Esto Council appoints Bien, discusses annexation and hears conflict concerns

Members of the Esto Town Council addressed several matters during their Monday, May 18 meeting, including filling a vacant council seat, discussing possible annexation efforts and hearing concerns regarding potential conflicts involving Town Clerk Ben Tew.

Resident Krystal Bien again approached the council regarding her interest in serving on the board after previously being denied appointment to the vacant seat months earlier. At that time, concerns had been raised by council members following Bien’s resignation from the council amid looming disciplinary issues involving Tew.

During Monday’s meeting, Bien explained that she had waited to see if another resident would volunteer to fill the position, but after approximately two months, no one had stepped forward to serve.

Esto Town Attorney Michelle Jordan advised the board that a formal vote would be required in order to appoint Bien to the council. Despite concerns voiced by Tew, the council voted unanimously to appoint Bien to the vacant seat. Tew subsequently administered Bien’s oath of office.

The council also discussed the possibility of annexing additional land into the Town of Esto. Council member Greg Wells expressed interest in expanding the town limits by as much as two miles in all directions.

Jordan explained that the annexation process can be lengthy, particularly if property owners do not voluntarily agree to be annexed into the municipality. Wells acknowledged that he believed some residents would oppose annexation efforts.

Municipal annexation can provide towns with opportunities to increase their tax base, guide future growth and development, expand utility and infrastructure services and strengthen long-term economic stability. 

Toward the conclusion of the meeting, Esto Fire Chief Cliff Kimble read from a letter outlining concerns involving Tew’s actions regarding matters connected to the Noma Fire Department.

According to Kimble, Tew had allegedly bypassed both the Esto Town Council and the fire department while communicating with county officials regarding fundraising activities conducted by the Noma Fire Department. Tew currently serves as town clerk for both Esto and Noma.

Wells stated that he previously voiced concerns regarding potential conflicts of interest stemming from Tew serving both municipalities and said those concerns remain ongoing. Wells added that he did not appreciate the manner in which the situation was being handled.

During the discussion, Tew was publicly instructed to make a decision intended to avoid potential conflicts between the two towns. Kimble stated that if the conflict continued, he would resign from his position as fire chief.