Council seeks to tie past and future

In an effort to combine the past with the future, the City of Rector hopes to receive grant funds to renovate a building which is part of the town's history.

In a special meeting Monday night, council members David Freeman, Teresa Roofe and Laverne "Mac" Manchester approved a resolution allowing the city to apply for a $50,000 general improvement fund grant from the Arkansas Department of Rural Services. If the grant is received, the city will use the funds to renovate the Harper building, located on Front Street just behind city hall, and use it as the water department office. The Harper building is believed to be the oldest within the city limits.

The proposal will allow more space for the police department, something the city has been evaluating for years.

The project is expected to be completed in three phases.

Year-End Incentives

The council approved year-end incentive pay for city employees in the amount of $150 for full-time employees and $100 for part-time workers. These year-end incentives take the place of traditional holiday bonuses.

The council also voted to put a 2 1/2 percent cost of living raise into its schedule for future consideration.

NEAITC Renovation

A special meeting has been scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday for the opening of bids for renovation of the Northeast Arkansas Innovative Training Center building on Main Street. Bids will be opened and reviewed by architect A.C. Williams of Jonesboro, who is working on the project.

In other business, the council:

* Approved the appointment of Steve Sigsby to the Rector Housing Authority board.

* Approved the request for a city credit card through a local bank. Use of the card will require two approved signatures.