TEXARKANA - Mayor Wayne Smith is throwing his hat in the ring for Miller County tax collector.
Smith is beginning his fourth year in his first term as mayor. Even if he does not win the Republican primary for collector in May, he will return as mayor, a term that ends Dec. 31 unless he is re-elected, Smith said.
The tax collector’s position pays $38,933 per year.
Smith is running for the position held by Melissa Barnes, who was arrested last month after being accused of stealing cash proceeds from the Miller County tax collector’s office.
Special agents of the Arkansas State Police Criminal Investigation Division arrested Barnes, 45, of Texarkana on a theft of property charge Dec. 28, spokesman Bill Sadler said.
Eighth Circuit Prosecuting Attorney Carlton Jones said the criminal case against Barnes is under investigation, and a legislative audit is ongoing.
Arkansas, Pages 12 on 01/15/2014