Dawn Porterfield resigned from her role as Lonoke County Clerk on February 25, 2024, after serving for 22 years. Her departure comes just days before the primary election scheduled for March 3, 2024, creating an urgent need for the county to appoint a replacement. The Lonoke County Quorum Court will convene a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. on February 29, 2024, to declare the vacancy and recommend an appointment to the state governor.
In her resignation letter, posted on social media, Porterfield cited “personal and family health concerns” as primary factors influencing her decision. She noted that escalating “persecution” from various sources had severely affected her ability to lead effectively. Porterfield stated, “In addition…those in my own office no longer respect me and have repeatedly ignored my instructions.” She expressed her belief that she could not certify the upcoming election and emphasized the need for a leader capable of fulfilling the office’s commitments.
Porterfield thanked her staff for their support, particularly highlighting Deputy Clerk Shawna Rogers and Joanie Howell, who are both running for the clerk position in the upcoming Republican Primary. She expressed gratitude for the friendships formed during her tenure and reiterated her commitment to the county’s well-being.
Concerns Over Financial Oversight
Porterfield’s resignation follows scrutiny during a recent Lonoke County Quorum Court meeting, where former Justice of Peace Bill “Pete” Pedersen raised concerns regarding the county clerk’s office. This meeting addressed findings from a 2022 state legislative audit, which indicated overpayments totaling $4,231 in clerk’s office payroll from January 2022 through July 2023. Specific instances included an employee receiving $2,994 in overpayments through various miscalculations, including vacation leave taken before earning it.
Pedersen questioned whether any of these funds had been repaid, asserting, “This is fraud. This is taxpayers’ money.” Local government watchdog Mariah Cobb noted discussions on the issue had taken place in multiple meetings, emphasizing that employees were not attempting to defraud the county but rather trying to perform their duties.
During the meeting, some members suggested creating a payment plan for affected employees, while others argued that accountability must rest with Porterfield, as she was the elected official overseeing the office. One Justice of Peace, Henry Hawkins, insisted that both the clerk and the employees should provide their accounts in writing at the next meeting.
Next Steps for Lonoke County
With the primary election approaching, the Quorum Court’s urgency to appoint a new clerk is paramount. The meeting on February 29 will be crucial for determining the leadership of the clerk’s office as the county navigates these challenges. The findings from the audit have raised significant concerns about financial oversight within the office, prompting calls for accountability and transparency.
As the situation develops, community members and local officials are keenly aware that the new appointment will play a vital role in restoring trust and ensuring the smooth operation of county processes leading up to the election. The outcome of this special meeting will not only affect the immediate future of the clerk’s office but also the broader governance of Lonoke County as it moves forward.
