Spat winds down after police chief intercedes

TEXARKANA — The mayor called on the police chief to help restore order when bickering broke out among members of the Texarkana Board of Directors before a routine vote Monday.

City Director Laney Harris took exception when Mayor Ruth Penney-Bell mentioned that he had not attended a workshop covering the city’s latest financial audit, which the board was about to vote to approve.

Harris raised his voice and spoke first against Penney-Bell and then against City Director Linda Teeters when she responded. Penney-Bell asked Police Chief Robert Harrison, who was in the audience, to approach the boardroom podium.

Calm returned shortly thereafter, and the board voted unanimously to approve the audit. Conducted by the accounting firm BKD, the audit found “no material weaknesses or significant deficiencies” in the city’s financial reporting for 2017 and that it complies fully with state law.

Harris was the only board member with questions about the audit for Finance Director TyRhonda Henderson. The other members had met in a workshop session about the audit just before the board meeting.

Harris often chooses not to attend workshops, which are focused on specific topics.

“Director Harris, these are things that we worked on,” Penney-Bell began to say when Harris asked questions regarding pension contributions.

Harris interrupted her. “I knew that’s the first thing you’d say. No, I did not attend the workshop. I had some things I had to do, and I didn’t want to attend it,” Harris said.

“You didn’t want to attend. I appreciate you saying that,” Teeters said.

“That’s enough!” Penney-Bell said as Harris attempted to talk over her. “That’s enough. Chief.”

“Oh, now you’re going to try to walk me out of the building,” Harris said as Harrison approached the podium.

“I have the right,” Penney-Bell said.

“You need to control her. Stop trying to control me,” Harris said about Teeters, and asked Harrison if he was going to escort Harris out of the meeting.

“No, I’m not. But if the mayor tells you she wants to restore order,” Harrison said before Harris interrupted him to continue, saying Teeters was out of line.

Penney-Bell then regained control of the meeting.