Council takes step forward on tax plan

Tuesday night, the Blytheville City Council took a step toward calling for a special election seeking to levy a 1-cent sales tax to pay the outstanding $3.2 million IRS debt.

With a unanimous 6-0 vote, the Council authorized Blytheville Mayor James Sanders to retain special counsel to assist in preparing the necessary documents.

Sanders told the board that the bond agents would calculate how much the tax would generate and figure in funds from any sold city properties in determining the length of the tax, initially projected to be 14 months.

The special counsel will draft a detailed ordinance that lays out what voters will consider, including what would happen with any residuals from the tax. The Council would have to approve the ordinance before the measure goes before voters.

"Everything has to be spelled out, especially as to how long this tax would last and that it will end," Sanders said.

City attorney Mike Bearden said the ordinance will contain a sample ballot that will hopefully be easy to understand.

Councilwoman Shirley Overman moved for adoption of the resolution, and Councilman Monte Hodges seconded the motion.

Before the vote, resident Carol White attempted to speak, yelling "point of order" from the front row of the audience.

"Excuse me, ma'am, you're not a part of the meeting," Sanders said.

White responded: "Your own bylaws, your own procedures, say members of the audience will be offered an opportunity to speak on all questions before the City Council."

"Ma'am, I'm sorry, you're out of order," Sanders said. "Would you please come into order? ... You are not recognized by this chair so you are out of order."

The Council then voted.

In other business, the Council:

-- Kept the tax rate for the year 2011, payable in 2012, at 4.0 mills by passing a resolution with a 6-0 vote.

-- Adopted a resolution transferring the employee retirement plan from Principal Financial Group to Ascensus with a 6-0 vote.

-- Accepted the resignation of Dr. R. Dean Gurley from the Blytheville Golf Facilities Board and appointed Jim Vincent in his place. Vincent's term will expire July 1, 2014. The Council then accepted the resignation of Allyn Hauck from the Golf Facilities Board, replacing him with Tony Betts, whose term will expire July 1, 2012. The Council also appointed Bill Sullivan to the board for a term expiring July 1, 2013.

Prompted by Hodges, there was discussion on how appointees are chosen. Hodges asked how Gurley's position was advertised. Sanders said it was advertised at Westminster Village. He said people submitted their names and Sanders interviewed them. Overman said Council members should have a list of all the commissions and when their board members' terms end. Councilwoman Missy Langston asked if there is a written procedure. Sanders said no. She asked for a written procedure and to begin publicizing openings on boards.

-- Heard reports from Blytheville Police Chief Ross Thompson and Blytheville Fire Chief Mike Carney. Thompson recognized Sgt. Vanessa Stewart, who on Oct. 11, was recognized by Attorney General Dustin McDaniel during the 2011Law Enforcement Summit in Little Rock. The Summit was hosted by the AG and Arkansas Crimes Against Children Task Force. Sgt. Stewart was nominated for her work to reduce and prevent domestic violence. She was one of only 15 statewide nominees that were recognized.

-- Heard a Finance and Purchasing Committee report from Overman.

-- Heard Streets and Drainage and Personnel committee reports Councilman Stan Parks. Parks thanked everyone who participated in the Oct. 8 Cleaner, Safer Blytheville cleanup. He said there was another excellent turnout. Sanders and Councilman John Musgraves echoed those sentiments. The final big cleanup of the year is Oct. 29. The cleanups will resume in the spring. Parks said one must experience it to realize what it is, calling the effort "a mission project in our own backyard."

-- Heard a Health and Sanitation Committee report from Langston. Langston noted the shipment of recycling bags was received late last month. A county grant, designated for recycling blue bags in 2009, paid for the bags, she said.

-- Heard a Parks and Recreation Committee report from Hodges.

-- Heard from Sanders that three older Waterworks pickup trucks need to be replaced, noting one has a bad transmission, another has bad breaks and the other has engine troubles. The mayor said State Bids are unavailable at this time so the city has contacted Carlock to look at replacement options. Sanders said he will be contacting the Council on purchasing the trucks, noting the city will likely have to waive bids because of the urgency.

-- Overman said there is an increase in new business licenses, currently at 44 total for the year.

mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com