RISON - The Rison City Council decided Tuesday night to seek letters of interest from people who would like to fill the unexpired term of Ward A, Position 1 councilman Scott Morrison, who submitted a letter of resignation after moving to Northwest Arkansas.
Mayor Charles Roberts read Morrison's resignation letter during Tuesday night's regular monthly meeting of the Rison City Council. In his letter, Morrison wrote that he always tried to make decisions that were in the best interest of the city during his 37 years of service on the Rison City Council.
All four council members at the meeting - Michael Barnett, Bruce Grubb, Curtis Marks and Cleve Reed - approved separate motions to accept Morrison's resignation and to officially declare a vacancy for Ward A, Position 1 position. The other council member, Rodney Reed, was out of town.
There was some discussion about what procedure the city should take in finding someone to fill Morrison's seat on the sixmember council. City Attorney Thomas Burns, who was at the meeting, said there is no set procedure provided in the state law regarding the selection process. However, Burns did say that state law requires whoever is selected to be unanimously approved by the other city council members.
Ultimately, the council decided to accept letters of interest from those who would like to serve. Ward A, which Morrison represented, generally includes the southern part of the city. Candidates considered for the position must reside within Ward A.
Morrison's current term will end on Dec. 31, 2024. Whoever is appointed to the position will serve on the city council until then. That person can also run for the seat when it comes up for election in 2024.
Roberts encouraged those who are interested in submitting their name to include some background information similar to a resume in their letter of interest. The letters can be turned in at Rison City Hall or in the drop box af...
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