Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Prescott City Council to fill vacancy on August 21

The Prescott City Council will likely name a new city council member during the August 21 meeting. Prescott Mayor Howard Taylor said he has received nine applications from residents of Ward 1 who are interested in serving the remainder of the unfulfilled term of former councilman Billy House.

House announced his resignation in June, citing the retirement of his wife and another job opportunity for himself as reasons for the decision. The council accepted that resignation, though several expressed regret that House had made that decision. At that meeting, Taylor commended House for his service, saying that the city needs the service of more people who are truly concerned.

House was hired by the city effective July 3 as office manager.

Taylor said those who put in notice of application for the vacant seat meet the requirements of office by residing inside the boundaries of Ward 1 and being eligible to hold office.

I would say all of them would make good board members, Taylor said.

He did say that he thought some of them likely have a better grasp of what theyll be called on to do and the task theyre taking on.

Some people dont really understand the complexity of city government, Taylor said.

The board is made up of eight members. There are currently seven people sitting on the board following Houses resignation.

Arkansas law requires that the councils vote be public, therefore ballots wont be used. Taylor said he plans to write the name of each applicant on the board in council meeting room. Then, council members will announce their choice and the votes will be tallied. The new council member will be eligible to take office immediately.

The board meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month in the meeting room on the ground floor of city hall. Meetings are always open to the public.