Baxter City Council honored Councilman Willie Allison for 16 years of service to the community during his final meeting as a member of the board.
Mayor Danny Holmes said Allison was one of the council members who originally hired him as the police chief 16 years ago. Holmes said Allison has left a lasting legacy for the town through his dedicated service to the city and its employees from 2010 to 2026. Allison said Baxter will always be his hometown.
“I just want to thank the council for working with us, with me for 16 years,” Allison said. “You all are my, my friends and I love you guys and I want to thank the city for electing me for 16 years.”
Allison said he and Councilman Greg Phillips began their terms together and worked to ensure city employees received the resources they needed. Allison said the city is blessed to have its current staff and must work hard to retain them because the employees are what make the city what it is.
Holmes said the city presented Allison with a plaque to commemorate his service. Mayor Holmes said the council will welcome a new councilman and the return of Jeff Herald at the next meeting.
“Well today is the day and I got that last month,” Allison said. “But you know, all of the 16 years, me and Greg here, you know, we started running together and we worked hard to give the employees what they needed.”
Holmes said the city also saw the re-election of Phillips and the election of Brian Burges to the council. Holmes said he appreciated everyone who ran for office because running a campaign is difficult.
“I’m going to do what’s right,” Phillips said. “I got four years and I’m going to do what’s right and I don’t care whose toes I step on.”
Holmes said the town has been fortunate to avoid property tax increases for the last 16 years. Holmes said he does not know if the board will be forced to raise taxes in the next four years, but he noted that such a decision would be difficult for the community.
