By Joel Phelps
The Arkadelphian

The Arkadelphia City Board of Directors will convene for its regular meeting Tuesday, Nov. 16, at 5:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Boardroom.

After handling some routine business, directors will be presented with the 2020 Legislative Audit and hear from City Manager Gary Brinkley and Treasurer Shacresha Wilson.

A memo sent to directors from Brinkley quotes positive feedback from the deputy legislative auditor who conducted the audit: “No issues came to our attention that we consider necessary to report to management.”

Brinkley added in the memo that he is “not sure we have ever had an audit this clean” and recognized Wilson for her “dedication in keeping the city financially moving forward and accountability at the highest level.” Brinkley also thanks departments heads and administration staff.

The 32-page audit report will be included in the packet for board directors to review.

The board will also consider additional pay for full-time and part-time city employees, a customary practice each year near the holiday season.

In a memo to directors, Brinkley called 2021 a year of “continued growth and perseverance.”

If approved, full-time city employees will be given an additional $500 compensation check, and part-time employees — those who work fewer than 30 hours per week on a consistent basis — will be given a $250 check. Volunteer firemen in good standing fall under the part-time category. The amounts Brinkley is proposing are the same as last year’s compensation.

The cost to the city will be $65,130; of that, the general fund cost will be $46,830, the street fund will be $3,230 and the water/sewer department cost will be $15,070. Unallocated funds will be used to meet the request should directors give approval.

Also up for discussion is the potential purchase of the property at 801 Main St., the present location of the old Sav U Mor grocery store building.

In a brief memo, Brinkley noted he is in the process of gathering more information and reviewing documentation in regards to the purchase. “I anticipate having all the information and a recommendation for [the board’s] consideration at the meeting on Tuesday night,” Brinkley said.

The last item of new business will be the swearing in of Matt Johnson to the city’s planning commission.

Finally, Brinkley will deliver his report, and directors will each have their turn to discuss city matters in routine business.

While the meetings are open to the public, the city is encouraging social distancing and urges residents to watch the meeting on Suddenlink Channel 9 or via the livestream.