Alexander Council approves 2015 budget, City should adopt subdivision rules, & meets new police chief

In a unanimous vote, the Alexander City Council approved the budget for fiscal year 2015 amidst some confusion. Two budgets had been presented to council members; one by Mayor Paul Mitchell and one by Alderwoman Andrea Bearden.

Mitchell thought he was using a copy of the 2014 budget and relabeling it for 2015 as a temporary measure to meet the mandatory January 31 deadline the state requires for municipalities and counties to establish a budget. The fiscal year runs from January 1 to December 31.

Bearden told council members a budget committee had been adjusting the 2014 budget throughout the year. That's the budget she gave the council during the emergency meeting on January 6.

"The one I handed out on the sixth (January) is the same exact budget (for 2014) minus the health employee insurance and the raises that have not been handed out," she said.

Bearden also explained the budget Mitchell had was based on a report found in the accounting program that had revenue for the police department $50,000 more than it actually received. That error is corrected in her budget.

Another point made by Bearden was the State of Arkansas is expected to send cities and counties four-percent less in revenue for the general fund and street fund. While attending the annual summer seminar conducted by the Arkansas Municipal League she learned the state is expecting a drop in sales and fuel tax revenue. Arkansas shares its sales tax and fuel tax with cities and counties.

The budget approved by all eight of the aldermen, at their regular meeting held January 26, projects a total revenue for 2015 of $946,129.16. Mitchell reminded the council the budget can be amended throughout the year.

In other business;

City needs to adopt subdivision rules

The council heard a report from Bob McKeon on the Meadow Edge Subdivision. As a member of the Saline County Water Works Board, McKeon has been in discussions with the developers in preparation for providing the subdivision with water and sewer services.

Since the city has yet to establish a new planning commission McKeon told council members the developers will design and construct the subdivision based on the requirements established in the Saline County Subdivision Rules and Regulations. He said the document covers everything and recommended the city adopt the county's subdivision requirements as its own.

This would normally be handled by the planning commission but a new commission is still in the process of being established. A planning commission ordinance was approved near the end of 2014 but commission members have yet to be appointed.

McKeon said the streets will be turned over to the city one year after completion of each subdivision section. He expects the streets won't need maintenance for about ten years.

The subdivision is being built on a former cattle farm along Highway 111, which was recently sold by its owners Steve and Pam Scroggins. The approximate 200-acre farm is divided by the highway with the largest portion on the west side. The initial plan is to build 200 homes on the largest portion first, with another 100 homes to possibly be added later. The development plan also includes keeping most of the wooded area, the pond and providing a walking trail.

Free coupons no longer free

McKeon also represents Alexander on the Saline County Solid Waste District Board (SCSWD). In his report about recent developments he said the SCSWD has a program which provides each Saline County resident two coupons per year to be used at the landfill. The landfill operator, Republic Services, is now charging the district sales tax for the coupons.

McKeon said the district will, "Provide coupons for each residential household and the cost is $2.50 a coupon, that's to cover tax."

Each resident is limited to two coupons per calendar year and the coupons must be used during that year. Each coupon will be registered to the person who picks up the coupon and that same person must present the coupon at the landfill when delivering their load. An ID must be provided when picking up the coupons and when using them at the landfill.

Starting in 2016 you will, "have to prove you have household trash pick-up," McKeon added.

Coupons may be obtained at the SCSWD office, 114 West Sevier Street, in Benton. The landfill is located at 18511 West Sardis Road in Bauxite.

McKeon also reported the black recycling boxes have been removed due to cost and misuse. Saline County residents can still take recyclable items to the landfill for free. When unloading your vehicle the various items will have to be placed in the proper containers provided at the landfill.

Meeting the new police chief

Alexander aldermen were introduced to the new Police Chief, John Fenton. Fenton took-over as chief January 15 replacing former Police Chief Derrick Jackson. Jackson was appointed chief in November by former Mayor Michelle Hobbs after serving nearly a year as interim chief.

In his first report to the council Fenton said he is amending the policy and procedures manual. It will be given to both the city attorney and council members for review and changes will be made if necessary. He expects to present the final version for approval at the next meeting.

Mayor Mitchell added that he doesn't believe the current manual was ever presented to a council. As best he can tell it was written by a previous chief and adopted without council approval.

One question raised was whether Fenton is full-time or part-time. He said he's part-time for now but that is only a difference of one hour. He also added remaining the police chief is contingent on whether everyone is satisfied with his performance.

Organization of City Council approved

Another annual task was performed by the aldermen with the approval of the, "Organization of City Council 2015" manual. Required under state law the manual establishes not only how public meetings will be conducted but also includes how, "The Mayor, City Council, and Committees, Sub-Committees, boards, commissions, and any appointed official or employee," will perform their duties.

Alderwoman Bearden presented the 2015 version to the council at the January 6, emergency meeting allowing aldermen time to review the document. At the January 26, regular meeting she pointed out the only change made from the 2014 version is to allow anyone who asks to be on the agenda to speak to the council before discussing the minutes. She said this will keep them from having to wait.

The next regular meeting of the Alexander City Council will be held Monday, February 23, 6 pm in city hall. Regular meetings are normally held the third Monday of the month but due to the holiday the meeting was moved to the following Monday. The public is invited to attend.