Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Retirement benefits discussed by council

Discussion of retirement benefits was the big topic at the December 17 meeting of the Gurdon City Council.

Betty Torgerson, a Gurdon citizen, has presented the subject to the council several times wondering if it would be possible for employees to get a retirement plan. At last month's meeting City Treasurer Tambra Smith said she would try to get some information on the subject.

Smith reported at this month's meeting she had spoken with Clark County Clerk Rhonda Williams about the matter. Williams said the city was allowed to hold out 5 mills for the use of retirement. With the firemen's retirement being four-tenths of a mill the city already met it's maximum.

However, it was suggested the city raise it's sales tax by a half cent. This would have to be voted on during the next election, but the money could be used as retirement for all city employees. The half cent sales tax Gurdon already has in place brings in around $75,000 to $80,000 a year.

It was suggested to hold a special election. However, it would cost about $10,000 for an election of this kind. The council said it would probably be best to wait until the next general election in November.

All city employees with health benefits will be glad to know Doc America will be added to their benefits package. Doc America is an Internet site you can look up at anytime day or night and talk to a real physician. The physician can even prescribe medicine over the net.

The council learned this year's revenue is about $15,000 higher than expected. Although due to repairs and maintenance costs the city administration and police department were about $2,000 over budget each.

Gurdon Mayor Clayton Franklin said he didn't believe this was a big deal. "All departments have done a remarkable job this year staying within their budget and no one had to dip into the emergency fund."

Budget Committee members are Karen Parker, Gene Flowers, Danny Paull and Sally Tarpley. Smith will be working with the committee shortly after Christmas.

The cemetery committee reported brush still growing over the fence and taking over gravesites. The problem was reported to Entergy, who came and sprayed the area, but was not successful in killing the brush in the problem area. Mayor Franklin said he would follow up with Entergy and see what he could find out.

The new Gurdon Dog Pound is coming right along. The building is almost finished.

Carroll Martin, animal control officer, has recently been certified in all areas. He still however, must be certified with the state in order to euthanize unwanted animals.

The Gurdon Municipal Building has finally finished all of it's construction. Everyone bragged on how well it looked.

Jerry Land will be down next week to landscape around the building. Land has taken high school students as volunteers to help him with the project. This will give children a job during Christmas break.