Disagreement Puts Stagecoach In Limbo
By: Alex Flippin
Updated: May 31, 2007
In 2004 the city of Lowell purchased an old stagecoach from Springdale alderman Ray Dotson. The buggy was to be refurbished and then used at Lowell area functions. According to Lowell’s Mayor Long, the alderman recently delivered a hand written note to his office claiming the city of Lowell needed to pay him thousands of dollars before he’d give them what they were looking for…possession of the stagecoach.
After the horse drawn carriage was refurbished Dotson agreed to store it. Fees for that storage represent part of what he says he needs to be paid for.
The alderman tells us he admits he doesn’t have a written contract concerning the use of the stagecoach, but says he does have a written memorandum. He says he had a deal with the former mayor of Lowell that allowed for Dotson to use the stagecoach when the city of Lowell didn’t need it. The new mayor says he can’t honor “deals” made by his predecessor.
Both sides of the argument say they’re not exactly sure what the next step in the disagreement will be. Mayor Long says he’ll continue to work to retrieve the stagecoach from Dotson. Dotson says he’ll honor the wishes of the city, but will still expect to be paid for services he says he provided.
