Como is looking for a new municipal clerk following the resignation of Scott Rhines.

Rhines, who served since March, 2008, resigned to allow him to pursue another opportunity that had presented itself unexpectedly, he said Tuesday. He will operate a florist’s business in Tunica where he can also sell his antiques.

Rhines was hired after a financial crisis surfaced in Como following seizure of city accounts by the IRS in 2007 for not depositing amounts withheld from employees’ paychecks. Rhines’ tenure under three mayors helped to stabilize the monthly cash flow by implementing a systematic procedures for payables and receiveables.

Aldermen voted at their Tuesday, August 14 meeting, to accept applications for the position until their September meeting. Aldermen also voted  to move their September meeting from the month’s second Tuesday to the first Tuesday— September 4 at 6 p.m. Advertisements listing qualifications and application procedures will appear in Thursday’s Southern Reporter and Friday’s Panolian.

Mayor Everette Hill requested the date change for September only to give town officials more time to prepare the municipal budget.

Aldermen also agree to hold a budget meeting Tuesday, August 21 at 6 p.m.

Rhines’ absence triggered several adjustments during Tuesday night’s meeting that was attended by a sufficient number of citizens to fill the meeting room in the Como library.
McGehee Marsh agreed, at the request of the mayor, to record the meeting’s minutes. Aldermen also passed several motions to establish new signatories for the town’s checks and safety deposit box.

Alderman Clark Gregory agreed to be the third person authorized to sign the town’s checks with aldermen Forster Ruhl and mayor Everette Hill, who had already been authorized. Two signatures are required for each town check.

The mayor also asked Judy Gravett to continue providing clerical help in town hall, and she agreed.

Aldermen voted unanimously to engage the Givens accounting firm of Senatobia to prepare the municipal payroll and examine the town’s books prior the arrival of the new town clerk.