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Atoka aldermen approve series of routine measures, promote deputy recorder and schedule budget workshop
Summary
Atoka's board approved the consent agenda, promoted the deputy town recorder to town recorder upon the incumbent's retirement, adopted several resolutions and set a budget work session; the board also took first readings on two ordinances and approved a settlement in Pelletier v. Atoka.
Mayor Barry Aiken presided over the Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting on Feb. 18, where members approved routine business, voted to promote the deputy town recorder and scheduled a budget workshop to begin work on the town’s fiscal year priorities.
The board approved the consent agenda (items A–H) by voice vote after a brief remark noting that sales tax revenue is trending upward and that a $300,000 sewer fund reimbursement had moved the fund back into the black. Mayor Barry Aiken said the board had reviewed the items and would enact them by one motion.
The board voted to promote Rachel, the deputy town recorder, to town recorder upon the retirement of current recorder Debbie Pickard, whose official day was announced as March 14. An alderman asked that placement or hiring discussions wait until the first budget workshop; the board nonetheless approved the promotion by voice vote.
Town staff presented two ordinances for first reading. The first, an amendment to the fiscal year 2025 general fund budget, formalizes a donation received after the budget’s adoption; the board approved the ordinance on first reading by roll-call vote with no recorded nays. The second ordinance would change the regular board meeting start time from 7:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; the board took that measure as a first reading and carried the title reading on roll call.
The board adopted two resolutions by voice vote: one replacing Debbie Pickard with Wilco Rubius as an authorized check signer, and another authorizing an employee credit card for the incoming town recorder with the same $4,000 limit as the prior card.
The board also voted to approve a post‑mediation settlement agreement to resolve the outstanding lawsuit Pelletier v. Atoka after prior discussion in a work session and executive session with counsel.
Looking ahead, the town administrator reminded the board that a budget work session is scheduled for Tuesday the 25th at 6 p.m., when staff and aldermen will review department budgets and discuss options the town is evaluating to reduce benefit costs without materially reducing coverage.
The meeting adjourned after the board completed business.
