WARREN, Ark. — The Warren City Council met for its regular monthly meeting Monday evening, November 9, 2026, in the Warren City Council Chambers at the Warren Municipal Building, addressing a range of municipal business including city finances, industrial development, departmental operations, infrastructure projects, and preparations for the upcoming budget year.
Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the meeting, with all six council members in attendance.
Following approval of the October meeting minutes, the council reviewed and unanimously approved the city’s statement of revenues and expenditures.
During the financial report, Reep said Warren’s sales tax collections remain relatively strong, although rising operating expenses continue to create financial challenges.
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October city sales tax collections totaled approximately $96,874, down from the same month in 2025. However, the mayor noted that collections for the year remain favorable. Warren’s share of the county sales tax totaled approximately $71,350 in October, slightly above the amount received during the same month last year.
Reep said inflation and increasing expenses continue to place pressure on the city’s finances despite the generally positive revenue figures.
Christmas parade approved, industrial recruitment efforts continue
During the mayor’s report, the council unanimously approved the Bradley County Chamber of Commerce’s request for street closures associated with the annual Christmas parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 5.
The approved street closures will be in effect from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m.
Reep also reported that the city and Bradley County Economic Development Commission continue working with several potential industrial prospects interested in locating in Warren.
He said approximately three recent contacts have involved businesses or industries considering property in the community.
Interest includes property at the original industrial park near the armory, as well as portions of the city’s newer industrial property.
Although no formal announcements are ready, Reep said regular meetings and discussions are continuing in hopes of bringing additional industrial development to Warren.
The mayor also provided updates on several ongoing grant projects, including the Westside Pool.
Additionally, Reep reported that the city’s solar energy project is now generating electricity. However, he said it could be approximately two more months before the city begins seeing the corresponding utility credits.
The city is also working to obtain specialized accounting assistance to complete the necessary federal paperwork to pursue a rebate associated with the solar project.
Police department reports progress on staffing shortages
Warren Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that personnel shortages remain a significant concern, although the department is beginning to see some improvement.
Five prospective hires were expected to be considered during a civil service meeting scheduled for Tuesday, November 10. Three of those individuals are already certified officers, although only two were interested in full-time positions.
The department also expects an officer currently attending the police academy to graduate November 20, providing another certified officer.
Hildreth said the developments represent progress compared with the department’s staffing situation in recent months, although additional work remains.
During the Police Committee report, Council Member Burks Frazer addressed the city’s ongoing efforts to find a solution to the feral cat population.
The committee has explored possible options, including grants for spaying and neutering, but has not identified a practical solution that would adequately address the problem.
Burks Frazer said the issue would be removed from the committee’s active agenda for now, although she intends to continue looking for possible solutions.
The council also received the Warren Fire Department’s monthly report from Fire Chief Chuck Moore, who was unable to attend the meeting due to illness.
Moore’s report indicated that the department had recorded approximately 197 fires of various types during the calendar year to date. Reep also noted ongoing difficulties collecting certain payments from insurance companies.
Sanitation department reports cleanup efforts, considers ordinance changes
Warren Sanitation Manager and Building Official Rob Johnson reported continued efforts to address nuisance properties and maintain cleanup operations throughout the city.
During October, city crews collected junk from 48 residences and limbs from 25 residences. Two inoperable vehicles were also removed.
Reep noted that a previously discussed property on Main Street had been cleaned up, while work continues on other properties throughout the city.
Johnson also reported that the price for recyclable materials had reached $115 per ton, with the city continuing efforts to sell accumulated material.
In addition to sanitation operations, Johnson provided information concerning the city’s building, electrical, and plumbing permits as part of his responsibilities as Building Official.
The Sanitation Committee also reported on its October 26 meeting, during which members reviewed ordinances governing undeveloped properties and the proper use of residential trash containers.
Committee members discussed enforcing existing littering regulations requiring residents to place bagged garbage inside their 90-gallon containers and ensure the lids can close properly.
Residents needing additional capacity may contact the sanitation department about purchasing another container.
The committee is also considering changes to address theft or damage involving trash containers. No new ordinance was approved during Monday’s meeting.
Street foreman announces departure, departmental restructuring under consideration
During the Street Department report, Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger announced that he will leave his position with the city effective December 31 after accepting another job.
Reep thanked Hearnsberger for his service and wished him well.
The mayor said the upcoming vacancy could provide an opportunity to reorganize certain city operations.
Reep indicated that he has been considering proposals to consolidate some departmental responsibilities under one supervisor, potentially reducing expenses, particularly within the Street Department.
Those proposals are expected to be presented to the council’s Ways and Means Committee as part of its review of the proposed municipal budget.
No decisions regarding departmental restructuring were made during Monday’s meeting.
The Street Committee also reported that it continues studying potential street painting and sidewalk improvements, including work in the downtown area.
Parks and community development projects discussed
During the Parks and Recreation report, council members expressed appreciation for a new flagpole installed at the city park.
Reep recognized the Warren Woman’s Club for donating the flagpole and thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for its installation and continued work throughout the city.
The Community and Economic Development Committee then reported on several ongoing projects.
Committee Chairperson Hooper said the city continues exploring potential development of the former Bryant property.
Reep explained that two prospective developers had previously examined the possibility of constructing apartments on the site but determined that the investment would not be financially feasible.
Other interested parties have since contacted the city, and officials continue evaluating possibilities for the property.
The committee also discussed plans to produce city flags in two sizes, along with lapel pins featuring the city’s updated design. Officials hope to have the flags available for sale during the 2027 Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival.
Another project involves renovating the former city street shop for community rentals.
Planned improvements include replacing windows and a door, pressure washing, and painting the interior.
The committee has decided against renovating the building’s bathroom because of the anticipated expense. Instead, nearby restrooms at the city park would be available for those using the facility.
The goal is to have the building ready for community use by spring 2027.
The committee also discussed proposed updates to the city’s electrical and zoning ordinances, including changes affecting manufactured housing, mobile homes, and tiny houses.
Reep said those changes are being developed with assistance from the city attorney and are intended to bring local ordinances into compliance with changes in state law.
Council approves holiday payments, insurance costs, and utility rate adjustments
During the Ways and Means Committee report, the council unanimously approved $16,846.89 in Christmas bonuses for eligible city employees, including associated payroll costs.
The bonuses are based on employee tenure, with the council requesting that payments be distributed in time for employees to take advantage of Black Friday sales.
The council also approved $44,398.16 in holiday pay, including associated payroll costs, for eligible police and fire personnel who work holidays.
Council members additionally approved payment of the city’s vehicle insurance costs. Reep noted that insurance expenses continue to increase and said the Arkansas Municipal League is allowing the city to spread payments over the year to help manage cash flow.
The Ways and Means Committee scheduled a meeting for Monday, November 16, at 3:30 p.m. to review the administration’s proposed budget.
The committee also reported that discussions concerning additional municipal revenue, potentially through taxation or other sources, remain ongoing.
Another item involved approval of Ordinance 981, which amends the city’s existing water and sewer rate structure under Ordinance 963.
The adjustments were required to comply with Arkansas law governing municipal utility rates. State requirements call for periodic rate studies to determine whether existing rates are sufficient to cover the costs of operating and maintaining water and sewer systems. When rates are determined to be insufficient, the city is legally required to implement the necessary adjustments.
The ordinance updates residential, commercial, and wholesale water rates, along with residential and commercial sewer rates. It also establishes annual increases of 3% beginning January 1, 2027, and continuing each year thereafter.
Council members unanimously adopted the ordinance and its emergency clause.
Following the committee report, the council also voted to update the city’s employee mileage reimbursement policy to automatically follow the current federal reimbursement rate rather than maintaining the city’s previous rate of 54 cents per mile.
Gannaway Drug Store sidewalk repairs discussed
Following reports from several municipal boards and commissions, council members returned to the issue of sidewalk repairs along the south side of Gannaway Drug Store on Main Street in downtown Warren.
Gannaway Drug Store owner and pharmacist Tyler Staten had appeared before the City Council during its October meeting to request that the city address the sidewalk adjoining his business.
During Monday’s meeting, a council member expressed concern that Staten was investing significant money into improvements to the building while the sidewalk along the south side remained in need of repair.
The council member urged the city to explore available funding options and move forward with improvements, emphasizing the importance of the city doing its part alongside private investment in downtown Warren.
The discussion also noted that the timing of any sidewalk repairs could affect the ongoing renovation work at Gannaway Drug Store, particularly brickwork along the side of the building.
Reep said the Street Committee is already examining the matter and working to obtain cost estimates. He noted that identifying funding would be a necessary part of moving the project forward.
No final action was taken on the sidewalk project.
Aviation appointment and street closure policy discussed
Under new business, the council unanimously approved the reappointment of Vernon Colvin II to the Warren Aviation Commission for another five-year term.
The council also discussed developing a formal policy governing requests to close city streets for parades and special events.
Reep explained that such events require coordination with law enforcement and other city departments and that a clearer policy would help establish how requests should be handled.
Council members voted to refer the matter to the Community and Economic Development Committee for further consideration.
Holiday closures and upcoming meetings announced
Before adjourning, city officials announced that the Warren Municipal Building will be closed Wednesday, November 11, in observance of Veterans Day.
Regular Wednesday garbage collection will continue as scheduled.
City offices will also be closed November 26–27 for Thanksgiving and December 24–25 for Christmas.
Officials said garbage collection schedules for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays will be announced when information becomes available from GFL.
The council also unanimously approved payment of the city’s October bills.
The next regular Warren City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 14, at 5:30 p.m. The December agenda meeting is scheduled for Thursday, December 10, at 7 a.m.
