The Warren City Council met Monday, July 14, and opened with good news of all departments currently operating within the annual budget. The financial report was unanimously approved.
Mayor Gregg Reep shared that the city’s sales and use tax revenue for June totaled $83,090.22. The city’s portion of the county sales and use tax was $58,867.71, which is a decrease from the same time last year. He also addressed the police department’s elevated overtime costs, attributing them to low staffing levels.
During his report, Reep recognized Joe Calbert of the Parks and Recreation Division as Employee of the Quarter. Reep and Parks and Recreation Director Kyle Wagnon presented Calbert with a gift card in appreciation for his dedication.
“Joe helps us with everything that falls under parks and recreation,” Reep said. “He’s always eager to help — whether it’s maintenance, concession stands, the city pool, or even the shooting range. He stepped in like a champ and kept it running for us.”
Reep also provided updates on several industrial development efforts. The Bradley County Economic Development Commission (BCEDC) has purchased 105 acres off the Highway 189 bypass, and the city has entered a lease agreement with the commission. Meetings have been held with the Arkansas Economic Development Commission and Entergy to update websites and marketing materials for available industrial sites in Warren.
“We are working everything and anything we got,” Reep said.
An update was also given on Sky Blue Carbon’s biochar operation. The company remains interested in purchasing the former poultry plant and hopes to close the deal in August.
Councilwoman Dorothy Henderson inquired about the Baby Box project initiated by Warren High School students. Reep reported that funds have been raised and the project is now under legal review before moving forward with the company that builds the safety devices.
The mayor outlined several grant opportunities the city is pursuing to support repairs and improvements to the city pool, cultural center, municipal room, and a water tank on the north side of town. The water tank needs to be raised about 13 feet to correct pressure issues affecting tanks on the south side.
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that the department remains short-staffed and is accepting applications for both a dispatcher and patrol officer. They are looking to send one individual to the police academy for training which begins Aug. 17. The council approved a new departmental policy and potential promotions as recommended by the Police Committee.
Reports were also given by the fire chief, sanitation department, street department, and the Ways and Means Committee.
Mayor Reep announced that the University of Arkansas at Monticello has requested to use the city’s shooting range for its new trap shooting team. The council will review the proposal.
The next Warren City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 11.
