ROSSTON, Ark. — The Rosston City Council addressed routine business, infrastructure needs, and a long-standing financial obligation during its regular meeting Tuesday (4-12) evening. Mayor Samuel Quarles called the May 12 meeting to order with a quorum present. The session opened with the Pledge of Allegiance, followed by an invocation led by Tia Blakely, treasurer and recorder. Council members then approved minutes from the previous meeting, noting with humor a misspelling of the mayor’s last name, which was corrected.
Old business was reviewed and approved as ongoing before the council turned its attention to new matters. Melissa Hicks, financial administrator and clerk, presented the city’s budget report, stating that sales tax collections remain steady with a slight increase.
It was also highlighted that concerns regarding compensation for first responders, noting that the fire department’s call-response pay system would benefit from improved reporting procedures.
In one of the meeting’s key actions, the council approved Ordinance 526, a Cross Connection Control Program ordinance aimed at protecting the city’s water system from contamination. The ordinance was passed after three readings by title only.
The council also voted to declare an aging city work truck inoperable and surplus. Officials said the vehicle will be disposed of, with proceeds split evenly between the city and the municipal water department. This was believed to be a fair and equitable handling of the matter.
Added to the agenda was a focus on resolving a financial issue stemming from a 2018 legislative audit. Council members discussed a previously approved payment agreement and ultimately voted to amend it and adopt a pay-in-full resolution. City officials said the debt will be fully satisfied on May 13, completing what they described as an inherited obligation.
Looking ahead, Mayor Quarles, several council members, and city staff plan to attend the Summer 2026 Municipal League Conference. Final travel arrangements and costs were discussed, with officials emphasizing the importance of training and continuing education for municipal leadership.
Before adjournment, officials provided an update on state requirements for city-domain email addresses. Smaller municipalities such as Rosston now have until June 2027 to comply, extending the previous deadline by one year. With no further business, the meeting was adjourned.
