The Warren City Council met Monday, Jan. 12, for its regularly scheduled meeting with one member absent due to illness. Following approval of the December meeting minutes, the council heard the city clerk’s report, which included the year-end financial report. Mayor Gregg Reep said the city largely stayed within budget. “We did good following the budget for the most part,” Reep said. The council approved the financial report, with a budget reconciliation to follow. Reep reported that the city’s portion of the county sales tax was down slightly at year’s end, while city sales tax revenue increased by a few thousand dollars compared to the end of 2024. During the mayor’s report, James Norrell was recognized as Employee of the Quarter. Norrell works in the Street Department under Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger and primarily handles street sweeping. “He does a very good job,” Reep said. Reep also updated the council on industrial prospects. He said the proposed Bio-Char plant remains in limbo as the Arkansas Department of Finance Authority continues efforts to finalize a deal. Reep added that the former AHF Hardwood Flooring facility is currently for sale and that a venture capital company has expressed interest in purchasing the property. Reep said his understanding is that the company intends to resell the property after acquisition. Grant applications submitted for the cultural center and city pool were not funded. Council member Dorothy Henderson suggested exploring other potential funding sources for the cultural center, an idea Reep supported. Reep said the city plans to reapply for the pool grant. The council adopted a cybersecurity policy for the city of Warren and approved the city council’s operational layout for 2026, including meeting dates, committee assignments and procedures, as required by state law at the first meeting of the year. Council member Latanza Atkins proposed rotating committee assignments, but the council voted to keep committee memberships unchanged for 2026. Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported the department is still advertising for a patrol officer and dispatcher. One individual began the 13-week police academy this month. Hildreth also noted that two officers received letters of appreciation, which will be placed in their personnel files. The Police Committee is researching possible solutions to address the feral cat issue in Warren. Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported the Fire Department responded to 36 calls in December and said the department’s volunteer roster is currently full. Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported that in December, 27 homes received junk pickups, 23 had limb removal, and four inoperable vehicles were removed from properties. Johnson said bagged leaves and straw may be placed at residential curbs on Thursdays and Fridays without contacting the Sanitation Department. He is also meeting with commercial businesses to determine needs for the new GFL sanitation contract, including containers or dumpsters. Johnson added that residential customers needing an additional garbage container may request one for a $10 monthly charge added to their water bill. Recycling is encouraged, with a drop-off site located at the Fire Department. The Sanitation Committee reported the GFL contract is still being finalized and will be presented to the council once complete. In building and code enforcement updates, Johnson said 31 properties were cleaned up in 2025, with some citations still outstanding. “These places need to be cleaned up and maintained,” Reep said. Hearnsberger reported the Kelly Street widening project is nearly complete. Council members also raised concerns about log trucks driving and parking in residential areas that are not designated truck routes. Council member Chanel Hooper, representing the Community and Economic Development Committee, said Ordinance 970 regarding food trucks is expected to be presented next month. The Ways and Means Committee thanked the council for approving the 2026 budget in December. The council approved Resolution A-709 to reconcile the 2025 budget. In new business, the council approved the appointment of Adriana Martinez to the Parks and Recreation Commission, Ricky Roper as city attorney for the remainder of 2026, and an interlocal agreement with the Bradley County District Court. An issue involving the district court deputy clerk was referred to the Ways and Means Committee for further review. The Municipal Building will be closed Jan. 19 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and there will be no trash pickup that day. The building will also be closed Feb. 16 in observance of Presidents Day. The council approved payment of December 2025 bills before adjourning. The next Warren City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, Feb. 9, at 5:30 p.m.
