HOXIE, Ark. — Verna Coats has formally announced her campaign for re-election as Hoxie City Clerk-Treasurer. Coats, who was first appointed to the position in 2021 before being elected in 2023, emphasizes transparency, financial oversight, and community-focused service as priorities in her re-election bid.
As City Clerk-Treasurer, Coats manages Hoxie’s financial and official records, processes most Freedom of Information Act requests, and assists with daily operations for the Water Department. Beyond her standard responsibilities, Coats has continued her professional education, earning Level 3 Municipal Clerk Certification through the Arkansas Municipal League, becoming a Level 1 Certified Grant Writer, and achieving certification as a Floodplain Administrator.
During her campaign announcement, Coats highlighted a number of accomplishments from her first term. She noted her role in securing a $150,000 emergency loan to fund the repair of a collapsed sewer line on Lindsey Street, which ensured the continuation of essential infrastructure services. She also oversaw the repayment of a $15,000 temporary loan from the General Fund, which had been used to address short-term cash flow needs within the Sewer Fund.
“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 stated that she is seeking another term to continue building on the work of her first, with goals to further enhance financial stability, improve transparency in city operations, and maintain essential public services. She described her work as rooted in integrity and a daily commitment to earning the community’s trust.
“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 next municipal election is scheduled for Nov. 3.