Article by Teisha Bagwell / File image by Kris Caraway
Among other business items discussed during Tuesday’s meeting of the Batesville City Council, the city approved the operating budget for all city entities for 2020 and passed two resolutions.
The first resolution was a request for permission from the council to allow Mayor Rick Elumbaugh to enter into a local agreement with the city of Southside and Independence County to purchase a 19-acre tract of land ascending Ramsey Mountain for future public use.
The second resolution concerned the city’s support of the House Joint Resolution 1018 of 2019, proposing an amendment to the Arkansas Constitution to continue a levy of a one-half percent sales and use tax for the state, county, and city transportation infrastructure upon the retirement of current bonds previously authorized in the state constitution.
In other business, Elumbaugh proclaimed the city of Batesville as the “Christmas Capital of Arkansas” at Monday night’s city council meeting.
White River Wonderland is the largest, free Christmas lights display in the state. Thus far, over 16,000 cars have driven through the display this season.
Scroll down to read the proclamation.
During the executive session, the council discussed appointments to the Historic District Commission and to the Parks Commission.
The three re-appointed to the Historic District Commission are Shannon Hane, Dr. Terrell Tebbetts, and Nelson Barnett. Calvin Wright was appointed to replace Kim Looney on the Parks Commission.
The meeting wrapped up with a motion by Councilmember Fred Krug to issue bonuses to the city employees for their hard work and dedication this past year. An emotional Tommy Bryant seconded.
“Mr. Krug, I’ll be glad to second your motion. Our employees of the city of Batesville are what makes the city of Batesville operate. Us sitting around this table sure don’t…Every one of our employees are important, and I’ll gladly second that,” said Bryant.
Get up-to-date local and regional news along with the latest sports and weather every weekday morning by listening to Gary B. and Ozark Newsline on Arkansas 103.3 KWOZ. White River Now updates are also broadcast weekday mornings on 93 KZLE, Outlaw 106.5, and 99.5 Hits Now. If you have a news tip or event to promote, email White River Now at news@whiterivernow.com. Be sure to like and follow White River Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
