City attorney resigns

PRESCOTT – Prescott’s City Council accepted the resignation of City Attorney James Stayton at its June meeting Tuesday night.

Stayton’s letter of resignation cited the reason as being his private practice is taking up too much time for him to properly serve the position as city attorney. Prescott Mayor Terry Oliver said the city will put an interview committee together to talk to potential candidates.

The council also approved amendments to the proposed sales tax ordinance it passed at its May meeting. Wording in two paragraphs were changed, requiring the amendment.

Mary Godwin, executive director of the Prescott-Nevada County Economic Development Office, informed the council the May sales tax collection was up considerably. She added there is a grant/loan program from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development Program to help small businesses and farms convert to renewable energy. The program is 50 percent grand and 50 percent loan. Those interested can contact Rebecca Buck, the USDA’s rural development director for this area.

The recent job fair, she said, was successful with 26 businesses showing up looking for employees. Around 115 locals came to the job fair looking for work or for a better job. The fair also included the opportunity for those interested to get better trained for new positions or continue their education. The primary focus of the job fair was for the displaced workers from Holcim. Godwin added Love’s is looking to hire around 67 people for its new travel center, across from the current center. The new Love’s is expected to open around October and is looking for applicants at this time.

Jim Stockton was selected to replace Felix Wiley on the Prescott Parks Commission.

Two members of the council were recognized at the 89th Annual Convention recently, Susie Meeks and Howard Austin. Meeks was honored for her 25 years as a member of the council, while Austin was recognized with a distinguished service award.