§ 14-40-2004 - Hearing in circuit court -- Appeal. - Arkansas Statutes

14-40-2004. Hearing in circuit court -- Appeal.

(a) (1) The circuit courts of the state shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear all matters related to this subchapter.

(2) The circuit court of the county in which the municipalities are located or, in the event that the municipalities are located in different counties or judicial districts, the circuit court of the county or judicial district that has within the county's or judicial district's boundaries the smallest of the two (2) municipalities in population according to the latest federal decennial census, shall have exclusive jurisdiction to hear all matters related to this subchapter.

(b) (1) Upon request of either affected municipality, the landowner or group of landowners, or their representatives, the circuit judge shall hold a hearing or series of hearings related to the provisions of this subchapter.

(2) The circuit judge shall make findings as are necessary to determine whether there has been substantial compliance or noncompliance with the requirements of this subchapter.

(c) At any time, but in no event later than twenty (20) days, after the adoption or rejection of the ordinance bringing the subject property into the annexing jurisdiction, the affected municipalities, landowners, or their representatives may request a hearing before the circuit court on any matter related to this subchapter.

(d) In the event an action is brought in circuit court by any party, the time period for the requested services to be provided, accepted, and in place as provided in 14-40-2002(b)(3)(B)(iii) shall be tolled until entry of a ruling by the circuit judge and the conclusion of any appeals from that court.