The Warren City Council met Monday, Dec. 8, with all members present and quickly moved through routine business, approving the November minutes along with the city’s revenue and expenditure reports. Mayor Gregg Reep said he was “pretty pleased” with the city’s financial standing as it prepares for its 2025 budget year.
During his report, Reep said the proposed Biochar plant project has seen movement in recent weeks. BluSky representatives and the Arkansas Development Finance Authority have held additional discussions, with ADFA telling the company it is willing to sell the property but will not finance the project. If a purchase price cannot be agreed upon, officials may begin exploring alternative sites within the city.
A concern over a potential rezoning on Thomas Street was raised by resident Carolyn McCoy, who said the change could allow an RV park on the property and that the land was not properly surveyed. Reep clarified that the Planning Commission had already denied the rezoning request, so no council action was required. Council member Joel Tolefree thanked citizens for engaging in the process, emphasizing that boards and commissions exist to serve the community.
In Departmental reports, Police Chief Shaun Hildreth said one officer graduated from the police academy in November and another is expected to begin training in January. The department continues to advertise for open positions. Hildreth also reported that the state will no longer accept ink fingerprint cards, requiring the purchase of an electronic fingerprinting system. Work also continues on installing cameras at traffic lights, with electricians now being scheduled.
Sanitation Director Rob Johnson reported 63 junk pickups, 41 limb pickups and the removal of 11 inoperable vehicles in November. He reminded residents that uninsured, non-running vehicles without license plates cannot be stored in yards.
Johnson stated the city received three bids for private garbage collection. The lowest bid came from GFL Environmental of Union County, which will use the new residential bins recently distributed. Under the contract, residential trash will move to once-a-week pickup, with billing continuing through the water system. Commercial service frequency and pricing will be based on customer needs.
Council member Latanza Atkins noted that while the agreement will not bring the sanitation department “into the black,” it moves it closer to sustainability. She stressed the need for action because the city’s lease on one of its garbage trucks is nearing expiration. The council unanimously approved entering a franchise agreement with GFL. A company representative said GFL aims “to be part of the community” and keep costs low.
Atkins also said residual funds from a recycling grant may allow the city to explore new garbage or recycling bins for the downtown area. Johnson added that condemnation fines will be placed on properties on Phillips Street and Southern Court.
Reep said the Street Department continues work on the Kelly and Bragg Street project and will bring in contractors to install new culverts.
In additional committee actions, the Street Committee presented updated guidelines for the dedication of streets, which the council approved. Requests to make part of Cobb Street a one-way and to install three speed bumps on George Street were denied for now. The police department will increase monitoring on George Street, and the committee will revisit the issue if needed.
The Community and Economic Development Committee reported that the Bradley County Economic Development Corporation has requested annexation of its 105.92 acres along the Highway 189 Bypass. The land borders the city limits. The council authorized the legal steps to begin annexation. The council also renewed the city’s zoning services contract with consultant Jim von Tungeln.
The council adopted Resolution A-707, approving the 2026 city budget, and Resolution A-708, setting salaries for elected officials. Members also approved increasing the city’s 2026 Pink Tomato Festival contribution from $10,000 to $12,000, with the option to amend if more funds are available.
The council renewed its Firefighters Supplemental Income Protection and Death Benefit Program, along with the Arkansas Municipal League Workers’ Compensation Program. Reep added that the city is examining policies for municipal use of artificial intelligence, with more information expected later.
Council member Dorothy Henderson appointed Maston Frazer to the Civil Service Commission, and the appointment was approved.
In community announcements, Tolefree announced a retirement reception for John Gavin on Dec. 17 from 2–4 p.m. at the Warren Country Club. He also noted that BCMC Rural Health Clinic will host an open house with Santa Claus on Dec. 19 from 1–4 p.m.
City offices will be closed Dec. 24–25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. No trash pickup will occur on those dates.
Reep closed the meeting by congratulating the Warren Lumberjack football team and commending Coach Bo Hembree, his staff and players for a successful season.
The council approved payment of the bills before adjourning. The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 12, 2026, at 5:30 p.m.
