Dawn Porterfield, the clerk of Lonoke County, resigned on February 25, 2024, after serving for 22 years, prompting immediate concern as early voting for the primary election on March 3 is already underway. The county’s quorum court is set to convene at 5:30 p.m. on February 29 to declare the vacancy and recommend a new appointment to the governor.
In her resignation letter, posted on Facebook, Porterfield cited “personal and family health concerns” as significant factors influencing her decision. She expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment she received from both colleagues and the community, stating, “Repeated persecution of myself and others who work for me continues to escalate.” This environment, she claimed, contributed to errors in official county processes, leading her to conclude that she could not responsibly certify the upcoming election.
Porterfield’s resignation comes as the county grapples with issues revealed in the 2022 State Legislative Audit. The audit uncovered over $4,200 in payroll overpayments within the clerk’s office between January 2022 and July 2023. Notably, one employee received over $2,900 in erroneous payments due to various accounting mistakes, including vacation leave taken before it was earned and duplicate payments.
Former Justice of the Peace Bill “Pete” Pedersen criticized the quorum court for its lack of action regarding these findings, questioning whether any of the overpaid funds would be returned. He remarked, “This is fraud. This is taxpayers’ money.” Local government watchdog Mariah Cobb defended the employees involved, stating, “They are trying to do their job,” and noted that measures were being taken to address the situation.
The search for a new clerk is complicated by the upcoming primary, where Shawna Rogers, the deputy clerk, and Joanie Howell are both candidates for the position in the Republican primary. The urgency to fill the clerk’s office could impact the election process, underscoring the significance of the upcoming special quorum court meeting.
Porterfield expressed gratitude for the support she received during her tenure, particularly highlighting Rogers’ integrity and commitment to the office. “I want to thank the girls in my office for all their hard work and support,” she wrote. Porterfield concluded her message with well wishes for the future of Lonoke County, emphasizing the need for strong leadership, which she felt she could no longer provide.
As the situation develops, the impact on the local governance and electoral process remains to be seen. The upcoming meeting of the quorum court will be critical in determining the next steps for Lonoke County and ensuring that the responsibilities of the clerk’s office are upheld during this transitional period.
