GARFIELD -- City Council members tabled action on appointing a replacement for Merlene Snoderly, the city's recorder/treasurer who also served as the city water clerk.
Mayor Gary Blackburn read a letter from Merlene Snoderly dated Dec. 31, 2014, announcing her retirement as of Jan. 1, 2015. Blackburn said he came to work and found the letter and keys on the desk. After discussion, all agreed that taking more time to do the job "right" instead of hurrying through the process was the wisest move in appointing a replacement
As to the office of recorder-treasurer, A.C.A. § 14-44-109 (1987) grants the city council, in a city of the second class, the authority to prescribe the duties of the recorder-treasurer … the city council has the authority to prescribe additional duties to the recorder-treasurer, such as performing the duties of the water clerk.
Opinion No. 96-328
Dec. 13, 1996
"Since the last meeting, I have a whole new appreciate for the job itself," Blackburn told the council , admitting he had been trying to fill both positions since Snoderly's departure.
"I want to find the right person and I don't want to rush," Malania Carter, council member, said.
Council members discussed the possibility of splitting the position and having two people -- the elected position, established by law and the hired position of water clerk. Arkansas state law allows city's of the second class to assign additional duties to the elected position of recorder/treasurer.
Blackburn told council members he plans to attend the Arkansas Municipal League meetings this week and hopes to learn more about what their responsibilities are.
"I've been so overwhelmed just trying to get the money int he bank and use those computer programs that I haven't even looked at e-mails," the mayor said. He said he had received assistance from Pea Ridge city officials.
"I do believe Mrs. Snoderly is exceedingly organized... if I can get my arms around her organizational process," Blackburn said.
Council members agreed to postpone advertising for the position until they have determined what duties to assign and whether to split the responsibilities between employees and elected personnel. They agreed to meet at 6 p.m. Jan. 20.
Community on 01/14/2015