PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) — Three city officials in Pine Bluff are violating a city ordinance that requires them to live within the city limits.

Police Chief John Howell lives near White Hall, City Collector Albert Ridgell lives near Little Rock and Inspection and Zoning Director Robert Tucker lives in Redfield. The ordinance passed in 2000 and says no one may be director of a city department unless that person lives in the city.

Tucker says the issue wasn't mentioned when he was hired. Howell says another ordinance allows police officers to live outside the city and doesn't distinguish between officers and the police chief.

Ridgell declined comment.

Pine Bluff Mayor Carl Redus Jr. calls the ordinance too strict and says he'll ask the City Council to consider overturning or modifying it.



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Information from: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, http://www.arkansasonline.com