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Gabbard resigns from public utilities panel |
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Thursday, 22 May 2008 |
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Ray Gabbard, a member of the Benton Public Utilities Commission, has resigned.  Ray Gabbard of the Benton Utilities Commission receives an appreciation plaque from Terry McKinney, general manager of Benton Utilities.
Gabbard’s service to the panel and to the city was recognized in a meeting of the commission.
Terry McKinney, general manager of Benton Utilities, commended Gabbard’s leadership and presented him an appreciation plaque.
“It is with sincere regret and appreciation that I have to announce the resignation and retirement of Benton Utilities Commissioner Ray Gabbard effective Monday, May 30, 2008,” McKinney said at the start of the meeting Monday night.
McKinney said Gabbard has been “a tremendous asset to Benton Utilities throughout his tenure, bringing many years of experience in all aspects of utilities to the commission.”
“His knowledge and understanding of the day-to-day activities will be enormously missed,” he added. “He has truly been a friend to Benton Utilities prior to and during his tenure on this commission serving the citizens of Benton as a commissioner since 2005.”
Gabbard has offered to assist the commission “in any way possible to keep Benton Utilities on track to meet all goals set forth in their mission statement,” McKinney said.
Gabbard’s resignation creates a vacancy on the commission, McKinney noted. The commission is accepting resumes from local residents interested in serving on the commission.
McKinney pointed out that Gabbard’s successor will be appointed to fill a position that will expire Dec. 31, 2012.
He noted that the commission has management responsibility over the electric distribution, water purification, water distribution, wastewater collections, wastewater treatment plant, administrative services and purchasing departments with regard to long-term planning, personnel requirements and operational needs.
There is no salary with the position but expenses incurred in regard to utility business could be reimbursed, McKinney said.
Commissioners must reside in the city of Benton. Deadline to apply for the panel is 5 p.m. Friday, June 13. Resumes or letter of petition should be submitted to Terry McKinney, Benton Utilities General Manager, 1827 Dale St., Benton, AR 72015. These also may be delivered to the Dale Street address.
“Although Mr. Gabbard will be leaving Benton Utilities with a large gap to fill, he is fulfilling another personal goal,” McKinney said. “He is looking forward to spending many days traveling with his lovely wife, Lenore. They love to travel and spend time together, and with his resignation, it will allow more free time to enjoy life and the things near and dear to his heart.
McKinney said he and the other members of the commission wish only good things for the Gabbards “as they enter this new era in their lives.”
“We hope each of their days are filled with peace, love and laughter, God’s richest blessings, and that they are surrounded by loved ones — both good friends and family.”
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Razorbacks
