The Warren City Council gathered for its first meeting of 2025 on Monday,January 13, with all council members present and ready to tackle the city’s pressing issues. The meeting began with a warm welcome to newly elected council member Chenal Hooper, who was congratulated by fellow Council Member Dorothy Henderson.
“I just wanted to congratulate Alderman Chenal Hooper and welcome her to the city council and let her know that we are looking forward to working with her,” Henderson remarked, setting a tone of unity for the year ahead.
The meeting quickly moved into the approval of the financial report, which included detailed budget allocations for various city departments for the year 2024.
The following are key figures from the report: administrative- $407,073.66, law enforcement- $1,910,269.33, fire- $886,221.81, sanitation- $1,067,489.03, building codes- $26,539.85, district court- $111,203.83, municipal building- $12,165.46, recreation- $269,164.86, cultural center- $9,799.50, armory- $16,268.83, shooting range- $47,894.89, senior citizen center- $6,348.82, other- $37,547.04, airport- $38,011.02, economic development- $21,786.52, and street department- $1,093,841.00.
Council members voted unanimously in favor of the financial report.
Mayor Gregg Reep also addressed the city’s sales tax figures for December, reporting a slight dip in revenue. December's total sales tax for the city amounted to $85,824.19, with the city’s portion of the county sales tax standing at $61,415.60. Mayor Reep speculated that recent business closures, like AHP, could be contributing factors to the decline, although he acknowledged that the state does not provide clear information on the sources of the tax.
“I can’t really tell you why, but the sales tax for the year was down a little bit, although not drastically,” Mayor Gregg Reep said. “I’m not really sure what the driving force is in that because the state will not tell you where the money comes from. That’s privileged information. The last couple of months could have had something to do with AHP closing down because they paid a lot of sales tax. But generally speaking, we were down ever so slightly.”
In the mayor’s report, one of the highlights was the recognition of Scott Steadman as Employee of the Quarter. Reep presented Steadman with a gift card in appreciation for his hard work and dedication.
“I’ve watched Scott work,” said Reep. “He gets out there and does what he needs to do in all kinds of conditions. We appreciate you very much.”
Reep provided updates on several major industrial developments, with a special focus on Sky Blue Carbon’s biochar operation. According to Reep, the company is close to launching its operation but is awaiting final regulatory approvals.
“We’re very close to opening the Sky Blue Carbon biochar operation,” Reep said. “We’re waiting on some legalities and regulatory paperwork.”
Reep added that several jobs would be added to the economy. He also informed the council that he spoke with County Judge Klay McKinney about the pellet mill operation that wants to come to Bradley County.
“We can’t give you a timetable,” Reep said. “That’s a pretty big project. We’re talking about a $250 million investment and probably 50 jobs if that comes through.”
In addition, the mayor updated the council on the city’s stake in the Weyerhaeuser intermodal located in Drew County. Warren holds a 25 percent ownership interest in the property, and if everything goes according to plan, Weyerhaeuser will ultimately take full ownership.
“If you know anyone who might be interested in doing work in the construction of the plant, and I’m talking about companies that do this for a living, Weyerhaeuser is already asking for companies to register with them,” Reep added. “They will go through the MEDC, Monticello Economic Development Commission.”
In an inspiring move, pastors Vernon and Tammy Colvin from Lighthouse Church addressed the council, presenting a new community initiative aimed at combating loneliness and isolation among youth. The Colvins proposed bringing the TreeHouse program to Warren, a faith-based curriculum designed to help teens build relationships and emotional resilience.
“The curriculum is faith-based,” Vernon Colvin said. “Many children don’t believe that they are loved. Fifty-seven percent of children met their friends online. Loneliness has gotten very big.”
The Colvins expressed the need for a place to meet for TreeHouse meetings. Tammy Colvin, who has a master’s degree in social work, then gave more details. The program is for grades 7-12 and operates in 3 components, which are identity, emotional support groups, and mentorship.
“We want each kid to have a one-on-one mentorship,” Tammy said.
“I do believe that it will be an asset to the community,” Vernon added.
The council then heard reports from the police and fire chiefs, sanitation and street departments, the Community and Economic Development Committee, and the Ways and Means Committee.
The council concluded the meeting with a reminder that the Municipal Building will be closed on January 20, 2025, in observance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. The next city council meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 10, 2025.
As the year kicks off, Warren’s leadership is focused on economic growth, community well-being, and continued collaboration, with an eye toward meeting the needs of residents and enhancing the city’s vitality for years to come.
