Independence County District Court Judge Chaney W. Taylor prevailed Thursday in a long-running lawsuit against former County Judge Robert Griffin over a dispute related to hiring deputy district court clerks.
In April 2021, Judge Taylor filed a Petition for Declaratory Judgment against Griffin and Independence County over Griffin’s assertion that Judge Taylor was first required to seek approval of the Batesville City Council before Independence County could employ deputy district court clerks at the Independence County District Court.
Taylor, who has served as the elected Independence County District Court judge since 2005, disputed Griffin’s contentions, stating it was “absurd” that the City of Batesville would have to approve the hiring of deputy district court clerks for the Independence County District Court, which is funded 100% by the county and whose employees are county employees.
Circuit Judge Holly Meyer of Heber Springs ruled in favor of Judge Taylor’s interpretation of the applicable Arkansas Statute, Section 16-17-106, that Judge Taylor is not required to seek any city council approval prior to employing a county deputy district court clerk.
Additionally, Judge Meyer ruled that Ark. Code Ann. Section 16-17-106 does not apply to a district court operated solely by the county, as is the Independence County District Court case.
In a separate ruling, Judge Meyer ruled that the former county judge was within his authority to halt the county from filling a vacant deputy clerk position.
Judge Taylor and the Independence County District Court were represented by attorney Zach Morrison, Morrison Law Firm, of Lake City, Ark.
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