Potential City solar facility, 2 percent salary increases, kitchen at the train depot, and more part of current budget discussions
WARREN, Ark. – The City of Warren’s Ways and Means Committee made significant strides in their meeting at the Warren Municipal Building on Thursday morning, as they deliberated and progressed on vital proposals slated for the 2024 budget. The committee’s discussions covered various aspects of the city’s upcoming plans, addressing crucial initiatives and funding allocations.
Present at the meeting were Committee members and Aldermen Emily Moseley, Dorothy Henderson, and Memory Burks Frazer. Mayor Gregg Reep and administrative staff were also present.
A closer look at some of the budgeting items discussed includes the following:
1. Solar Plant Proposal
One of the major highlights of the meeting was the committee’s recommendation to have Scenic Hill Solar put together a final proposal to establish a solar farm for the City of Warren and Warren Water and Sewer. The solar facility, if approved, will be privately operated by Scenic Hill Solar, with the City in full ownership of the facility itself. The proposal will undergo legal review by outside counsel hired by the City before presenting it to the full Council for any potential final approval. The project’s costs are expected to be covered by electrical savings, that will still allow the City to save some money.
2. Former Street Department Building Renovation
The committee also addressed the need for a general renovation of the former Street Department building that sits directly adjacent to the Warren City Park.
3. Kitchen Installation at City Park Train Depot
Recognizing the City Park Train Depot’s increasing role as a venue for various events, the committee recommended the exploration of the installation of a kitchen to enhance its functionality, making it more conducive for events. The facility is available and already being rented for events such as family and class reunions, meetings, and more.
4. Pink Tomato Festival and Community Initiatives Receive Budgeting
A budget allocation of $10,000 was approved for the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival, a staple in the city’s cultural calendar. Additionally, the committee greenlit $2,000 for the Area Agency on Aging to go into the budget to support community initiatives.
7. Downtown Street Flags and Lights Funding Discussed
Discussion ensued regarding the need for funding to repair downtown street flags and lights. Mayor Reep updated the committee on the resolution of electrical issues with the lights, assuring that the area is now adequately illuminated. Further inspection of the flags will be done soon.
8. BCEDC’s 110 Acres Land Purchase Request
The Bradley County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC) presented a request for a 110-acre land purchase to be made by the City for industrial purposes. The total price quoted to the BCEDC by the private land owner was $1.1 million. Approximately 40-acres of the 110-acre property could be used for a potential poultry feed meal production facility that is seriously considering the site. The committee approved the inclusion of the first projected yearly payments in the budget, which total about $90,000, but emphasized that further approval would be required before the expenditures could move forward. The Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA) is set to meet with the Council to explain the loan options.
It’s important to note that the budgeting of the first year’s payments of the project in no way authorizes the purchase. That would require a full vote of the City Council in the future. Mayor Reep stressed that the only way he would support such a deal, would be if the City maintained ownership of the property until a suitable private business purchaser or user could be found. He indicated he did not favor the City paying for the land, but BCEDC having ownership.
9. Salary Increase Proposal for Elected Officials and City Employees
The committee recommended a 2% across-the-board increase for all elected officials and city employees be included in the budget.
With the meeting adjourned, the full City Council is set to convene on Monday, December 11, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. for their regular monthly business.