WM achieves ‘A+’ S&P Global credit rating
Council talks bonds, charity before executive session
By DON WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
The West Memphis City Council’s March meeting had a little bit of everything: prayers, property purchases, charity donations and a sprinkle of legislative maneuvering.
Mayor Marco McClendon started things off by asking for prayers for Councilor Gheric Bruce, who recently lost his father, and for Councilor Charles Wheeless, who was out sick. After roll call confirmed a quorum, the council got down to business.
A pair of special-use permits were given their second readings, one for a light vehicle repair shop at 1305 Thompson Ave. and another for a heavy repair mechanic shop at 301 S. Woods St. Both are set for final votes on Mar. 20. Meanwhile, a resolution authorizing the city to purchase properties on South Grove Dr., Elm St., and Oak Cove breezed through with unanimous approval.
Charity funds also found their way onto the agenda. The council divided up the Youth Charity Day Fund, sending nearly $40,000 to four local Boys & Girls Clubs.. The Breakage Charity Fund, a little over $9,000, was split among the mayor and council members to distribute to nonprofits of their choice. Some of those funds went to Faith International Church and Missouri Street Church of Christ, with unanimous approval. The real fireworks came when bond attorney Ryan Bowman took the floor. West Memphis had secured an A+ credit rating from S& P
See CREDIT, page A2 CREDIT
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Global, a _rst for the city. This rating boosts con_dence in the bonds approved by voters last November, which fund parks, police, _re, and drainage projects. The 3.25 percent sales tax associated with the bonds is generating more than enough revenue, meaning the city might retire its debt earlier than expected.
The council then briey tangled over the airport commission vacancy. Councilor Wayne Croom pushed to appoint Bill Morris, but with no second, the motion opped. Councilor Tracy Catt suggested following standard procedures by reviewing more candidates before making a decision.
Then came the big mystery of the day when council suddenly decided to enter an executive session, allowing only a few key of_cials inside. When they returned, they adjourned without explanation, offering only a vague statement that it was an internal personnel matter.
