Frequently Asked Questions
As a new member of the Faulkner County Quorum Court, I am learning more every day about the pressing issues that face Conway residents and what our county government is currently doing to address these issues. But I also had lots of basic questions, like what does a Justice of the Peace actually do? Can JPs marry people? Or how does the county government even affect me if I live inside the city?
Since I figure I'm not the only one with these questions, I am collecting the answers here. Hopefully these FAQs will be useful to residents of District 11 or anyone else in Faulkner County!
What does a Justice of the Peace do?
In Arkansas counties, the office of Justice of the Peace (or JP) refers to the elected representative of a specific area or district within a county who helps set the county's annual budget and sets policies for the county that affect county taxes, public safety, waste management, roads, and county services (such as libraries, parks, or animal welfare). In Faulkner County, there are thirteen JPs on the Quorum Court, which is the equivalent of a City Council at the county level.
Can a Justice of the Peace perform a civil marriage?
Yes, JPs are qualified to officiate marriages and sign marriage licenses in Arkansas! However, not all JPs may offer this service. If you are interested in getting a civil marriage in Conway, you can find JP contact information here.
How does the county government affect me if I live in the city?
The primary way that the county government affects city residents is through the taxes that you pay. Faulkner County collects sales tax and property taxes from all residents of the county. It uses these funds to support the network of county roads, public safety & court systems, the county library system, maintenance of property ownership records and voter registration information, as well as numerous other government services. In short, even if you live in the city of Conway, you benefit from county government services every day!