Eviction-resolution changes lead LR board to delay vote

Little Rock city directors again delayed a vote on a resolution that would urge landlords to halt evictions during the coronavirus pandemic, after being presented with changes to its language at Tuesday’s meeting.

The changes adjusted the resolution’s reference to federal legislation limiting evictions in federally funded housing so that it refers to a specific section of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act. A part of the resolution dealing with the reporting of late payments also was adjusted so it no longer makes specific reference to credit agencies or financial institutions.

At-large City Director Gene Fortson said that because he was attending remotely and didn’t have the changes in front of him, he did not feel comfortable moving to a vote Tuesday.

Fortson’s motion to defer the resolution was approved with votes from him, Ward 4 City Director Capi Peck, Ward 6 City Director Doris Wright, Ward 7 City Director B.J. Wyrick, and at-large City Directors Joan Adcock and Dean Kumpuris.

Ward 2 City Director Ken Richardson, who spearheaded the resolution, voted against deferral, as did Ward 1 City Director Erma Hendrix and Ward 3 City Director Kathy Webb.

Wright said she did not feel that residents fully understood the resolution, which does not have any legal ramifications for landlords, and misinterpreted it as the city banning evictions.

Her statements were met with applause from some audience members at the board meeting.

Richardson said the resolution’s purpose is to send a message that the board cares about people who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the pandemic.

“This is us going on record saying that we are concerned about the effects of this pandemic on all of our citizens,” he said.

Webb said she supported the resolution.

“Even though a lot of the calls were very threatening in nature, I want to be on record as supporting this resolution,” she said. “It is an opportunity for us to take a stand. I don’t take it as anti-landlord.”

The resolution also would urge landlords not to charge any late-payment fees against renters until the unemployment percentage within the city comes down close to 3.5%, where it was in February, and the states of emergency in the city and state have been lifted.

Additionally, it would exhort Gov. Asa Hutchinson to consider a statewide moratorium on evictions and late fees.

Arkansas’ unemployment rate was 9.5% in May, the latest figure available from the state Division of Workforce Services. Nearly 44% of people who live in Little Rock reside in rental housing, according to figures from the U.S. Census Bureau cited in the resolution.

The Board of Directors’ vote on the resolution is now scheduled for the Aug. 4 meeting.