The Warren City Council addressed mounting financial pressures, potential new revenue sources, public safety concerns and infrastructure improvements during its regular monthly meeting Tuesday, October 13.
Mayor Gregg Reep presided over the meeting, which included discussion of a possible city sales tax, proposed water rate adjustments, a continuing police officer shortage and several municipal development projects. Council members also approved a new emergency notification system and adopted a resolution supporting completion of Interstate 530 through southeast Arkansas.
Five of the city’s six council members were present, with Councilman Tolefree absent.
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City finances and potential new revenue
One of the meeting’s primary concerns centered on Warren’s financial position, with Reep acknowledging that the city continues to draw from its financial reserves to cover regular operating expenses.
During the financial report, Reep said sales tax revenues remain relatively strong, increasing approximately 6%. However, he noted that the cost of operating city government has risen considerably faster than its revenues.
The mayor explained that the city has been using money from its reserves each month to maintain regular operations, warning that the practice cannot continue indefinitely.
Without additional revenue or adjustments to spending, Reep said the city could eventually face difficult decisions concerning the services it provides residents.
Council member Dorothy Henderson, reporting on the October 5 Ways and Means Committee meeting, outlined several potential revenue measures under consideration.
Among those possibilities is a proposed city sales tax of at least one cent, or 1%. Henderson said committee members reviewed revenue projections and requested additional information from the city administration.
According to Henderson, preliminary estimates suggested that a new sales tax could generate approximately $1 million in additional revenue, although the figure remains subject to further review.
Officials are gathering information concerning the process for advancing a possible tax proposal, with Henderson indicating that a December deadline could be important.
Another topic discussed by committee members was the possibility of allowing package stores, or liquor stores, to operate in Warren.
Council member Memory Burks Frazer presented preliminary estimates suggesting that local liquor sales could generate approximately $60,000 to $100,000 annually in tax revenue, based on certain assumptions about the city’s population and purchasing activity.
Reep emphasized, however, that the City Council cannot call a wet-dry election.
Instead, such an election would have to originate through a citizen-led petition process. The mayor said supporters would need signatures from 38% of registered voters within the affected jurisdiction before the issue could be placed on a ballot.
City Attorney Ricky Roper confirmed the mayor’s explanation of the process.
Reep stressed that a potential wet-dry election is separate from the city’s efforts to address its financial situation and would have to be initiated by interested citizens rather than the city government.
Work is also continuing on Warren’s proposed 2027 municipal budget, which will be reviewed by the Ways and Means Committee once preparations are complete.
Water rate adjustments discussed
Council members also received information concerning possible water rate increases following a study presented by the Arkansas Rural Water Association.
Henderson explained that the study examined the financial requirements of Warren’s water system and identified adjustments intended to maintain its financial standing under state requirements.
Under the proposal presented to council members, the minimum residential water bill would increase from $41.46 to $42.21, a difference of 75 cents.
An average residential bill, based on approximately 3,972 gallons of usage, would increase from $65.54 to $70.63, a difference of $5.09.
Additional increases were outlined for higher-volume residential and commercial customers.
Reep explained that the city had previously implemented only part of an earlier recommended rate increase, choosing to spread the adjustments over time rather than impose the entire amount at once.
The proposed changes were not considered for approval during the October meeting because the necessary ordinance and supporting documents were not ready.
Officials said a public hearing would be required before the council could take action on the new rates.
Police staffing shortages continue
Warren Police Chief Shaun Hildreth reported that the Warren Police Department continues to operate with approximately half its desired full-time patrol staffing.
Hildreth told council members that the department has seven vacancies, with an additional officer currently attending the police academy and unavailable for active duty until completing training.
The shortage has required existing officers to work additional hours to maintain patrol coverage and provide security for special events.
Reep noted that the police department’s overtime expenses are considerably higher than those of other city departments, largely because of the staffing shortage.
Hildreth said the department currently has three certified part-time officers and is continuing to accept applications.
However, applicants without law enforcement certification must complete academy training, meaning some prospective hires would not be available for duty until 2027.
Despite the personnel shortage, Hildreth reported that the department currently has sufficient patrol vehicles.
Emergency notification system approved
The council unanimously approved the purchase of a new public notification system intended to improve communication with residents during emergencies and other situations.
The system will cost the city approximately $940 annually and will be available to participating residents free of charge.
Residents will be able to voluntarily register to receive electronic notifications, including text messages and emails.
The service will be connected to the National Weather Service, allowing weather watches and warnings to be distributed automatically to subscribers.
City officials will also be able to use the system to provide information about garbage collection schedules, public notices and other municipal announcements.
The new notification system will supplement the city’s existing outdoor warning sirens.
Registration instructions and a specific launch date were not announced during the meeting.
Interstate 530 completion receives council support
Council members unanimously adopted Resolution A-717, urging state and federal transportation officials to resume funding for completion of the Interstate 530 connector between Pine Bluff and U.S. Highway 278 in southeast Arkansas.
The resolution was brought before the council following a request from the Monticello Economic Development Corporation.
Reep explained that portions of the proposed highway corridor have already been constructed and that right-of-way has been acquired, but progress has stalled because of a lack of funding.
Approximately 11 miles remain to be completed in the proposed two-lane connection.
The resolution cited economic research by Dr. Matthew Pelkki projecting that completion of the corridor could generate approximately $233 million in annual economic activity within 15 years, create 2,951 permanent jobs and reduce regional truck transportation costs by 10%.
The project is considered particularly important following Weyerhaeuser’s announcement of a planned $500 million timber strand manufacturing facility near the proposed corridor.
Reep emphasized that the resolution does not commit Warren city funds to construction. Instead, it expresses support for renewed state and federal investment in the project.
Solar project and industrial development updates
Reep reported that Warren’s municipal solar energy project is approaching completion.
Representatives of Entergy and Scenic Solar, the company responsible for constructing the facility, were on site October 13 conducting tests to ensure the system could properly generate electricity and deliver power to the electrical grid.
The mayor said some additional work and cleanup would be necessary before the project becomes fully operational.
The facility is expected to reduce electricity expenses for city-owned buildings and facilities through a federally supported program.
Reep also provided an update on a proposed biochar industrial project, reporting that no new developments had been announced but that he had not received negative information concerning its prospects.
Meanwhile, the city continues to await a decision on a grant application for significant improvements to the West Side swimming pool. Officials are also exploring other potential grants through the regional development district.
Downtown sidewalk concerns and city maintenance
During the public comment portion of the meeting, local pharmacist Tyler Staten addressed the council regarding deteriorating sidewalk conditions near Gannaway Drug at the corner of Main and Cedar streets.
Staten explained that sections of the sidewalk have become uneven, creating potential tripping hazards for pedestrians, particularly older pharmacy customers.
He also discussed ongoing work to preserve the historic brick building housing the pharmacy.
Reep confirmed that the sidewalk is located within the public right-of-way and suggested that the Street Committee evaluate the project and develop recommendations.
The council unanimously approved referring the matter to the committee for further study. Grant funding was mentioned as a possible option, although no specific funding source was identified.
City officials also reported continued efforts to address condemned properties, abandoned vehicles and neighborhood cleanup concerns.
According to the sanitation report, five additional inoperable vehicles had been removed, while municipal crews had completed junk pickups at 34 residences and limb removal at 12 residences.
No new properties were presented for condemnation during the meeting.
Street Foreman Monty Hearnsberger reported that extremely dry conditions had limited some mowing operations because of the risk of equipment sparking grass fires.
Hearnsberger said crews had continued drainage work and other street maintenance operations where conditions permitted.
Fire department addresses burn ban violations
Fire officials reported 24 calls during September, including structure fires, a vehicle fire, a brush fire and other emergency responses.
Reep and fire officials expressed concern about residents continuing to burn outdoors despite restrictions in effect at the time of the meeting.
The fire chief said he was aware of at least three citations issued for violations.
Officials urged residents to comply with burn restrictions to prevent additional fires during the extended period of dry weather.
Electrical inspections and additional city business
Reep informed the council that changes involving state electrical and plumbing inspection services could require Warren to adjust how it handles certain building inspections.
According to the mayor, reductions in state inspection assistance and changes to qualification requirements may require the city to employ or contract with a master electrician.
The city’s current inspector, Rob Johnson, holds an inspection license but does not meet the master electrician qualification Reep said is being required for certain inspections.
The city has approximately 90 days to determine how to proceed, and officials are reviewing possible arrangements before bringing a recommendation to the council.
Council members also approved an Arkansas Municipal League defense program payment associated with legal defense and insurance coverage.
The Parks and Recreation Department, under the direction of Kyle Wagnon, reported 123 participants at the municipal shooting range during September, including members of the public and local school and university trap shooting teams.
Officials also noted continued regional soccer activity at Axley Field, which has attracted large Sunday crowds.
The city is additionally reviewing possible upgrades to its telephone system, including service for the municipal building and potentially the police and fire facility.
The council approved routine financial reports, the September meeting minutes and payment of the city’s September bills.
Employee recognition and community events
During the mayor’s report, Charlotte Tenner-Brown, executive secretary to the mayor, was recognized as Warren’s Employee of the Quarter.
Reep presented Tenner-Brown with a gift card and thanked her for her continued service and contributions to the mayor’s office.
The council also approved a street closure on John Moss Street for a breast cancer awareness event organized by the Ladies of Wolfpack on October 17.
Leticia Robertson addressed the council on behalf of the organization, explaining that the event would be open to the entire community rather than limited to motorcycle riders.
During announcements, officials reminded residents of Warren’s Fall Festival, scheduled for Saturday, October 31, in downtown Warren. The event will include candy distribution and booths hosted by local churches, businesses and organizations, with activities planned from 6 to 8 p.m.
Council member Latanza Atkins also announced a community soup and chili gathering scheduled for November 2, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library.
The event is intended to encourage community discussion about peace, cooperation and possible initiatives that could be implemented in the coming year.
Municipal offices will be closed November 11 in observance of Veterans Day. Garbage collection will be as normal that day.
City offices will also be closed November 26 and 27 for Thanksgiving. Garbage collection arrangements for that holiday week had not yet been finalized at the time of the meeting.
The Warren City Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 9, with an agenda meeting planned for November 5.
