The Pulaski County Commissioners have decided to hold off on renewing their contract with County Attorney Kevin Tankersley. His proposal to extend the contract through the end of 2020 under the existing terms led to some tension during Monday’s commissioners meeting.
While Commissioner Jerry Locke was ready to move ahead with the contract renewal, Auditor Laura Wheeler and Commissioner Kenny Becker were not so sure. Instead, they wanted to wait until a third commissioner is chosen. Tankersley wondered why they felt they needed a third commissioner.
Locke’s motion to renew the contract was followed by several minutes of consideration but relatively little discussion. Tankersley urged the commissioners to make a decision, since he wanted 90 days notice before the current contract expires at the end of the year.
But Wheeler encouraged the commissioners to wait, saying she didn’t think they fully understood the terms. She didn’t elaborate on her concerns with the contract. Instead she repeatedly asked the commissioners if they had read it. Locke didn’t answer the question directly, but said he knew “pretty much what is in it.”
“Look at us communicating. Isn’t this fun?” Tankersley joked.
“No,” Wheeler replied.
Becker then spent a few minutes reading over the proposed contract. Ultimately, Locke’s motion died for a lack of a second, but not before Becker thought about the issue for over 10 minutes. They plan to revisit the contract next month, once a third commissioner is in place.
Meanwhile, the commissioners and county council are scheduled to meet in executive session this evening, to discuss pending litigation.
