Gentry council creates director of finance post

GENTRY -- City Council on April 7 gave final approval to an ordinance creating the separate posts of city finance director and city clerk at the beginning of 2015.

The ordinance, passed on its third and final reading, divides the duties currently handled by JoEllen Martin, Gentry's city clerk, into two positions, one elected and the other hired.

Reasoning for creating a finance director post separate from the elected city clerk post is to protect the city and maintain continuity in the management of the city's finances, especially when new city clerks are elected without prior knowledge or experience with handling the city's finances.

With the city clerk position to be on the November ballot and with JoEllen Martin planning to retire, it seemed a fitting time to make the change.

"That way those running for city clerk will know the specific duties and responsibilities ahead of time," said Gentry's mayor, Kevin Johnston.

The ordinance creates on Jan. 1, 2015, the position of director of finance to perform most of the duties currently performed by the city clerk. The position is filled by appointment rather than by election, with the employee subject to the mayor or his designee. The position is a full-time salaried position.

The ordinance also creates, on Jan. 1, 2015, the combined position of city clerk and city treasurer, but limits the duties of the elected position to attending all meetings of the city council, planning commission and board of adjustments and acting as city clerk at such meetings by keeping and finalizing official minutes of those meetings. Duties would also require the quarterly submission to the council of a full report and detailed statement of the financial condition of the city. The position is an elected position with an annual salary of $4,000 ("subject to adjustment from time to time in accordance to the provisions of Arkansas law").

Tonya Carney was hired by the city of Gentry to assist with the financial and administrative duties of the city clerk. She started on March 3 and, if all goes as planned, will assume duties as the city's director of finance on Jan. 1 when JoEllen Martin, the city clerk, retires. Her position is salaried.

Other Action

In other action, the council approved the sale of a used patrol car -- a 2005 Ford Crown Victoria -- through GovDeals.com and approved offering relief on sewer bills due in June through September for those who use city water for irrigation and for swimming pools, at the same rate as in years past.

Also approved was proceeding with the construction of a pedestrian railroad crossing on South Collins to complete the sidewalk project under construction there. Cost of the crossing, which would be built by Kansas City Southern Railroad, was estimated at $49,320. The estimated price does not include the short sections of walk to connect the existing new sidewalks to the crossings. Money for the project is set aside in the budget, according to Johnston.

Before construction can begin, an agreement will be signed between the city and the railroad. Construction will cause the closure of South Collins at the crossing for a minimum of three days, but the date of construction will depend on the railroad and its construction schedule.

Also approved by the council was the expenditure of up to $20,000 for repairs to the back wall and floor of the Gentry Public Library caused by water and settling. Should the amount be more than that, it will be brought back to the council for approval and possibly for the bid process, though safety concerns could require more immediate action.

Mayor Johnston reported that limb and yard waste pickup days -- probably in mid May -- would be announced soon. He also encouraged participation in the Benton County Cleanup on April 26.

General News on 04/16/2014