At the Sept. 12 council meeting, alderman Kristi Kendrick presented her reasons for rescinding Ordinance 1628, which puts all unopened streets and alleys under the jurisdiction of the Parks Commission, saying her suggestions would streamline the process of vacating properties and bring some money to city coffers.
Alderman David Mitchell said Monday night he preferred to postpone discussion, but alderman James DeVito wanted to move forward and suggested they set up a workshop, to which Mayor Butch Berry said his office would set up a time.
Water, sewer, tax talk
In the workshop before the regular meeting, Berry stated the freeze on spending has allowed revenue to catch up with expenditures. He intimated there might still need to be an increase in sewer rates at some point even if the proposed one percent tax passes because the tax will address infrastructure needs, not operations. However, the city would save as much as $170,000 it spends annually on water and sewer. Some of the savings would go toward rebuilding reserves the city has been using to supplement expenses for water and sewer.
Finance Director Lonnie Clark suggested the city set up a separate account in its budget to track revenue and expenses from the new tax. He said a segregated account would allow for proper reporting and easier tracking of how tax funds are used. He wanted to guarantee voters they would be able to see that funds were being spent as intended.
Mayor’s comments
Berry told council he knows the CAPC is feeling pressure from council to develop a plan for reviving the Auditorium, and was glad to see their commitment toward more programming. He said the Auditorium Commission that will administer the portion of the tax dedicated to the auditorium is the best way to give citizens what they want.
He also said the CAPC has done a great job this year promoting the town, which means more revenue for the city. The proposed tax is an opportunity to bring more life back to the Auditorium, and he said he hopes citizens understand the city is trying to get visitors to help pay for repairing and upgrading the infrastructure as well as for repairing the Auditorium and bringing in more performances.
Final items
- Council approved the first two readings of Ordinance 2248, which Berry said simply reaffirms what is already in place regarding the millage levied on real and personal properties.
- Council also approved Resolution 690, which authorizes Berry to accept a 100 percent grant from the Western Arkansas Planning and Development District of up to $10,000 for the purchase of ballistic vests for the Police Department.
- City Clerk/Treasurer Ann Armstrong presented the 2nd Quarter Financials and invited alderman to drop by her office to peruse them.
Next meeting will be Monday, Oct. 10, at 6 p.m.