After passing population threshold to become a Class-1 city, Alexander returned to Class-2

When the results of the 2010 Census were released in 2011 the City of Alexander moved up from its Second-Class city status and automatically became a city of the First-Class. Michelle Kidd-Doss-Hobbs, then recorder, immediately began moving to get Alexander reinstated as a Second-Class city.

After the 2010 census count was completed for the City of Alexander, the tally showed a new population number of 2,901. After the 2000 census Alexander's population was only 610.

Under state law it takes a population of 2,500 for a Class-2 city to move up to Class-1. And, according to the Arkansas Attorney General's office the move is automatic after the census figures are released. Then, why is Alexander still Class-2?

Hobbs was on the agenda for a city council meeting in 2011. At the time still city recorder, she presented a resolution to city council members. The resolution was a formal request to the Arkansas Attorney General asking that the City of Alexander be returned to its original Class-2 status. Without providing any specifics, she claimed the city benefitted more by being Class-2 than Class-1. The resolution passed.

It's true under state law Alexander would have to change how some aspects of the city function. For example, the city would be required to pay for pensions and other benefits to city employees it currently can't afford.

Another change would be the elimination of the recorder position. State law requires that position be replaced with an elected city clerk. One of the duties of city clerk is to fill the role of recorder during council meetings.

Aside from new construction of homes, much of the massive increase in population is due to the annexation of the Woodland Hills area in 2006. The annexation also increased the physical size of the city by a good two-thirds to nearly three-fourths.

What do you think? Leave your comments below and let your voice be heard.