Hedley approves election matters

The Hedley City Council took several steps to get ready for the upcoming election during its regular meeting last Thursday, March 9.

Mayor Carrie Butler announced that Howardwick City Secretary Sandy Childress is helping the city fill out the paperwork and do what must be done in order to hold the election on May 6.

A special election to fill the unexpired term of former alderman Sandy Wilkinson that would have been held in conjunction with the upcoming general election was cancelled. Clayton Beagle was appointed to Wilkinson’s seat and filed to run for that position. No one else signed up for that spot; and since it was uncontested, the council cancelled the special election.

The regular election for three seats on the council has six candidates running – incumbents Trisha Chambless, Alicia Hanes, and Jennifer Floyd and challengers Christine Coyle, Calvin Holland, and Tanya White Gibson.

Aldermen agreed to hold the drawing for ballot positions on Monday, march 13, and approved the order of election for May 6. Early voting will be held from April 24 through May 2, Monday-Friday between the hours of 1 p.m. and 5 p.m.

Butler will conduct the election with Childress’ assistance.

In other city business, the council voted to approve borrowing $75,000 from Herring Bank against a bond insurance policy valued at $137,000.

The loan will provide operating money to the city and will be repaid by insurance funds once an ongoing investigation of misappropriation of funds is completed.

Butler announced that a forensic auditor had been to City Hall on March 8 and is expected to have a report in about two weeks. Once the city has that report, they can file on the bond insurance, she said.

annual Chance Mark Jones Roar & Run 5K and the Pony Parents community Easter Egg Hunt on April 1.

The council approved a fee of $35 to reactivate water service after hours. Fees on gaming machines were raised from $100 to $1,000.

The mayor commended the council members who helped compile information for the auditor. Once the auditor finishes his investigation, he will help organize the city’s records to give the next city secretary a good starting point.

The council also discussed and approved bills for the city and accepted a bid on property during the meeting.