By: Jeremy Handel, Staff Writer
The City of Woodruff received a glowing report on its financial position and operations on its annual independent audit, notching the best opinion the city can receive, according to auditing firm McKinley Cooper, LLC.
“We have issued a clean audit opinion with no material issues to report to the council,” said Matt Phillips of McKinley Cooper.
According to the audit, the city had total assets of $17.9 million with outstanding liabilities of $8.3 million, representing a health net position. The city’s net position grew from the previous year. Some of the surplus is credited to funds received from the American Rescue Plan, federal funds issued to help municipalities during the COVID pandemic, that have yet to be spent. Phillips indicated that this is a similar situation in many municipalities and is not an issue for concern.
Phillips also indicated that the audit found the city maintains a positive cash flow of approximately $300,000. He also said that Woodruff compares very favorably with other cities and towns in the state in its financial position.
In other business, the council approved the annexation and zoning of approximately 300 acres of land at 6400 and 6401 Highway 101, which is expected to be developed into an industrial complex. The proposed development is expected to be built as a speculative industrial facility to attract large companies to the area.
During a public hearing for the item, local resident Roy Engelhart expressed his concern with the development and the increased traffic it would attract to the area. He said he is concerned the increased traffic will bring more safety issues for travelers in the area.
In addition to the zoning, the council also approved a new ordinance to regulate mobile food vendors operating in the city. The new ordinance requires mobile vendors to obtain a city permit and business license and to pay hospitality tax on their sales in the city.
City Manager Lee Bailey told the council that with Woodruff’s continued growth, the city has received more interest in food trucks locating here. The city did not previously have an ordinance for these types of vendors and researched ordinances in other area cities to develop one.
Other requirements under the ordinance include removing the mobile unit every night, not operating more than three days in any seven-day period, and not operating within 200 feet of a brick-and-mortar food vendor without permission from the owner. Bailey said these requirements will help ensure that the vendors do not significantly impact the business of local restaurants.
The council also approved the first reading of a request to rezone a parcel at 168 Hunter Road from agricultural to R-3 multifamily housing for the proposed development of a townhome community.
In staff reports, Bailey told the council that the city will be adding some new events for the Christmas holiday this year, including horse-drawn carriage rides downtown and a lighting ceremony for new decorations at McKinney Park.
The Woodruff City Council meets on the last Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. at city hall. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 29. All meetings are open to the public.
Author: Tracy Sanders
