Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Municipal Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews $3.29M claims list; IRS and utility debts highlighted
Summary
Staff presented a claims list totaling $3,291,279.94 (down from $4.5M earlier); council discussed Entergy balances (just above $700,000) and an IRS liability referenced at $1.3M in prior reports, raising questions about total outstanding liabilities beyond the packeted claims list.
City staff presented an updated claims report showing $3,291,279.94 in claims against Helena-West Helena, a decline from earlier totals the mayor said were as high as $4.5 million.
Council members and staff walked through example line items during Q&A. Staff said a $21,000 UAMS pre-employment screening charge covered drug testing and physicals; smaller local vendor claims such as AutoZone invoices are being paid on a case-by-case basis. Council asked whether unpaid vendor bills were in litigation or otherwise contestable; staff said most smaller claims are not listed as in litigation on the packet.
Council probed utility obligations. The clerk and staff said Entergy accounts total just above $700,000 and that some accounts have not been paid since 2022. Separately, members referenced an IRS liability of about $1.3 million noted in December treasurer reports that is not listed on the claims packet; staff acknowledged the IRS and state tax liabilities and said those are being addressed through monthly payments where possible.
Council requested monthly claims updates and greater clarity on which liabilities require immediate payment versus those in dispute. Several members emphasized prioritizing payment plans for large creditors while addressing small local vendors to maintain city operations.
