TEXARKANA, Ark. - During a regular meeting Monday, the city Board of Directors will vote on approving an employment contract for Jay Ellington, the sole finalist to become the next city manager.
The city announced the vote Friday after a private morning meeting to discuss the contract's terms. Ellington has the Board's "full support," Mayor Allen Brown said.
Ellington has served as interim city manager in Corpus Christi, Texas, and as administrative/general services director in Ruston, Louisiana. His experience also includes stints as parks and recreation director in Manassas, Virginia, and Butte, Montana.
The vote will complete the hiring process begun April 1, when former City Manager Kenny Haskin resigned.
The Board will also consider purchasing a new pickup and related equipment for animal control officers.
Total cost of the 2021 Ford F250 truck, graphics, a lightbar and LED lights, and kennel compartments is more than $71,600. Funds for the purchase were approved in the city's 2021 budget.
Also on the agenda is Board approval for an alcohol license application for Redwoods Bar and Grill on Arkansas Boulevard. By state law, the Board must agree to allow a business to apply for a license. The Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Board will decide whether to grant one.
The Board will meet in executive session and then vote whether to reappoint restaurant owner Sandy Varner and appoint downtown business owner Les Munn to the city Advertising and Promotion Commission.
The Commission collects local hotel and restaurant taxes and decides how to spend the revenue to promote the city's hospitality and tourism industries.
The agenda includes a citizen communication time during which members of the public may address the Board on any topic for up to five minutes each.
The meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m Monday at City Hall, 216 Walnut St. A live video stream will be available on the city's YouTube channel.