WARREN, Ark. – 3-27-25 – Mayor Gregg Reep held a press conference Thursday morning at the Warren City Council Chambers to update residents on changes coming to the city’s solid waste system, as well as provide updates on local economic development and public safety.
Accompanied by Solid Waste Manager Rob Johnson, Mayor Reep announced that, with City Council approval, garbage fees will increase by $4 per month for both residential and commercial customers starting with the April billing cycle. This marks the first solid waste rate increase since 2017.
“We were not trying to figure out how to raise fees on people,” said Reep. “We did not want to have to do this. If we waited longer, the costs would be even higher down the road,” he said, noting the increasing costs of both hauling and disposing of waste.
The mayor explained that rising costs for trash disposal—now $88 per ton at a private landfill—have caused the city to spend more on garbage services than it collects in fees, pulling funds from other critical departments, including police and fire.
As part of cost-saving efforts, residential garbage pickup will be reduced to once a week. Commercial pickup will continue multiple times weekly based on business needs. Specific routes and pickup days will be announced soon.
Additionally, every residence will receive a 90-gallon garbage container. A representative from the container provider will visit over 2,000 households to help identify proper placement of the bins for pickup, a process expected to begin within the coming months.
“We will do whatever we have to do to help those in need, the elderly, the handicapped,” Reep emphasized, ensuring accommodations will be made for those requiring special assistance.
The mayor also noted the city looked into privatizing garbage collection but found the cost would be higher than maintaining a municipal service.
Water Rate Adjustments
Reep addressed confusion over water rate increases appearing on the same bill, clarifying that Warren’s water department operates independently under a separate commission. A state-required rate study led the commission to approve an increase—half of what the study recommended—to remain in compliance with Arkansas law.
Recycling Expansion and Red Container Misuse
In an effort to further reduce waste costs, the city plans to expand its recycling program. A new cardboard drop-off location will soon be available at the Warren Senior Citizens Center. Residents are encouraged to recycle clean cardboard and paper and avoid placing recyclables in the trash.
“We hope to expand into plastics recycling as long as it saves the city money,” Reep said.
The mayor also addressed misuse of the large red dumpsters placed throughout the city, stating these containers are meant for specific businesses and should not be used by the general public. Illegal dumping into these bins has become a problem.
Economic Development Efforts
Mayor Reep emphasized that economic development is “absolutely essential” to Warren’s future. A new wood products company is expected to begin operations at the industrial park within the next 60 to 90 days, employing around 20 people initially, with potential for growth.
The city is also working with another wood products company and recently approved a land purchase through the Bradley County Economic Development Corporation (BCEDC). BCEDC will borrow funds from the Arkansas Development Finance Authority (ADFA), and the city will lease the land for 25 years at 3% interest.
“Taxpayers are getting a very good deal,” said Reep. “This is for the future of the community.”
Public Safety and Technology
To boost public safety, Warren is installing two to three new license cameras from Flock Safety. The cameras are linked to a national network and will help law enforcement monitor activity more efficiently.
“We’re trying to use technology as much as we can, because we just don’t have the manpower to do everything,” Reep explained.
Police officer positions remain open.
