2023 State of the County

In Arkansas’s local government, the Pulaski County Judge serves as the chief executive officer of the county government. As such, the county judge:

• authorizes and approves the disbursement of all appropriated county funds,
• operates the system of county roads,
• administers ordinances enacted by the quorum court,
• has custody of county property, and
• presides at the meetings of the quorum court without a vote but with the power of veto.

The county judge coordinates day-to-day intergovernmental relations with municipalities and state and local agencies that become involved with the county on various projects, programs and service delivery. The county judge applies on behalf of all county departments and offices for state and federal grant assistance for which the county is eligible. In addition, the County Judge appoints members to various administrative and advisory boards.

The county judge sits in a judicial role as the county court. The county court has jurisdiction in matters relating to county taxes, human and community services, general public utilities, trade and commerce, transportation and natural resources.

Meet Barry Hyde

After calling Pulaski County home for more than 30 years, Barry Hyde ran for county judge in 2014 and is currently in his fourth term.

Judge Hyde served honorably in the United States Air Force as a member of the Titan Missile Launch Crew from 1974 until 1977. He is a member of Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) Community Council and was named an honorary commander. He is also a member of the Camp Robinson/Camp Pike Community Council and is a past chairman.

In 1987, Judge Hyde started HYDCO, a small construction company that operated out of the corner of his living room. His goal was to create a company that was relationship-driven, provided high-quality work and incorporated the latest technologies into the business plan. Over 30 years later, HYDCO has become one of the leading commercial contracting and construction companies in the region.

Judge Hyde’s approach to county government reflects his extensive business experience and core principles of stability, accessibility and high-quality service.

“My goal for Pulaski County is to help design and sustain a stable county structure that is relationship-driven, provides exceptional services and incorporates the latest technologies,” Judge Hyde said. “County government should be responsive to the needs of our citizens, be a good steward of tax dollars and ensure that the programs and services we provide meet the needs of all in our county.”

With an emphasis on the maintenance and construction of county roads and bridges, preservation of water systems and the installation of new tornado warning sirens in the county, Judge Hyde puts community health and safety first. He is also committed to fostering a sense of community where people feel safe and welcome to live, work, start a business and raise their families. By hiring and retaining well-trained individuals who are prepared, tech-savvy and accountable, Judge Hyde has raised the bar for Pulaski County employees.

Judge Hyde has a proven record of accomplishment as a community leader and dedicated public servant. Prior to being elected as county judge, he served as an Arkansas State Representative for District 40 for six years. During his tenure in the legislature, he chaired five committees, championed fiscal restraint, improved educational opportunities for children, expanded services for the elderly and promoted opportunities for economic development.

The judge currently serves on the following national and local committees:

• Association of Arkansas Counties
• Camp Robinson/Camp Pike Community Council
• Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (CAPDD)
  • CEO Board
  • Board of Directors
• County Judges Association of Arkansas Legislative Committee
• Downtown Little Rock Partnership Board, Ex Officio
• Little Rock Air Force Base (LRAFB) Community Council
• Little Rock Regional Chamber of Commerce, Ex Officio
• Metroplan Board of Directors
• National Association of Counties (NACo)
  • Justice and Public Safety Steering Committee
  • Juvenile Justice Subcommittee Vice Chair
  • Transportation Steering Committee, Vice Chair
• North Little Rock Chamber of Commerce, Ex Officio and past president
• Regional Recycling and Waste Reduction District Board of Directors

Judge Hyde maintains a commercial pilot license and can often be found exploring our state’s natural beauty from the skies in his Cessna 414. When not in the pilot seat, Judge Hyde enjoys riding Pulaski County’s trails and roads from the saddle of his bicycle.

No matter how busy he may be, Judge Hyde believes that family is the most important aspect of life and is grateful for the time spent with his wife Jeanne, children Jeremy, Jaime and Carrie and their ten grandchildren.