Centerton council tables measure allowing council member’s firm to supply EMS goods after public concern

Centerton — The Centerton City Council on Sept. 10 tabled a resolution that would have authorized newly appointed Council Member Cliff Thompson to continue supplying medical and EMS supplies to the city, after residents and council members voiced concern about the appearance of a conflict of interest.

The debate unfolded after public commenter Cindy told the council she was “strongly in opposition” to the measure, saying that a council member doing business with the city would “create an appearance” that could erode public confidence. Council discussion centered on how Thompson’s employer has provided medical supplies to the city and whether the arrangement would give rise to favoritism or improper influence.

Why it matters: The council’s code allows city officials or employees to furnish materials or services to the city if they disclose the interest and no favoritism is extended, but several speakers said the optics matter. Cindy said elected officials — not appointed ones — should represent residents, and asked the council to prevent any current or future members from transacting business with the city.

Cliff Thompson, who the record shows works for the medical-supply firm that has supplied Centerton’s fire and EMS operations, described his role as an account manager and said his job is primarily “to service the account” and provide customer support rather than actively steering purchases. “There’s no ill intent involved with this relationship,” Thompson said, adding he would recuse himself from votes directly involving purchases from his company.

Several council members expressed reservations about keeping the arrangement in place. One member suggested staff explore whether Boundary Medical (the vendor referenced in the discussion) could reassign the Centerton account to a remote account manager or move it to a different territorial manager so Thompson would not have direct dealings with the city.

The motion to table the resolution carried. The roll-call exchange recorded Daren Warren, Jessie Reed and Keith Higen B voting to table; Council Member Cliff Thompson indicated he would abstain from the vote. The motion’s sponsor and seconder were not named in the record.

What’s next: Thompson said he would investigate options — including moving the account to another manager or arranging remote-only servicing — and attempt to report back within about 48 hours. If the city and the vendor agree a reassignment resolves the conflict, the council may remove the item from a future agenda.

The council’s decision to table the resolution leaves in place the city’s existing procurement practice for EMS supplies until members take further action, including potential formal restrictions or explicit recusal procedures.

Ending note: The item was tabled pending an administrative solution and more information; council members emphasized they want to preserve timely access to ambulance supplies while avoiding even the appearance of improper influence.