By Ray King
At its meeting Monday, the Pine Bluff City Council heard the first reading of an ordinance that will authorize the city to pay bills electronically rather than by paper checks.
According to the proposed ordinance, many vendors or other entities require payments in electronic form and in order to continue to do business with these vendors or entities it is necessary for the city to pay them in a form they will accept.
Several members of the council had questions about the ordinance, particularly accountability and Mayor Vivian Flowers told them to submit their questions to her office so she could get the answers.
That ordinance will be read twice more before a final vote.
Also Monday, a resolution saying that the city is willing to participate in a federal grant program requiring matching in-kind money or labor to benefit the Delta Rhythm and Bayous District pedestrian connection.
Council Member Bruce Lockett explained what the grant is all about.
A resolution amending the 2025 budget was tabled and will be sent to the finance committee for consideration. The resolution calls for “making need adjustments and changes” to the budget.
