Rosston Council Adopts Water-Rate Ordinance, Reviews Audit Finding

Rosston, Jan. 13, 2026 — The Rosston City Council approved a water-rate increase and addressed audit findings during its January 12 meeting, which also included training endorsements and administrative updates.

The meeting was called to order at 5:30 p.m. by Mayor Sam Quarles and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and an invocation by Treasurer/Recorder Tia Blackley. The minutes from the previous meeting were approved after minor corrections were made on the spot.

The council began with a discussion of water rates, reviewing the state-mandated increase and confirming that alternatives had been explored with assistance from state officials and the Arkansas Municipal League. Following this discussion, Ordinance 126, which formalizes the new water rate increase, was read. The rules to read the entire ordinance were suspended, and it was read for the second and third times by “title only” and unanimously adopted.

The 2024 audit findings were then addressed. The city administrator and mayor noted that discrepancies were corrected during the day of the audit and discussed past issues tied to outdated financial software and records. Recent QuickBooks updates were praised for improving recordkeeping, revision, and additional training was encouraged to strengthen financial responsibility.

Act 605 training was endorsed for council members and staff with fewer than ten years of service, emphasizing its importance for effective municipal administration.

Before adjournment, a sidebar discussion reminded council members and residents that election petitions should be completed soon to prepare for the upcoming election season. The floor was open for public and council comments, but none were offered. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.