PANGBURN — For a town of just 684 residents, this White County community has had more than its share of turmoil.
On Friday, James Williams resigned as mayor, a position he had held for four years and five months. Earlier this week, the town’s police chief since Jan. 1, Terry Mullenax, submitted his resignation, effective May 27.
Mullenax is leaving to take another job, Williams said.
Williams had submitted his resignation to the City Council on Tuesday night, but aldermen voted 5-1 not to accept it.
On Friday, though, he left a one-sentence letter of resignation on his desk, said Shirley Ramsey, the town’s recorder, treasurer and court clerk. The letter did not offer a reason for his departure but said it was effective at the end of Tuesday’s City Council meeting.
Ramsey said she will be the interim mayor until the City Council appoints someone to fill the vacancy.
In late December, Williams fired Police Chief Harold Glenn and two police officers, Buster Glenn and Eric Patterson. They constituted the town’s entire Police Department.
Williams declined to say why he didn’t want the three on the police force.
In November, Williams won a second term by beating Glenn. Williams said, however, that his unhappiness with the three had “nothing to do with the mayor’s race.” But Glenn, who first was asked to resign,said the action was obviously political.
As mayor, Williams made $360 a year and got a $750 Christmas bonus.
Arkansas, Pages 17 on 05/14/2011