FAST FACTS:
(TURRELL, AR 2/26/2009) The mayor of a small Arkansas town apologized to residents Thursday for shutting the doors of city hall. But he says it's not his fault.
Mayor Franklin Lockhart says the aldermen have not approved a budget. So until they do, the city will go without garbage pick-up and emergency services. Residents must call the sheriff's department if they have an emergency.
"I wish they could get along," said resident Aubrey Bailes.
Mayor Lockhart says don't blame him.
"We don't have anything but water, nothing but water and it upsets me," he said. "The budget is in the hands of the councilmen, when they don't do their job, I can't operate. That's the law."
We tried to talk to some of the aldermen. Alderman Floyd Holmes declined an on-camera interview, but off-camera tells us Turrell is facing some serious money issues. He says last month the IRS seized about $43,000 from their accounts, hardly leaving them a dime.
But the mayor says the city is in better shape now than it's been in a long time.
"The alderman say what they want to say because they don't take time to do their jobs," said Mayor Lockhart.
So until this is all straightened out, the trash will continue to pile up. Tonight neighbors shake their heads, wishing the two sides could come together and work something out.
"Meet in the middle or something," said Bailes.
And it looks like both sides will have a chance next week. a public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6:00 p.m. It'll be held at the community center since city hall is closed.
- Turrell Mayor shuts down city
- Says aldermen won't pass budget
- Residents have no garbage service or police patrolling their neighborhoods
(TURRELL, AR 2/26/2009) The mayor of a small Arkansas town apologized to residents Thursday for shutting the doors of city hall. But he says it's not his fault.
Mayor Franklin Lockhart says the aldermen have not approved a budget. So until they do, the city will go without garbage pick-up and emergency services. Residents must call the sheriff's department if they have an emergency.
"I wish they could get along," said resident Aubrey Bailes.
Mayor Lockhart says don't blame him.
"We don't have anything but water, nothing but water and it upsets me," he said. "The budget is in the hands of the councilmen, when they don't do their job, I can't operate. That's the law."
We tried to talk to some of the aldermen. Alderman Floyd Holmes declined an on-camera interview, but off-camera tells us Turrell is facing some serious money issues. He says last month the IRS seized about $43,000 from their accounts, hardly leaving them a dime.
But the mayor says the city is in better shape now than it's been in a long time.
"The alderman say what they want to say because they don't take time to do their jobs," said Mayor Lockhart.
So until this is all straightened out, the trash will continue to pile up. Tonight neighbors shake their heads, wishing the two sides could come together and work something out.
"Meet in the middle or something," said Bailes.
And it looks like both sides will have a chance next week. a public meeting is scheduled for Monday at 6:00 p.m. It'll be held at the community center since city hall is closed.
