WARREN, Ark. – The Warren City Council convened for a special called meeting on Thursday, May 30, 2024 in the Warren City Council Chambers at the Warren Municipal Building. Council members Joel Tolefree, Angela Marshall, Emily Moseley, Latanza Atkins, and Memory Burks Frazer were present in person, while Dorothy Henderson attended remotely. Mayor Gregg Reep called the meeting to order.
The first agenda item was the consideration of Solar Bond Ordinance 957, which finances the City’s already approved solar project, a solar farm which will provide power to the City of Warren’s various buildings and facilities. Taylor Marshall from the Friday Eldredge and Clark law firm attended to present the details. Union Bank and Trust offered to purchase all the bonds.
Taylor Marshall outlined the terms of the bond:
- Secured by franchise fees
- Principal amount of $625,000
- 6.75% taxable rate
- 20-year bond
The City will receive a rebate from the federal government under the American Rescue Act, which aims to promote alternative energy sources, to help cover construction costs. Mayor Reep highlighted the expected substantial reduction in the City’s monthly electric bills once the facility is constructed.
Council member Henderson made a motion to approve the ordinance, seconded by Atkins. The motion passed unanimously with a 6-0 vote.
The Council also discussed an agreement with Maxim Environmental LLC, which plans to purchase two lots at the City’s Industrial Park for a total of $150,000. Burks Frazer made a motion to authorize the Mayor to proceed with the proposed contract. The motion passed with a unanimous 6-0 vote.
Maxim Environmental LLC intends to construct a bio-char plant on the purchased lots. The plant will produce a wood-based, charcoal-like granular material that is environmentally clean and used primarily in the farming industry. The biochar absorbs moisture and provides nutrients to soil, benefiting row-crop farmers and chicken houses. It’s unclear how many jobs will be created, but there will be some.
The meeting adjourned following the approvals.