November 13, 2024- All members were present at the meeting Tuesday night. Joseph Jones resigned as Chief of Police. He will step down as Chief as of December 1. He starts his new job for the county December 2.
Chief Jones said, 'He is just ready to be able to go home at night and not worry about his phone ringing.' He has recommended Tischa Beaty to be the next Chief of Police. Mayor Rick Sharron says, 'We appreciate your time with us!' Trey Foster with Civil Engineering and associates came to the meeting to present the Water and Sewer Rate study. The State Act 605 was passed in 2021 by the state legislature. This act states all providers of waters and sewer are to go under a water and sewer rate analysis. This act creates additional responsibilities for most Arkansas retail water providers, both public and privately owned, in managing and operating their water systems. The retail water providers must complete eight hours of training. Rates determined from the study are required to be implemented within one year of the completion of the study, or two years if the recommended rates increase the providers rates by fifty percent or more. Failure to complete a rate study or implement the required rate on increases will result in a determination that the water provider is in fiscal distress. The city council, despite initial hesitations, ultimately voted to pass the rate increase recommended by the analysis.
