The Warren City Council addressed a wide range of city business during its regular September meeting Monday evening, including economic development, public safety, city finances, upcoming events and possible new sources of revenue.
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Mayor Gregg Reep provided an industrial update, reporting that a California-based company dealing in wood products is seriously considering the former poultry plant in Warren’s industrial park. No further details about the company or a potential timeline were announced during the meeting.
Reep also reported that Warren’s new solar farm is nearing completion. The city is currently waiting for Entergy to connect the facility to the electrical grid before it can be brought online.
All six council members — Memory Burks-Frazer, Dorothy Henderson, Latanza Atkins, Emily Moseley, Chanel Hooper and Joel Tolefree — were present for the Sept. 14 meeting. Reep presided.
During the financial portion of the meeting, Reep said city revenue remains strong, although the cost of operating the city continues to increase. The council approved the city’s financial statement as well as minutes from the August meeting.
The council also approved Resolution A-716, requesting that the Bradley County Quorum Court levy a 5-mill tax on the City of Warren.
Council members approved street closures for Warren’s Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 31, from 4 to 8 p.m. The closures will include a portion of West Cypress Street and a section of Main Street from the railroad to Church Street.
Reep also presented a proclamation honoring the late Larry L. Henderson, husband of Councilwoman Dorothy Henderson. Henderson, who recently passed away, was described as a respected member of the Warren community whose accomplishments included serving as director of Southeast Arkansas Community Action. The complete proclamation will be included in the full video of the council meeting.
During the public-comment portion of the meeting, Kyle Spencer addressed the council about plans for a Warren Field Day for area youth. The proposed event would be held Aug. 14, 2027, near the Bradley County pool and could include bounce houses and other activities for children.
Warren Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that the department is currently five full-time patrol officers short, with one additional officer attending the police academy.
The council also discussed offering a $500 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in connection with two recent homicides in Warren. Reep told council members he believed he had the authority to establish the reward and said he will move forward with that reward offering. Council members indicated their support for the move.
Warren Fire Chief Chuck Moore reported that the department responded to 19 calls during August. Moore also reported that the city is set to receive a side-by-side vehicle valued at approximately $28,000 at no cost from the state.
During a Ways and Means Committee portion of the meeting, council members discussed potential options for increasing city revenue to support police, fire, streets and recreation. Among the possibilities being explored is a potential sales tax. The committee also discussed the possibility of trying to change Warren’s status from a dry city to a wet city. Such a proposal would require a petition containing the required percentage of voter signatures before the issue could be placed on a ballot for voters to decide. Both issues are in the early stages of exploration.
The council also considered rezoning matters under Ordinance 980 involving four properties proposed to be changed from Residential 1 to Commercial 1. The properties are located at 308 South Martin Street, 106 South Martin Street, 201 West Central Street and 236 Wheeler Street.
The Warren Municipal Building will be closed Monday, Oct. 12, for Columbus Day, and there will be no garbage collection that day. Garbage collection will run one day later than normal during the remainder of the week.
Because of the holiday, the Warren City Council’s next regular meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 13.
