Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Mayor declares council vacancy

A vacancy has been declared on the Prescott City Council, effective June 30. That announcement was one order of business during the councils regular June meeting held June 19.

Council member Billy House presented his resignation as part of the new business to be considered by the council. House publicly cited the retirement of his wife and his own desire to retire as the reason for submitting the resignation. Following the meeting, House clarified his position.

Im probably accepting another job offer, House said.

He didnt specify what that job is, but said he doesnt plan to move.

Well stay here in town, he said. We cant leave Prescott. This is home, sweet home.

Houses resignation was accepted, though several members expressed their regret.

Billy, we hate to lose you as a city council member, said Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor. He cited Houses dedication to the position and to the city. Thats what we need - people who are concerned about whats going on in this city.

House represents Ward 1. That district is generally located in the southern portion of the city. The Union Pacific Railroad tracks are the northwest boundary of that ward. Other boundaries of this ward are Moore Highway and Martin Street, with the city limits forming the far western and southern edges of the district. You can see a complete map of the citys wards at city hall or the Nevada County Courthouse.

Taylor formally declared the seat vacant beginning July 1. Taylor asked that qualified applicants who live in Ward 1 and are interested in the position submit a resume. Applicants will be considered through the month of July and Taylor said he hopes the council can fill the vacancy during the August council meeting. The city council meets the third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at city hall.

In other business, the council voted to purchase two vehicles. One of those is a pickup for the citys electric company and the second is slated to become the mayors car. The car currently being driven by the mayor will be used by the police department. Taylor said the police department is currently short a vehicle and that car will fill the gap. The car being purchased is a new Crown Victoria.

The cost of the pickup - a new Ford F-150 - will be borne by the electric department, though Taylor said the police department may also use the truck. Total cost of the two vehicles is just more than $48,000 and each represented the lowest bids submitted.

Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office Executive Director Donnie Crain told council members that he has been working to make the transition for his office as smooth as possible when he leaves for active duty. Crain said the state has agreed to allow the city an additional year on the current Arkansas Communities of Excellence certification, meaning the process wont begin until Crain returns.

Crain said there will be a public meeting on changes proposed for the Johnson Sports Complex at 6 p.m. June 6 at city hall. Crain said none of the proposals are significant, but said a portion of the complex is in a flood plain. The federal grant money being used to fund the project requires that a public meeting be held in this case.

Crain also talked to the council about a report that appeared in Arkansas Business magazine. He said the article indicated that Nevada County had seen a decrease in sales tax for last year.

I knew from what numbers I had seen that wasnt correct, Crain said.

He said the sales tax revenues for the county were up by 7.5 percent, and by 10 percent in the county.

Crain said he wrote a letter regarding the issue, and that it had been published by Arkansas Business. He asked council members to help spread the correct information, saying its not good to be lumped into this category with counties that truly have seen decreased revenues.