Rivett, King discuss issues with locals

A group of stakeholders in Eureka Springs’ wedding industry, as well as members of the Eureka Springs Chamber of Commerce’s economic development committee, heard from a pair of lawmakers on Wednesday, March 25.

Carroll County District 4 Justice of the Peace Hunter Rivett and District 28 State Sen. Bryan King of Green Forest spoke to an audience of interested parties in the Crescent Hotel conservatory.

Rivett addressed concerns that a proposal to reclassify an employee in the county clerk’s office could result in the closure of the clerk’s satellite office in the Western District Courthouse in Eureka Springs.

The quorum court tabled the proposal at its most recent meeting, on March 17, after hearing comments from several Eureka Springs residents who said closing the local office — and no longer issuing marriage licenses in the city — could have a disastrous impact on the local wedding business and ultimately the city’s overall economy.

Rivett said he was opposed to a reduction in services at the Western District Courthouse, noting that other county services available there have already been cut back. Rivett added that for many couples getting married in Eureka Springs, obtaining a marriage license at the iconic courthouse is “part of the experience.”

King discussed his plan to introduce legislation in the General Assembly’s upcoming fiscal session that would require the state to remit $2 million in turnback funds annually to each of Arkansas’ 75 counties.