The El Dorado City Council will consider amending the payout of retirement benefits for a former city clerk/treasurer who recently passed away.
The item tops new business on the council’s agenda for a regular meeting at 5:30 p.m. today in the Council Chamber of City Hall.
Former City Clerk/Treasurer Dennis Puckett died on Sept. 8 in Springdale. He was 88.
Puckett twice served as city clerk/treasurer, first from 1989 to 1995 and again from 2003 until 2006.
Under the terms of the city’s retirement plan for elected officials, 50 percent of the benefits may go to a surviving spouse, Mayor Frank Hash explained.
Puckett is survived by wife Nancy, also of Springdale.
The matter requires a vote from the city council.
Aldermen will also consider recommended appointments to fill two vacancies on the El Dorado Planning and Zoning Commission.
Commissioners addressed the matter Tuesday, sifting through four applications and selecting Scott Ellen and Jeremy Hurst.
Their recommendation was forwarded to the council and Hash for appointment.
Ellen, a real estate appraiser, formerly served on the El Dorado City Council. Hurst is executive vice-president of lending at Southern Bancorp.
Former EPZC Chairman Michael Rogers resigned from the commission earlier this summer.
Former Commissioner Vicky Dobson’s term expired on Aug. 25. Dobson had said that she would not seek another term.
Commissioner Kelly Halstead has been elected as interim chairman.
In other business, the city council is expected to review the city’s 2016 legislative audit report and levy annual property taxes and millage rates.
A proposed resolution supporting the upcoming 40 Days of Prayer is also on the council’s agenda.
The third annual event will get under way on Oct. 1.
El Dorado and Union County residents are invited to participate by focusing on different prayer topics each day for 40 days to promote unity and peace in the community.
Tia Lyons may be contacted at 870-862-6611 or tlyons@ eldoradonews.com.