Following a week of uncertainty for the Marion County Library last week when its director was arrested for misuse of funds and the county judge dissolved the library board, the judge wants county residents to be assured the library is still operating normally, and there is no reason to worry about its future.
Dana Scott (Photo courtesy of Marion County Sheriff’s Office)
Former director Dana Scott was relieved of her duties following her arrest last Monday on two felony charges following an investigation that started in September of 2023. According to the probable cause affidavit from the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, the treasurer for the library board filed a complaint with the prosecuting attorney’s office saying she had discovered something odd with the financials.
During the investigation, it was discovered Scott had not followed certain laws involving county funds on numerous occasions and had attempted to cover up the discrepancies. On more than one occasion, Scott ordered items to be sold at the library from Walmart and paid for with the library’s credit card, but no itemized receipt was attached. One time, Scott had items sent to her home address in Branson, again with no itemized receipt. It was also discovered Scott had sold over $4,800 worth of merchandise from the library without collecting sales tax or turning the proper taxes in to the state of Arkansas.
On at least two occasions, Scott ordered items from her personal business, paid for through a Paypal account and charged to a Marion County credit card.
Scott was charged with two counts of tampering with public records and one count of failure to pay or file taxes. She is free after posting a $1,500 bond.
Marion County Judge Jason Stumph
Marion County Judge Jason Stumph held an emergency meeting of the Marion County Library Board Thursday night which lasted just under three minutes, during which he dissolved the board. During the meeting, he had a message for the board.
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The county judge explains the difference between the types of boards that serve the county.
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The director of the library is a county employee.
During his interview with KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News, Stumph says Marion County residents have no worries about anything happening to the Marion County library.
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The Marion County Quorum Court meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 6 in the courthouse.
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