By Judith Roberts, publisher
Ruston City Council convened for its monthly meeting Monday night, where Councilman Jim Pearce, who represents Ward 4, announced he would not run for upcoming re-election, and the city entered into contract to construct a new Ruston animal control facility.
Pearce has served on the city council fo 24 years.
“Ruston is my hometown, and I will continue to work to keep our community great, but I will not seek re-election for another term,” he said.
Pearce said many of his constituents had offered kind words of encouragement.
“This has been a rewarding experience working together with them (prior Mayor Dan Hollingsworth and current Mayor Ronny Walker) and with other city council members to make Ruston a great city,” Pearce said. “Thank you to the citizens of Ward 4, who have given me the opportunity to be your representative for these past 24 years.”
The other main item on the council’s agenda was to authorize the city to enter into contract relating to construction of the Ruston animal control facility. The hope is to have the facility up and ready in about nine months.
The facility will be located at the old airport terminal near the rear tarmac.
Also, the council decided to enter into a professional services agreement with Gallagher Benefit Services for a comprehensive compensation study.
“We, like all cities, are having trouble retaining staff, so we’re looking at ways to benefit employees — with salaries and with benefits,” Mayor Ronny Walker said.
