WARREN, 12-8-25 — The Warren City Council met Monday night at the Warren Municipal Building, working through a full agenda that included steps toward privatizing garbage collection, progress on economic development initiatives, adoption of the 2026 budget, and updates from city departments. Mayor Gregg Reep presided, with all council members—Chanel Hooper, Memory Burks Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Joel Tolefree, Emily Moseley, and Latanza Atkins—present.
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Biochar project progressing
Mayor Reep reported ongoing movement on the proposed biochar facility planned for the former poultry plant site. Additional updates are expected in the coming months.
Resident speaks on RV park rezoning request
Carolyn McCoy addressed the council regarding a rezoning request on the west side of town for a proposed RV park. Mayor Reep clarified that the Warren Planning Commission had already declined to recommend the rezoning, and no appeal has been filed by the property owner. As of now, no rezoning matter is pending before the council. He also noted that even if the planning commission had recommended approval, the council would still retain final authority.
Police Department: academy graduate and required upgrades
Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that one officer from Warren graduated from the law enforcement academy in November.
He also informed the council that the State of Arkansas now requires the department to transition to an electronic fingerprinting system, which is expected to cost approximately $10,000.
Hildreth said work continues to bring the city’s Flock camera system online, with an electrical issue recently resolved to allow installation to move forward.
Fire Department reports quiet month
Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported 18 calls during November, none of which required tone-outs. He described the month as uneventful.
Council approves move toward private garbage collection
A major item of business came during the Sanitation Committee report. The City of Warren received three bids from private contractors as part of an effort to transition residential garbage collection from the current twice-a-week schedule to once-a-week service in order to reduce long-term operational costs. GFL Environmental submitted the low bid at $10.23 per residence per month.
Under the proposal, each residence would have garbage collected one day per week, with different routes assigned specific pickup days. Collection would be fully mechanized using a single driver per truck. Residents would continue to see sanitation charges on their water bills. The city would continue to pick up bulk items such as limbs.
Commercial garbage collection—including commercial accounts and red dumpsters—would also be handled by GFL, with separate commercial rates applying.
Council member Atkins noted that transitioning to a private contractor would help position the city to reduce its deficit spending and operate on a more sustainable budget.
Mayor Reep stated that although he had previously been opposed to privatizing sanitation services, increasing costs in the industry have led him to conclude that contracting with GFL is now the most beneficial option for the community over the long term.
The council voted 6-0 to move forward with a five-year franchise agreement with GFL Environmental. The final contract will come back before the council for approval.
GFL representative Andrew Deon addressed the council and expressed the company’s interest in being part of the Warren community, noting that GFL’s ownership of the landfill allows them to offer competitive pricing.
Sanitation Manager Rob Johnson reported that the sanitation department is currently short three employees and, based on the direction approved by the council, those positions will not be filled.
Annexation process begins for 105.85-acre tract
The council voted 6-0 to begin annexation proceedings for 105.85 acres purchased by the Bradley County Economic Development Corporation. A portion of the land, located along the U.S. 189 bypass northeast of town, is being leased by the city for economic development purposes.
Council adopts 2026 budget and salary schedule
The council unanimously approved Resolution A-707 adopting the city’s 2026 budget, which totals $5,274,989 and includes a 2% pay increase for non-elected employees. Mayor Reep also reported that progress is expected in early 2026 on the city’s planned solar facility.
In a separate unanimous vote, the council approved Resolution A-708 establishing salaries for elected officials. The 2026 schedule includes no salary increases for elected positions.
Pink Tomato Festival contract increased
The council approved the annual contract with the Pink Tomato Festival at $12,000 for 2026, an increase from $10,000 in 2025. The vote was 6-0.
Frazer appointed to civil service commission
The council voted 5-0 to appoint Maston Frazer to the civil service commission. Council member Memory Burks Frazer abstained.
Holiday closures announced
City offices will be closed Dec. 24–25 for Christmas and Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day. No trash pickup will occur on those dates.
Next meeting
The next Warren City Council meeting is scheduled for Monday, January 12.
The full video of this meeting will be available later this week.
