The Warren City Council approved funding for a public notification system, supported efforts to secure completion of the future Interstate 530 corridor and discussed ongoing financial challenges during its Oct. 13 meeting.
The council also heard requests concerning downtown sidewalk repairs and a breast cancer awareness event, received departmental reports and reviewed several potential revenue sources as the city continues to rely on reserves to cover operating expenses.
The council approved the September financial reports after reviewing monthly and year-to-date revenue and expenditures. Mayor Gregg Reep said the city generally remains within its budget, although some administrative expenses require further review.
Cash balances continue to decline as the city draws from its reserves to cover routine operating costs, the mayor said.
City and county sales tax revenues remained strong, with collections reported up approximately 6 percent. However, rising expenses continue to outpace revenue growth, placing additional pressure on the city’s finances.
The council also received the quarterly departmental overtime report. Police Department overtime was significantly higher than other departments because of staffing shortages, requiring officers to work additional hours to maintain shift coverage and provide security for special events.
The mayor cautioned that the city cannot continue relying on its reserves indefinitely and said officials must explore additional revenue sources or consider reductions in city services if the financial situation does not improve.
The mayor recognized Charlotte Brown, the executive secretary in the mayor’s office, as the city’s employee of the quarter. He thanked her for her work and assistance in keeping the office running smoothly. “She helps keep me straight,” he said.
Regarding economic development, the mayor said there was no new information about an industrial prospect previously discussed by the council. He also reported that grant applications for improvements to the West Side swimming pool remain pending.
Work on the city’s solar energy project is nearing completion. Entergy and the company that constructed the project were conducting tests to ensure the solar arrays are operating properly and feeding electricity into the grid. Additional cleanup and minor work remain before the system can begin generating electricity for the city’s facilities. Officials hope the project will reduce municipal electricity expenses.
The council approved a public notification system recommended by the fire committee at an estimated annual cost of approximately $940. The system will allow city officials to send messages to residents who voluntarily register to receive notifications through their phones or email. Messages could include emergency weather alerts, tornado warnings, garbage collection changes and other city announcements.
The system will also be connected to the National Weather Service to automatically distribute applicable weather alerts to registered users. The city will continue to use its existing outdoor warning sirens. Residents will not be charged to participate, but they must sign up to receive notifications.
The council approved a resolution supporting completion of the remaining 11-mile gap in the future Interstate 530 corridor in Drew County.
The resolution urges the Arkansas Department of Transportation and Arkansas Highway Commission to prioritize funding for the project in their transportation programs and work toward completing the four-lane interstate connection between Jefferson and Drew counties.
The proposed route would connect U.S. Highway 278 near the soccer fields with Pine Bluff, where it would link to the existing highway network toward Little Rock.
The mayor said right-of-way acquisition has been completed and two lanes have been constructed from Pine Bluff to Star City, but the remaining section has not received the funding needed to move forward.
The resolution cites an economic analysis by Dr. Matthew Pelkki of the Arkansas Center for Forest Business that projects the completed corridor could generate an estimated $233 million in annual economic impact within 15 years, create 2,951 permanent jobs and reduce regional trucking costs by 10 percent.
The mayor noted that the resolution does not commit city funds. Instead, it expresses local support for securing state and federal funding to finish the project.
The resolution passed unanimously among the five council members present.
The mayor informed the council that changes being made by the Arkansas Department of Labor could affect how electrical inspections are conducted in Warren.
The state is reducing the number of electrical and plumbing inspectors available to assist local governments, potentially leaving cities responsible for arranging inspections that previously could be handled by state personnel.
The city’s current building inspector is licensed to conduct inspections, but the mayor said state requirements may limit certain electrical inspections to master electricians.
Warren is researching whether it should hire a qualified inspector or contract with an outside provider. The city has approximately 90 days to determine how it will comply with the requirements.
The mayor said the issue will likely be referred for further committee review before a recommendation is presented to the council.
Tyler Staten, a pharmacist with Gannaway Drug Store, asked the council to consider repairing a deteriorating section of sidewalk near the business at Cedar Street.
Staten said the sidewalk has deteriorated to the point that sections can crumble easily, creating a potential tripping hazard for pedestrians. He expressed particular concern for older residents who walk through the area, which is near activities associated with the Pink Tomato Festival.
He also cited maintenance concerns involving weeds growing in the damaged areas and the potential for flying debris during weed trimming.
Staten suggested removing and replacing the damaged section, repairing the curb and improving the appearance of the downtown area. He said the work could complement improvements already being made to the drugstore building.
The council referred the request to the Street Committee for review and a recommendation. The committee will consider the scope of the work, potential costs and possible grant opportunities. Staten will be notified when the committee schedules its meeting.
In departmental reports, Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that the department continues to operate with significant staffing shortages, with approximately eight positions needing to be filled or accounted for through officers attending the police academy.
The department is working to recruit additional personnel and has an applications from a few individuals who are not yet certified. The next academy class is scheduled to begin Nov. 20, meaning additional time will be required before a new recruit could become available for duty.
Fire chief Chuck Moore reported 24 calls during the reporting period, including three grass fires, a brush fire, a vehicle fire and a fire involving a wheel, along with other calls.
The chief reminded residents that Warren remains under a burn ban and urged them to comply with the restriction. Officials said citations for violations are $500.
The council also discussed outstanding requests for fire-related insurance payments involving properties and vehicles. The fire chief reported no new responses from the listed insurance companies or property owners. The council requested additional information about when the most recent contacts were made.
The Ways and Means Committee reported on several proposals under consideration as the city looks for ways to improve its financial position.
The council approved an $18,034.90 invoice for the Arkansas Municipal League Defense Program, which provides legal defense services and certain insurance coverage for participating municipalities.
Committee members also discussed development of the city’s proposed 2027 budget, which is being prepared by the administration with assistance from the treasurer.
Another discussion centered on the possibility of allowing package stores within Warren and pursuing a local sales tax increase.
Committee members said individuals interested in opening a package store would need to pursue the appropriate petition process. The administration was asked to gather additional information concerning a possible sales tax proposal, including the revenue it might generate.
An initial estimate discussed at the meeting suggested a package store could generate between $60,000 and $100,000 annually in tax revenue based on the city’s population alone. Officials cautioned that the estimate did not account for purchases by customers from outside Warren or other variables.
The committee also is researching alternatives for the city’s telephone systems at City Hall and the police and fire facility. The mayor said officials would seek additional proposals before making a recommendation.
The council received information about proposed water and sewer rate adjustments stemming from a required rate study.
The proposed changes vary by customer type and water usage. The mayor explained that state law requires water systems to undergo periodic rate studies to ensure they generate sufficient revenue to operate, meet debt obligations and maintain appropriate financial reserves. He said failing to comply could affect the city’s eligibility for grants and financing.
The rate proposal was not ready for formal action because additional paperwork and an ordinance must be prepared. Officials said a public hearing would be scheduled before the council considers the proposed adjustments.
The mayor emphasized that the proposed water and sewer rates are separate from the city’s efforts to identify additional general revenue.
In announcements, the Municipal Building will be closed on Wednesday, Nov. 11, in observance of Veterans Day. There will be garbage pick up on this day.
After approval for payment of the September bills, the meeting was adjourned.
The next Warren City Council meeting will be Monday, Nov. 9, at 5:30 p.m.
