Notices
Public legal notices and court announcements
Millage Rates
Millage Rates - Franklin County Government Current 2026 Millage Rate Based on available 2025/2026 data, the property tax millage rates in Franklin County, Arkansas, vary by school district. Specific rates for the 2026 tax year include: Charleston City (District 09C): 51.80 mills Ozark/Altus Rural (District 14): 47.90 mills Altus City (District 14AC): 52.90 mills Ozark City (District 14C): 53.90 mills Important Information for 2026: Homestead Tax Credit Increase: For 2026 tax bills, the Arkansas General Assembly has authorized an increase in the homestead property tax credit to up to $600 per year for primary residences. Assessment Limits: Property taxes for a homestead are generally limited to a 5% increase in assessed value per year. Sales Tax: The minimum combined 2026 sales tax rate for Franklin County is 8.5%. Note: Millage rates can change based on local school board and county council decisions. It is recommended to contact the Franklin County Assessor's office (Rose McKinnon, 479-667-2415) for the most current, certified rates.
Circuit Clerk
Circuit Clerk - Franklin County Government Fifth Judicial Circuit Clerk, Franklin County – Janice King Ozark Phone: 479-667-3818 Physical Address Ozark: 211 West Commercial Street, Ozark, AR 72949 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1112, Ozark, 72949 Charleston Phone: 479-965-7332 Physical Address Charleston: 607 East Main Street, Charleston, AR 72933 Fax: 479-667-5472 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:00AM – 4:30PM Monday – Friday. Except Holidays Our Mission: To provide the judicial system and the public with efficient, equal, transparent, and accountable services while preserving the integrity of all records filed within the office. The circuit clerk is the clerk of the circuit court and juvenile court and usually acts as the ex-officio recorder of the county. The administrative duties of the circuit clerk are to maintain a record of all proceedings of the circuit courts to enter docket number and name of the defendant and to prepare the dockets for these courts (ACA 16-20-102). The circuit clerk prepares summons, warrants, orders, judgements, and injunctions authorized by the circuit court for delivery by county sheriff. The circuit clerk also maintains a file of all cases pending in either court, as well as a record of all past court cases and their disposition (ACA 16-20-303 and 16-20-304). The clerk has 20 days before commencement of each of the dockets in all cases. In addition, the circuit clerk acts as a secretary to the jury commission by keeping a list of all prospective jurors (ACA 16-32-101 et seq.) The circuit clerk is also the ex-officio county recorder; and is responsible for recording deeds, mortgages, liens, and surety bonds, and many other orders and instruments which involve property within the county (ACA 14-15-401 et seq). The circuit clerk maintains a record of many miscellaneous items, and files certain licenses. The circuit clerk also swears in all notaries public and files regulations of state agencies which license trade or professional workers. FILING FEES For recording Deeds, Deeds of Trust, Mortgages, Release Deeds, Powers of Attorney, Notary Bonds, Foreign Judgments, Materialman's Liens and other recordable instruments, except as otherwise noted filing fees will be: First Page – $15.00 – each additional page – $5.00 Plats and Surveys: $15.00 For recording Mortgage Assignments, Mortgage Releases, and other instruments when multiple instruments are listed in a single document, an additional fee per instrument: $15.00 per instrument listed, (not to exceed $300.00 total) For filing a mortgagee's or trustee's notice of default and intention to sell: $140.00 Issuance of writs of garnishments /executions (must be prepared by requesting attorney): $20.00 Filing fee for Certificate of Assessment or any other instrument not specified in the subsection: $8.00 If the recorder waives the requirements for documents found in A.C.A. §14-15-402(b)(1) for good cause, the instrument may be recorded for an additional fee of: (Any document larger than 8 ½" x 11" will apply): $25.00 Filing fee for: Initiating a Cause of Action in Circuit or Domestic Relations Courts: $165.00 Appeals from District Court to Circuit Court: Civil Cases: $165.00 : Criminal Cases: $150.00 Summons: Circuit or Domestic Relations cases: $2.50 Subpoena: Circuit or Domestic Relations Court: $2.50 Original filing of Financing Statement (UCC-1) with cost of termination included: $12.00 Filing of Continuation, Amendment, or Partial Release of Financing Statement: $6.00 Termination of Financing Statement (If original UCC was filed prior to 1994 and not prepaid): $6.00 UCC Search (Name only): No Charge Copies (per page, not certified): $.50 Certified or Authenticated Copies: $5.00
Burn Bans
Burn Bans Arkansas Forestry Division Wildfire Danger, Burn Bans & Prescribed Burns Current Burn Bans by County in Arkansas
Quorum Court
Act 742 of 1977, as amended, implements the provisions of Amendment 55 to the Arkansas Constitution. Act 742 (ACA 14-14-904) provides, "The Justices organize as a Quorum Court body on the first Monday Excepting holidays, after the beginning of the Justices' term in office. Thereafter, the justices shall assemble each calendar month in their respective counties to perform the duties of Quorum Court, except that more frequent meetings may be required by ordinance. The time and place of the initial assembly of the justices shall be designated by written notice of the County Judge. The Justices, there after shall meet as a Quorum Court at a regular time and place specified by ordinance. The Quorum Court is the "voice of the people" concerning the County issues in their districts. The Quorum court can vote to make ordinances or resolutions that pertains to County issues i.e. Road, Budget & Finance, and "Public Safety." To address the Quorum Court with your concern you should contact the Justice of the Peace for your district. FRANKLIN COUNTY QUORUM COURT MEETS EVERY 2ND THURSDAY OF THE MONTH UNLESS SPECIFIED OTHERWISE Franklin County Quorum Court Members: Roy Day – District 1 ([email protected]) Freddy Ree – District 2 ([email protected]) David Bowles Sr. – District 3 ([email protected]) Sherrie Sanders – District 4 ([email protected]) Dennis Fisher – District 5 ([email protected]) Brian Lachowsky – District 6 ([email protected]) Gary O'Neal – District 7 ([email protected]) Luke Verkamp – District 8 ([email protected]) Lacey Neissl Clark – District 9 ([email protected]) Rickey Bowman – County Judge ([email protected])
County Clerk
County Clerk - Franklin County Government County Clerk Franklin County Clerk – Tammy Sisson Charleston Phone: 479-965-2129 Ozark Phone: 479-667-3607, Ext. 5 Fax: 479-667-3611 Cell: 479-209-0827 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:00AM – 4:30PM Monday – Friday, excluding holidays Office Address: 211 W Commercial St. Suite #1600, Ozark, AR 72949 The County Clerk is the official bookkeeper of county government and serves as the clerk for the county and probate courts. The clerk keeps a regular account between the treasurer and the county. The clerk prepares all checks on the treasury of monies ordered to be paid by the county court. The County Clerk keeps complete, permanent records of the proceedings of the quorum court. In probate court, the clerk files instruments in decedent estate cases. The clerk maintains adoptions and guardianship records within the county. The County Clerk serves as the secretary of the Board of Equalization, records the minutes of their meetings and extends the taxes in the information provided by the assessor and the Board of Equalization. Staff Include: - Samantha Foster – Chief Deputy County Clerk - Sheri King – Probate Deputy County Clerk – Charleston - Char-leigh Ingram – Payroll Deputy Clerk - Kristy King – Accounts Payable Deputy Clerk SERVICES Marriage Licenses Standard Marriage License Cost is $60.00 in cash (no checks please). Debit/Credit card accepted with fee. Both parties must be present with photo I.D. Ages 18-21 must also provide a birth certificate. Age 17: Both parents must be present. If parents are divorced, the custodial parent will need to be present with the latest court order granting custody. (There is waiting period of five (5) business days.) Covenant Marriage License In order to have a Covenant Marriage Licenses issued, which is optional, you must go through several months of counseling by a minister, priest, rabbi clerk of the Society of Friends, any clergy member of any religious sect, a licensed professional counselor, licensed associate counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, licensed clinical psychologist or licensed associate marriage and family therapist. Business Information Doing Business Under Assumed Name Certificates Arkansas law requires that no person shall conduct or transact business in the state under an assumed name or under any designated name or style, corporate or otherwise, other than the real name of the individual conducting of transacting such business, unless the person files a certificate in the office of the County Clerk of the counties in which the person conducts or transacts or intends to conduct the business. DBA certificates are filed and recorded in the office of the County Clerk. A person or persons desiring to file a DBA is required to complete the certificate form and sign it before a notary public. The filing fee for this DBA certificate is $25.00 The types of businesses that would typically use the form are sole proprietorships and general partnerships. The DBA certificate is filed in the County Clerk's office and must be accomplished by: 1. In person, or 2. Mailing with the form and $25.00 Instructions: Print the form from the link below and bring form and appear in person with photo I.D. OR send by mail with notarized signature and SASE. Birth / Death Certificates Vital Records are now available in Every County in Arkansas. All birth and death records are recorded in Little Rock with the office of Vital Records. These records date back to 1914. You can download a birth certificate application form or a death certificate application form by going to: https://www.healthy.arkansas.gov/programs-services/topics/order-birth-records. Other Filings - Articles of Incorporation - Minister's Credentials: A minister must have his credentials recorded in the State before performing marriage ceremonies. - Equalization Board petitions. Legislative Duties - Quorum and County Court - Voter registration and Absentee, Early voting - Recording and issuing of licenses and other records - Board of Equalization Fees - Copies – $0.50 - Claim Against Estate – $5.00 - Marriage Licenses – $60.00 - Certificate Copy – $5.00 - Articles of Incorporation – $25.00 - Assumed Business Names – $25.00 - Limited Partnership – $25.00 - Minister & Professional Credentials – $5.00 - Voter List (paper copy) – $0.02 per name - Voter Disk – $25.00 per disk - County Court – $30.00 - Probate Court – $165.00 - Small Estate – $30.00
County Roads
Franklin County Road Department Phone: 479-667-4726 Address: 1601 Airport Rd, Ozark, AR 72949 For state road closures, residents can visit: idrivearkansas.com It is our goal at the Franklin County Road Department to provide the best service possible, dividing the responsibilities of existing road maintenance, new road construction, and bridge maintenance and repair, while maintaining a balanced budget and keeping safety at the forefront of our operation. We strive to be at the cutting edge of road technology and improvement, while using proven methods to deliver the best roads in Franklin County, which are divided into two categories. County Maintained Roads: A County Maintained Road is a road within Franklin County that has been accepted into the County Maintenance System by the County Judge. To bring a Private Road into the County Maintenance System, the road must first meet Franklin County Specifications set by Ordinance of the Quorum Court. Second, the road must be inspected by the Franklin County Road Foreman for compliance to the road standards. After the road is inspected, it will set for one calendar year to test the roads integrity. The Road Foremen will come and inspect the road after the integrity check. When the road passes the final inspection, the County Judge, at their discretion, can court order the road into the County Maintenance System. Private Roads: A private road is a road within Franklin County that is not in the County Maintenance System. The maintenance on a private road is the responsibility of the citizens who own the property along the road. Road Improvement or Maintenance: It is required by ordinance to obtain a permit, prior to building, maintaining, or altering a road in Franklin County. Road Bonding: It is required by ordinance to bond all county roads for use by the oil and gas industries, utilizing heavy equipment on Franklin County Roads.
Franklin County Government Offices and Services - 2026 Holiday Schedule
Franklin County Government Offices and Services Belle Museum located Charleston, Arkansas Franklin County Courthouse located Ozark, Arkansas Sunset in beautiful Ozark, Arkansas Historic Old Franklin County Jail located in Ozark, Arkansas Charleston Arkansas Courthouse Franklin County was formed December 19, 1837, from Crawford County and named for Benjamin Franklin. The landscape of Franklin County is rugged terrain in the northern half, and rolling farmlands, forested ridges, and isolated mountains in the south because travel across the Arkansas River was so difficult in the early days of the county, two county seats were established: Ozark in the north and Charleston in the south. The county lays claim to the first oil strike in Arkansas and sits on vast fields of coal, clay, iron, shale and other minerals; however, agriculture is its main economy base. Production and processing of poultry accounts for most of the jobs. Swiss-German immigrants of a century ago recognized the tops of Franklin's mountains as a place to grow wine grapes. Altus has grown to be the winemaking capital of Arkansas. Growers such as Mount Bethel, Sax, Post, and Wiederkehr are in the county. Wiederkehr Winery offers tours, wine tasting, and a restaurant in the original underground cellar built in 1880 by John A. Wiederkehr, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Winefest in September each year draws a large number of visitors to the area. The population of Franklin County is 17,097 (2020 Census). Courthouse Closings 2026 Holiday Schedule January 1, 2026 - New Year's Day January 19, 2026 - Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday February 16, 2026 - George Washington & Daisy Bates Day April 3, 2026 - Good Friday May 25, 2026 - Memorial Day July 3rd-4th, 2026 - Independence Day September 7, 2026 - Labor Day November 11, 2026 - Veterans Day November 26 & 27, 2026 - Thanksgiving December 24 – 25, 2026 - Christmas ***The County Judge may, at his discretion, establish by Executive Proclamation additional days when county offices shall be closed in observance of special events or for other reasons.***
County Collector
Franklin County Collector – Margaret Hamilton Mailing Address: P.O. Box 1267, Ozark AR 72949 Fax: 479-667-5263 Email: [email protected] Ozark Office Location: Charleston Office Location: Phone: 479-667-4124 Phone: 479-965-2333 211 W. Commercial 607 E. Main St. Ozark, AR 72949 Charleston, AR 72933 Office Hours: 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. M-F – Office Excluding Holidays Arkansas State Law requires that Personal Property Taxes be collected with or before Real Estate Taxes. If you owe Personal Property Taxes, we cannot accept your Real Estate Tax payment electronically until the Personal Property Tax has been paid. If there are errors on your electronic Tax Statements or you do not own property for which you are billed, please contact us at 479-667-4124. Taxes are due from March 1 through October 15. County Real Estate & Personal Property Tax Guide This notice is not only for new residents, but also first-time vehicle and homeowners. County Taxes Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes are used to help support Schools, Cities, Roads, Jails, and County expenses in Franklin County. It is a tax of about 1% of the value of your home, mobile home, land, car, truck, trailer, four-wheeler, boat, tractor, livestock, business building, inventory, and other items that you may own. Important Tax Dates Remember to assess all Personal Property between January 1st and May 31st of each year. This will generate a tax to be paid the following year on or before October 15th. Each and every year thereafter, you will Assess and Pay on these Dates. A 10% late assessment fee will be added to anyone assessing personal property after the May 31st deadline. (New purchases will have 30 days after purchase to assess without penalty) A 10% penalty will be added to Personal Property and Real Estate taxes paid after October 15th plus 10% annual interest on Real Estate taxes. Tax Statements Tax Statements are mailed out in the spring of each year. Call our office if your Tax Statement hasn't arrived by July 1. Arkansas collects Personal Property and Real Estate Taxes one year in the arrear. Example: 2020 taxes are collected on or before October 15, 2021. Tax Credit The owner and occupant of one home or one mobile home may receive up to a $600 Homestead Credit each year that you live at that location. You need to apply only once for the Homestead Credit but must reapply when moving to another location. Other benefits may also apply for those that are totally disabled or over the age of 65. Call your county assessor for more information. Disabled American Veterans rated 100% totally and permanently service-connected disabled are entitled to a tax exemption. Vehicle Tags The Revenue office requires your title, bill of sale or statement of origin, insurance, current year assessment and proof of paid taxes to register your vehicle and receive your tags. A paid tax receipt from a previous county is best but we can also call the previous county for verification. You will need to live in one county for 2 years to be able to pay your tag renewal by phone or online. Pay Taxes Arkansas Collector's tax books are open for payments the first business day of March of each year through October 15th without penalty. You may mail payments to the address listed or come to the Franklin County Courthouse between the hours of 8:00 AM & 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday (except holidays or posted closures).