Logan County Judge

The County Judge in Logan County, Arkansas, serves as the chief executive officer of the county government, functioning much like a mayor in a city but at the county level. This role is established under the Arkansas Constitution (Amendment 55) and state law (e.g., Arkansas Code Annotated § 14-14-1101), making it an administrative and executive position rather than a judicial one in the traditional sense—despite the title "judge." The County Judge is elected countywide every four years and holds significant authority over county operations, finances, and infrastructure, while presiding over the legislative body (the Quorum Court) without a vote but with veto power.

In Logan County, the current County Judge is Ray Gack, who oversees county affairs from offices in both Paris (the county seat) and Booneville, reflecting Logan County's dual-courthouse structure.

Purpose of the County Judge Role

The primary purpose is to provide strong executive leadership for county government. Counties in Arkansas are political subdivisions of the state, focused on delivering essential services like roads, public safety support, property management, and financial administration. The County Judge ensures efficient, accountable use of taxpayer funds, coordinates intergovernmental relations, and acts as the central point for day-to-day county operations—balancing executive authority with the Quorum Court's legislative oversight.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Under Arkansas law and local practice, the County Judge's core powers and duties include:

• Authorizing and approving the disbursement of all appropriated county funds — Signing off on payments, budgets, and expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Operating the system of county roads — Overseeing maintenance, construction, and improvements to county roads and bridges (outside city limits), including supervision of the Road Department.
• Presiding over the Quorum Court — Leading meetings of the county's legislative body (justices of the peace), presenting proposals, and exercising veto power over ordinances (though without a personal vote).
• Custody and superintendence over all county property and buildings — Managing county-owned assets, including courthouses, facilities, and equipment; responsible for their care, leasing, or disposal as allowed by law.
• Administering ordinances enacted by the Quorum Court — Enforcing county laws and policies.
• Hiring county employees (except those under other elected officials) — Managing personnel not assigned to offices like the Sheriff or Clerk.
• Supervising key departments and services — In Logan County specifically, this includes oversight of the Road Department, Logan County Emergency Medical Services (EMS ambulances), and the Office of Emergency Management.
• Serving on various boards and commissions — Representing the county in regional or state bodies (e.g., West Arkansas Planning and Development District, where Judge Gack has served as President).
• Additional executive functions — Coordinating emergency responses, accepting grants, handling intergovernmental relations, and addressing community needs like disaster recovery or infrastructure.

These duties emphasize executive administration over judicial functions (though in some smaller counties, County Judges may handle limited probate or other court matters; in Logan County, references align primarily with the executive role).

Contact Information for County Judge Ray Gack

• Paris Office (main courthouse): 479-963-3601 Address: Logan County Courthouse, 25 W. Walnut Street, Paris, AR 72855
• Booneville Office: 479-675-3744 Address: Booneville Courthouse, 366 N. Broadway Ave, Booneville, AR 72927

For general county inquiries, announcements (e.g., burn bans, weather closings), or more details, visit the official Logan County website at logancountyark.org or contact the relevant courthouse.

The County Judge plays a pivotal role in keeping Logan County running smoothly—managing resources, infrastructure, and services that directly impact daily life in rural areas like Booneville, from safe roads and emergency response to responsible budgeting and community support. If you have questions about county services or need assistance, reaching out to Judge Gack's office is a great starting point.