Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Okolona late in developing budget for community

At last month's Okolona town council meeting, citizen James Paul brought to the council's attention that under Arkansas State Law all government entities were to operate on a balanced budget.

However, not one of council members could recall ever approving any budgets for the town.

Paul's statement at the time was, "So the town is running illegally."

Apparently Paul made an impact on Okolona Mayor Joy McElhannon and the council, as they approved Water and Sewer, Street Department and a General budget during the Wednesday, May 2 meeting.

One council member, Hezzie Barton, was looking over the budget and questioned whether one section was for a "personal" fund or if it was a misprint intended to read "personnel" fund.

The mayor said, "Yes, that is our personnel fund."

The budget showed a balance of $838.01 in the Okolona street fund. A council member brought this to the Mayor McElhannon's attention as the crowd gasped.

In past months several citizen's have complained over the condition of several streets in Okolona and have asked the mayor when these streets would be repaired, only to be given the famous answer/question, "Do you have another question?"

Before the council approved the budgets, council member, Sue Muldrew asked "Are we charged for our trash pick up?"

McElhannon said, "You are charged on your water bill and then the money is transferred."

Council member "Cooter" McCauley said, "Isn't it $5?"

McElhannon answered with a yes.

Until that point the meeting had gone smoothly, which was surprising considering how recent meetings have gone.

However, Mayor McElhannon told the council she had some new business and she proceeded to make a motion from the chair to only allow council members to speak during council meetings and townspeople were no longer allowed to address the council.

Several members of the audience sat in awe as they realized the mayor was not allowed to make such a motion.

Council member "Cooter" McCauley seconded the motion. However, Muldrew spoke up and said, "I am not for this motion. I believe the townspeople should have the right to speak. How are we going to know what problems they are having if they can't speak?"

McElhannon said, "They can come and tell you all, the council, and you can relay it to us at the meetings."

Muldrew said, "Well, I don't like that at all. I might not relay something the way they want me to, and it isn't my job to do that anyway. We are here to listen to the town and that is what I intend to do."

McElhannon said, "Well fine. If you want to sit here and listen to these people rattle on."

In the meantime, Paul informed the mayor she was not allowed to make a motion from the chair and the mayor called for order in the room.

Paul then said, "May I be recognized?"

McElhannon said, "No you may not."

Paul said, "I called and requested to address the council 24 hours in advance, which is what you said we must do. I have witnesses to say I did so."

"I don't care you are not speaking, this meeting is adjourned," said McElhannon.

"Cooter" McCauley stood up and said, "Clear the building this meeting is over."

Paul said, "That's fine I will speak my piece anyway. I don't have to do it in this building."

Paul proceeded outside where the townspeople gathered around as he explained the recent fraudulent grant turned in by Mayor McElhannon.

On the way out of the building a verbal altercation transpired between Betty Paul and "Cooter" McCauley.

Deputy David Turner with the Clark County Sheriff's Office was on hand to maintain order.

McCauley started hollering, "She's threatening me officer!" Turner said, "What did she say to you?"

McCauley replied, "She told me she would see me in an orange jump suit."

Turner told McCauley he couldn't do anything about it, but if she felt it necessary she could file a warrant.

McCauley said, "Well, you can bet I will."

James Paul, who was already speaking to the townspeople continued with his speech as he told of the returned checks from the Okolona Volunteer Fire Department he had recently acquired.

Paul told the townspeople what he had found was disturbing to him.

"The first check is to Piggly Wiggly for the amount of $12. Now this isn't much, but it says on the check, it is for lunch meat for the trail ride. Folks the trail ride isn't until May and the check was written in January," Paul said.

Paul continued to read off a list of checks written out of fire departments fund for items not benefitting the fire department such as treated lumber, showers, shower heads, hot water heaters, chicken and several other items.

The total of funds spent out of this account that did not benefit the department totaled more than $4,000.

Several citizens were appalled by the amount of money that was spent apparently without anyone's knowledge.