HOXIE, Ark. — Verna Coats has announced her candidacy for re-election as Hoxie City Clerk-Treasurer, seeking another term after first being appointed to the office in 2021 and elected by voters in 2023.
During her tenure, Coats has been responsible for maintaining the City’s financial and official records, processing the majority of Freedom of Information Act requests, and assisting with the day-to-day operations of the Water Department.
Coats has also continued her professional education while serving in office. She has earned Level 3 Municipal Clerk Certification through the Arkansas Municipal League, is a Level 1 Certified Grant Writer, and is a Certified Floodplain Administrator.
Among the projects highlighted during her campaign, Coats said she helped secure a $150,000 emergency loan after a major sewer line collapsed on Lindsey Street, allowing repairs to move forward without interruption to critical infrastructure. She also cited the repayment of a temporary $15,000 General Fund loan that had been used to address a short-term cash flow need within the Sewer Fund.
Coats said she believes the responsibilities of the City Clerk-Treasurer extend beyond maintaining records and managing finances.
“The office of City Clerk-Treasurer is one of the few positions in city government that interacts with residents almost every day,” Coats said. “Whether someone is paying a utility bill, requesting public records, or relying on the City to manage taxpayer dollars responsibly, they deserve professionalism, accuracy, and accountability. Those have been my priorities since taking office.”
Coats said she is seeking re-election to continue providing stable financial oversight, maintain transparency in city operations, and build upon the work completed during her first term.
“The trust placed in public officials is something that must be earned every day,” Coats said. “I have worked hard to serve the people of Hoxie with integrity, to be accessible to our residents, and to ensure the City’s business is conducted responsibly. I would be honored to continue serving our community.”
The municipal election will be held Nov. 3.