Warren City Mayor, Gregg Reep held a press conference on Thursday, March 27 to provide updates on increases to solid waste and water and sewer rates.
Joining Reep was Solid Waste Manager, Rob Johnson. Reep shared that, pending approval by the City Council, rates will increase by $4 per month. Increases are set to take effect with the April billing cycle.
While the decision wasn’t made lightly, Reep explained that it was unavoidable.
“State law requires all water and sewer departments to have a yearly study done,” Reep explained.
He also added that following the most recent study, the Water and Sewer Commission recommended that rates be raised and that the City Council has beeb briefed agreeing to the rate increases.
“What it really comes down to is the fact that costs keep going up,” Reep said. “We’re doing everything we can to cut costs, but it’s cutting into our general fund and that takes money away from other departments like the police department. This marks the first solid waste rate increase since 2017.”
While it will not happen in April, garbage pick-up will change to once a week. Reep explained that the cutback will save money on things like fuel costs. The city will buy every Warren resident a 90-gallon container, which residents will not be charged for.
“The purpose of the container is to make it easier on residents,” Reep said. “We want to visit with every resident to answer any questions they may have. We also want to make it as convenient as we can for residents.”
Reep also said that the city is committed to helping those who need assistance, especially those who are elderly and handicapped.
“Accommodations will be made for residents who require special support,” Reep said.
Reep then moved on to the topic of recycling stating that they city is trying to “beef up” its recycling program.
“The more we can recycle, the less garbage we have to pick up,” Reep explained.
He then explained that the city has received a grant to add a new cardboard drop-off point at the Warren Senior Citizens Center.
“Please clean cardboard before you drop it off,” Reep said. “Don’t put your cardboard in the garbage.
The city is asking residents to do what they can to reduce garbage tonnage, which includes recycling cardboard and paper.
Mayor Reep then highlighted the importance of economic development for Warren’s future.
“This program is absolutely essential to the future of the city,” Reep explained.
Recently a land purchase through the Bradley County Economic Development Corporation was approved. The BCEDC will secure financing from the Arkansas Development Finance Authority and the city will lease the land at an interest rate of three percent for 25 years.
“People have questioned why we are wanting to spend money on this,” Reep said. “We are trying to grow jobs in the Warren area.
Reep’s final topic was about the installation of three new cameras from Flock Safety. Because the cameras are a part of a national network, they will be more effective in helping law enforcement monitor activity.
“We are trying to use technology to do as much as we can,” Reep commented.
The city also still have positions open for law enforcement officers and dispatch workers.
