Fireworks flew at the Tenaha City Council meeting Monday night, so much so Councilwoman Claudine Howard resigned her position without warning with a letter written as she and Mayor Orinthia Johnson sparred over agenda items.

According to City Secretary Doyce Bailey, Ms. Howard also pointed out she would not accept the position even if re-elected on May 9.

It's our understanding Ms. Howard became upset at Mayor Johnson over the agenda wording on the reduction in force item in the utility department, namely the position held by Matt Barton. No action was taken by the council on that issue.

Ms. Bailey said the council did not accept Ms. Howard's letter of resignation. Johnson was re-elected mayor last year defeating a challenge by Howard.

There was no action taken on the agenda item that would reduce the mayor's salary down from almost $1,600 a month to $400 a month after the 2016 mayoral election. With a split vote of 2-2, and Mayor Johnson unable to vote because of the conflict of interest, it sat there undecided.

The Tenaha City Council was also presented a petition by Leticia Boren with reportedly some 190 signatures of citizens calling for a beer and/or liquor sale election. No action was taken as the council seeks legal advice on the issue and would have to verify signatures.