The Texarkana Ark., City Board of Directors met in a special session Wednesday morning that resulted in a $220,000 settlement for a former city clerk who was fired last year and the resignation of City Manager Harold Boldt.

Boldt told directors he would resign effective June 30 and has said elsewhere that health concerns are his reasons for leaving office.

The board voted 5-1 in favor of giving a settlement to former City Clerk Patti Grey, who was terminated in February of 2014. The settlement was in the amount of $220,000. Laney J. Harris cast the opposing vote.

The city manager fired Grey in 2014 surrounding allegations she made that he used her signature stamp improperly.

Mayor Ruth Penney Bell said Wednesday she's pleased with the settlement.

"It's over, and many residents will be thankful that this is the end and that it is a time for a new beginning in the city. I believe this is the very best we could do for the city and I did not want it to go to trial," the mayor said.

Assistant Mayor, Director Laney J. Harris, however, voted against the settlement.

"I feel the city should have at least filed a motion for summary judgement. I feel it was a political settlement, not a legal settlement," he said.

Mayor Bell reacted to the settlement news in a positive manner.

"This is another process in the new beginning for the city."

The City of Texarkana, Ark., has operated under the City Manager form of government since 1961. The City Manager form of government provides for the hiring of a professional administrator to operate the City on a day-to-day basis. All other department heads and employees work under the direction of the City Manager. This form of government combines the political leadership of elected officials with the managerial experience of an appointed administrator. It consists of a seven-member Board of Directors.

According to the mayor, the city board will take up the matter of Boldt's resignation at its next regularly scheduled meeting in early April. And that once it is voted on, they will begin an active search for a new city manager.

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