something they were unable to do at the Jefferson County Quorum Court meeting on Wednesday.

According to the organizers, the community and all county officials were asked to attend and participate in the discussion.

Kymara Seals, the meeting organizer, stated, “This is our meeting, we are the community, and we are concerned.”

Many people voiced their concerns about the situation they would face if the judge’s office budget passed.

One participant stated, “My family would be devastated if I lost $25,000 annually.” “We struggle; we struggle to meet our other financial obligations, pay our mortgage, or afford daycare.”

Another participant mentioned that it is unsafe to dramatically reduce funding for certain public safety initiatives or remove them entirely from the budget.

A single mother of three stated, “We will have to sell the house because I can’t afford to be let go.”

Many others expressed their confusion and hurt at not being able to get their wages because of the government shutdown.

Someone stated, “Not getting paid is a problem, and it’s not your problem, it’s everyone’s problem.”

Another quorum court meeting has yet to be scheduled with a time and date.

The conference’s participants were instructed to contact each judge of the peace and request that they schedule a meeting for Friday afternoon.