The El Dorado City Council quickly handled its short agenda Thursday, possibly setting two records in the process.
It took aldermen approximately five minutes to conduct their business in what may be the briefest El Dorado City Council meeting in history.
It may also be the first time the council adjourned a meeting before it was scheduled to start.
The meeting was scheduled for its regular time of 5:30 p.m., and Mayor Frank Hash kicked off the opening prayer and Pledge of Allegiance — both of which are conducted before each regular meeting is called to order — a bit early since all aldermen who were expected to attend the meeting had arrived.
Alderman Mike Rice was unable to attend.
When the council wrapped its agenda, it was 5:28 p.m.
The council had only one item of new business on its agenda — a proposed resolution to approve Christmas payroll bonuses for city employees.
The 2017 bonuses totaled $113,325.70, including payroll taxes, for full-time city employees and elected officials, with the exception of the mayor.
The council approved the bonuses during a regular meeting on Nov. 9 and followed up with the formal resolution on Thursday.
As the council considered payment of the monthly bills Thursday, Alderman Willie McGhee inquired about a statement of $88,456.50 for the operation of Barton Library.
McGhee noted that the statement included notations for ad valorem and delinquent property taxes.
Mayor Frank Hash said that line item denoted property tax bills that are delinquent.
A portion of property tax revenues that are collected in Union County are used to operate and maintain the public library.
“That includes people who are delinquent. It’s all wrapped up on one bundle. This comes to us from the (Union County) treasurer’s office,” Hash told McGhee.
The council will next meet at 5:30 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Council Chamber of City Hall.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.