The quorum court held a brief meeting on Jan. 3 to set the date and time of monthly meetings for the coming year.
In recent years, the meetings have been held on the third Monday of the month. That required two postponements in January and February, since the third Monday in those months fell on holidays. During Covid times, the meetings have been held in the fellowship hall at Southern Heights Baptist Church, since the courtroom of the Eastern District courthouse does not have room for social distancing.
In addition to the cramped spaces, that courtroom was occasionally still in use for circuit court on Mondays. By moving the meetings to the third Tuesday, the quorum court will not have a conflict with circuit court. With that conflict removed, justices of the peace voted to return meetings to the Berryville courthouse, where video recording of meetings will once again be possible. The start time of 5 p.m. will remain the same.
County Judge David Writer presided over his first meeting. The quorum court will convene at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 17, in the Eastern District courthouse.