Public Meetings - Jonesboro, Arkansas

The Jonesboro City Council committee convened to review and approve several administrative resolutions regarding property acquisition and traffic infrastructure, alongside routine minute approvals. The meeting concluded with public comments addressing safety concerns regarding a local bus stop. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the public works meeting held on Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, were approved unanimously without corrections. Public Comments & Testimony - Patty Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) voiced strong concern regarding the safety of the bus stop located on the side of Dollar General. She noted that the area is transitioning to a five-lane road, which she described as being highly dangerous given the volume of pedestrians darting out in front of cars from nearby apartments. She expressed worry that an accident could occur similar to a previous incident at "Johnson" and urged the council to review safety measures for the site. Discussion Items - Resolution 25-218 (Right-of-Way Purchase): A resolution authorizing the purchase of the right-of-way at 3229 South Caraway Road for $60,041.40 for roadway improvements, funded by Capital Improvements Revenue Bonds. - A committee member sought clarification on whether this was the final easement and requested a timeline for construction. Staff responded that while this is likely one of two necessary purchases, construction will not begin in the first or second quarter of 2026 due to the time required for utility work and bidding processes. The city engineer confirmed the project remains within the three-year funding window despite these delays. - Resolution 25-218 (Traffic Control Device Agreement): A resolution authorizing an agreement with the Arkansas Department of Transportation to install a new traffic signal at Highway 1B and Forest Hill Road and replace the existing signal at Highway 1B and Parker Road. - A committee member, Patty Lack, asked for clarification on maintenance responsibilities upon installation. Staff confirmed the Arkansas Department of Transportation will install the signals, but the City of Jonesboro will assume responsibility for maintenance and electricity provision afterward. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25-218 (Caraway Road Right-of-Way): The committee approved the resolution and forwarded it to the full council. The purchase is authorized for $60,041.40 from capital improvement bonds. - Resolution 25-218 (Traffic Signal Agreement): The committee approved the resolution and forwarded it to the full council to execute agreements for traffic signal installation and replacement at Highway 1B. - The meeting was adjourned following the approval of the agenda items.

The Nominating and Rules Committee of the City of Jonesboro met on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at 4:30 PM at the Municipal Center, 300 S. Church Street. Four members were present (Chris Gibson, Brian Emison, John Street, and Anthony Coleman), with two absent (Chris Moore and LJ Bryant). The committee elected a chair, approved previous minutes, and discussed re-establishing the Public Services Committee as a standing committee. Consent Calendar - Chris Gibson was nominated by John Street and seconded by Brian Emison to serve as Chair of the Nominating & Rules Committee. All present members voted aye. - The minutes from the April 15, 2025 Nominating & Rules Committee meeting (MIN-25:034) were approved on a motion by Anthony Coleman, seconded by Brian Emison. The motion passed with 3 ayes (Emison, Street, Coleman) and 2 absences (Moore, Bryant). Public Comments & Testimony - No public comments were made. Discussion Items - Chairman Chris Gibson requested that the committee re-establish the Public Services Committee as a standing committee of the City Council and enhance the involvement of the Parks and Recreation Community Advisory Board, so that both bodies actively serve as a structured resource to the Parks and Recreation Department. He indicated he would also bring the matter to the full Council. - Councilmember John Street commented that the committee had been disbanded because of a lack of meetings and business, but it now appears to be gaining importance and would be worthy of reactivation. - Councilmember Anthony Coleman asked clarifying questions about whether re-establishing the Public Services Committee would restore Parks and Recreation, JET, and related functions to their prior structure. Chairman Gibson confirmed that it would. - City Clerk April Leggett asked about meeting frequency. Gibson proposed quarterly meetings and “as needed,” a suggestion Coleman supported. Gibson also said he would ask for volunteers that evening, and the re-establishment would be effective immediately if the full Council agrees. Key Outcomes - The committee voted unanimously (all present members aye) to recommend to the full City Council that the Public Services Committee be re-established as a standing committee, and to walk the item onto that evening’s City Council agenda. The motion was made by Brian Emison and seconded by Anthony Coleman. - The meeting adjourned on a motion by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison, with 3 ayes and 2 absences.

The Finance Administration Council Committee convened on December 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM to approve past meeting minutes, vote on multiple municipal lien resolutions, deliberate on a new AI communications contract, and discuss the status of pending litigation regarding a property ownership dispute. The committee moved to postpone indefinitely further action on the expired property purchase offer to allow for further negotiation. Consent Calendar - December 5, 2025 Minutes: The committee voted to approve the minutes from the December 5th special meeting. - December 9, 2025 Minutes: The committee voted to approve the minutes from the December 9th meeting. - December 30, 2025 Motion: A motion was made to approve both sets of minutes, followed by individual votes for each. Public Comments & Testimony - Patty Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road): Expressed strong support for the city of Jonesboro transitioning to a "cashless or mostly cashless" system for parks and facilities. She cited examples such as First National Bank's implementation, the potential for school systems like GoFan or CORE, and suggested leveraging the slow period (relative to her perception, though members noted sports are year-round) to implement these changes, possibly in coordination with city buses. - Committee Member Response: One committee member noted that while a slow season does not exist due to year-round sports, discussions regarding cashless systems have been ongoing. Discussion Items - Municipal Liens (Resolutions 25202-25215): The committee reviewed and voted to forward to full council eleven (11) resolutions placing municipal liens on various properties in Jonesville/Jonesboro, Arkansas. The liens ranged from $275 to $965, covering property owners including Randolph and Judith Rynolds, Brian D. Maudsheen, Jerry Delaney, and others. All items were voted on with no recorded opposition. - Resolution 25217 (Axon Incorporated Agreement): - Proposal: The committee deliberated on an agreement with Axon Incorporated for "prepared assist communication services" for three years. Costs are $211,565 for Year 1 and $199,665 for Years 2 and 3. The technology includes AI-powered call routing for non-emergency calls, real-time translation for 80+ languages, and live transcription of radio traffic. - Councilman McLean: Asked for clarification on the distinction between the new system and current call trees and requested assurance regarding power backup systems. - Committee Member/Staff Response: Clarified that the system handles non-emergency calls (approx. 90,000 annually) to prevent dispatcher overload, routes emergency 911 calls to live dispatchers, and provides real-time translation without the 9-minute delay of current phone-bridge translator services. Confirmed a central UPS system and generator backup ensure the center remains operational. - Dr. Anthony Coleman: Asked about the timeline for implementation and the future of current translation services. - Response: Implementation is expected to take 30 to 60 days. The goal is to eliminate current monthly fees for separate translation and text services, resulting in net savings despite the new contract costs. - Councilman Emerson: Noted the urgency of being the first in Arkansas to implement this and the need to finalize the contract to avoid delaying the process. - Resolution 25198 (Laurel Park LLC Property Dispute): - Status: The resolution to purchase property had expired. The committee held a discussion on next steps, ranging from negotiating a settlement to proceeding with litigation. - Councilman Haftner: Expressed concern that the appraised value ($300,000) is significantly lower than the $3.6 million lien, suggesting further negotiation with Laurel Park LLC for a settlement might be the most efficient path. - Dr. Coleman: Expressed full opposition to continued litigation, arguing that throwing more money into the issue is unsustainable and questioning the timeline for resolution. - Committee Member/Staff: Clarified that purchasing the property would end the city's litigation involvement but does not resolve the separate appeal between Laurel Park and One Main. Noted that if the city proceeds with the lien and forecloses in 3-4 years, the net gain would be minimal after legal costs. Agreed that continuing negotiations for a settlement is preferable to expensive litigation but acknowledged the owner has no obligation to settle. - Action: The committee agreed to set a deadline for the administration to bring back potential settlement offers, potentially by the following Monday, to allow for a potential special council meeting before the February 1st court answer deadline. - Committee Member (Public Comment Follow-up): Asked for clarification on the lien's utility. Clarified that a lien alone does not grant control over development or sales; full property purchase is required for such control. - Meeting Time Logistics: A brief discussion occurred regarding moving the 4:00 PM meeting time. A committee member noted that moving the time later would create a 30-minute conflict with the subsequent MAPC meeting due to system reboot requirements, suggesting no viable timing options exist without MAPC rescheduling. Key Outcomes - Minutes Approved: The minutes for the December 5th and December 9th meetings were unanimously approved. - Liens Forwards: Resolutions 25202 through 25215 were voted to be forwarded to the full council for final approval. - Axon Contract Forwarded: Resolution 25217 authorizing the agreement with Axon Incorporated for emergency communication services was voted to be forwarded to full council. (Note: Dr. Coleman joined the meeting during this vote). - Pending Item Postponed: The committee voted to postpone indefinitely (postpone indefinitely) Resolution 25198 regarding the Laurel Park LLC property purchase. This action was taken to allow administration time to negotiate a potential settlement offer, with a target to report back by the following Monday for possible special consideration before the February 1st court deadline. - Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned after public comments and further business discussions.

The city council convened on December 16, 2025, to address routine administrative tasks and consider three specific variance requests related to property use, residential construction, and signage. The meeting proceeded with standard procedures, including the approval of minutes, followed by deliberations on items brought forward by applicants and their representatives. Council members addressed concerns regarding zoning discrepancies and public feedback before rendering decisions on each proposal. Consent Calendar - The minutes from the previous meeting were moved, seconded, and approved unanimously. Public Comments & Testimony - Meg Sebastian (Neighbor to the applicant): Expressed a desire to understand the details of the application rather than oppose the project. She stated that the first time she saw the elevations and site plan for the proposed home was at the meeting, as the applicant had only left a note on her door previously. She requested clarification that the variance request was specifically for ceiling height changes and not for setbacks, noting that the project is in compliance with setback requirements. She confirmed she had no further questions once clarified. Discussion Items - Herc Rentals Varciance (Gravel Storage): John Neely (Associate Engineering) requested a variance to install a gravel storage area next to the existing facility. The discussion highlighted that the lot is owned by a separate entity (The Max Duckis Family Trust) and is not tied to the existing building. Council members and staff noted that because the lot is separate, the gravel use constitutes a conditional use that would typically require a MAPC (Minor Planning Approval Committee) review unless the lots are combined. However, the Council focused on granting the variance for the gravel pavement type specifically, distinguishing it from a full conditional use for the lot itself. - Residential Variance (Ceiling Heights): Mr. Orr requested a variance to reduce the ground floor ceiling height from 10.5 feet to 9 feet, and the second-floor ceiling height from 9 feet to 8 feet, within the Neighborhood Transition District. Staff confirmed this variance has been granted multiple times in the past for similar homes in the area to accommodate neighborhood character. The applicant confirmed the changes are for his family's future home. - Stone Bridge Construction (Signage Variance): Rob Hofs (Stone Bridge) requested a variance for a 35-foot tall pylon sign. The discussion revealed a discrepancy between city maps (which showed the site outside an overlay district) and the actual ordinance verbiage (which places the site within 300 feet of the I-555 right-of-way, requiring a monument sign). Staff acknowledged an error in the map's representation of the interstate centerline versus the right-of-way edge. Consequently, staff recommended granting a variance to allow the pylon sign to proceed, accepting responsibility for the map discrepancy while ensuring the site remains within the overlay district. Key Outcomes - Herc Rentals: Variance granted for the gravel storage area (Class 7 pavement) as requested by John Neely. Roll call vote: Unanimous (Yes, Yes, Yes, Yes). - Residential Ceiling Heights: Variance granted to reduce ceiling heights to 9 feet (ground) and 8 feet (second floor) as requested by Mr. Orr. Roll call vote: Unanimous (Yes, Yes, Yes). - Stone Bridge Signage: Variance granted allowing the 35-foot tall pylon sign to proceed despite the overlay district classification, pending map corrections. Roll call vote: Unanimous (Yes, Yes, Yes). - Holiday Acknowledgement: The Council concluded the meeting by wishing attendees a Merry Christmas.

The Jonesboro City Council convened for its final meeting of the calendar year 2025, featuring special presentations from local youth, the approval of the 2026 budget, and a significant decision regarding the purchase of downtown property amidst ongoing litigation. The meeting opened with Pledge of Allegiance leadership by Dr. Charles Coleman and a musical performance by the Jonesboro Corral youth group. Consent Calendar - The Council voted to adopt the consent agenda with several items (Resolutions 171-173, 179-181, 190, 196-198) moved to the table due to sales prior to delay in place, deceased ownership status, or payment completion. Public Comments & Testimony - Patty Lack: Expressed strong concern regarding the rezoning of property at Cortebella (Ordinance 25045), stating that certified registered mail notifications were insufficiently sent to neighbors and that public announcements implying "senior living" were premature and unfair given the current rezoning status. - Anonymous Speaker: Offered public support for the "Red Wolves" (local team) as a casual closing statement. Discussion Items - Fire Apparatus Purchase (Resolution 25178): Council discussed entering a contract with Southern States Fire LLC to purchase two Rosenbauer fire apparatuses for $2,419,767. Chief elaborated that the vendor does not offer trade-ins, so the City will sell its old units (estimated value of $180,000 to $200,000 total) through a listing agent to fund the purchase, rather than accepting a nominal fee as previous vendors did. - Multi-Use Trail Agreement (Resolution 194): Council discussed entering an agreement with Pickering to provide professional services for the Prospect Road Multi-Use Trail Project, funded by Capital Improvement Revenue Bonds. No significant opposition or amendment was raised. - Land Donation & Environmental Review (Resolution 25195): Council considered accepting a two-acre donation valued at $876,000 from Blazer Land Holdings LLC for future public safety use. A motion to amend was introduced and adopted by Council, stipulating that the donor will conduct a Phase Two environmental review and remedy any significant issues identified prior to transfer. Councilman Brian Gere and others expressed full support for the donation, noting the strategic location in a high-growth area (Valley View) and the donor's willingness to ensure the property is ready for development within seven years. - 2026 Budget Adoption (Resolution 25196): Council discussed the comprehensive budget for 2026. Mayor Copenhaver emphasized the importance of the prior open forum and finance committee meetings. Councilman Gary questioned the timeline for personnel decisions regarding deferment for the first quarter, which was confirmed to return for council review after being made. - Salary & Administration Plan (Resolution 25197): Council discussed and moved to adopt the amendment to include updated pay ranges and job titles consistent with the 2026 budget. No significant opposition was raised. - Downtown Property Litigation & Purchase (Resolution 25198): A lengthy discussion ensued regarding an offer from Laurel Park LLC to purchase three parcels near the former Citizens Bank Tower for $750,000 to settle ongoing litigation. - Positions in Favor of Purchase: Mayor Copenhaver and Councilman McClain argued that continuing litigation would result in net losses (only $307,000 recoverable vs. $3M spent on demolition) and years of delay. They stated they would purchase the property to steer future development toward high-value commercial uses (e.g., a hotel) to generate tax revenue, rather than turning it into a small park. Councilman Hapner and others noted the donor has a tax deadline to close by December 31st. - Positions Opposed to Purchase: Councilman Gibson and others expressed strong opposition, characterizing the $750,000 price tag as too high for small lots that would likely not generate a profit and would force taxpayers to subsidize the developer's tax benefits. They argued it was irresponsible to pay $750,000 when a lien might yield the property value (minus legal fees) without an immediate large cash outlay. Councilman Hapner expressed skepticism about the city acting as a real estate developer and noted the property's complexity and potential for a "poor deal." - Proposed Course of Action: Councilman McClain moved to postpone the resolution to the Finance Committee for January 30th to allow for further negotiation settlement options or a potential lien dismissal resolution. Councilman Gibson seconded the motion. The discussion revealed that while the purchase opportunity was time-sensitive, the City had until February 1st to file an answer to the appeal, leaving a narrow window for financial committee review, though the contract expiry made the original offer likely unavailable if deferred. Ultimately, the motion to return to the Finance Committee was approved by voice vote, effectively pausing the immediate purchase option. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25178 (Fire Apparatus): Adopted 12-0. The City will contract with Southern States Fire LLC. - Resolution 194 (Trail Agreement): Adopted. The City will enter an agreement with Pickering for the Prospect Road Multi-Use Trail Project. - Resolution 25195 (Land Donation): Amended and Adopted. The City accepted the donation with the condition that the donor funds a Phase Two environmental review and remedies any issues found. - Resolution 25196 (Budget): Adopted. The 2026 City Budget is approved. - Resolution 25197 (Salary Plan): Adopted. Salary ranges and job titles are updated. - Resolution 25198 (Property Purchase): Returned to the Finance Committee (Motion to postpone/amend carried). The decision to close the specific $750,000 purchase deal is suspended pending further Financial Committee review. - Condemnation (Resolution 25167 - Walk-on): Adopted to correct a typographical error in the parcel number for 233 South Fisher Street, allowing demolition to proceed. - Ordinances: - Ordinance 25041 (Stormwater Board Membership) moved to second reading. - Ordinance 25045 (Cortebella Rezoning) moved to second reading. - Ordinances 25037, 2504 (Towing), 25042, 25043, and 2504 (General) moved to third reading. The meeting adjourned with Mayor's reports on police safety, holiday events, and the city's recent "Volunteer Community of the Year" award.

The Public Safety Council Committee of the City of Jonesboro convened on December 16, 2025, at 5:00 PM with a quorum of six members present. The committee reviewed minutes from a previous meeting, unanimously approved their adoption, and evaluated six items of new business regarding property condemnation and fire department restructuring. All six items were discussed, clarified by fire officials where necessary, and forwarded to the Full City Council. The meeting concluded with no public comments and an adjournment. Consent Calendar - Minutes Approval: The committee moved to approve and unanimously adopted the minutes from the Public Safety Committee meeting held on November 18, 2025. Public Comments & Testimony - Public Safety Division: No members of the public submitted comments or testimony regarding concerns related to public safety. - Adjournment: No additional public comments were made prior to the conclusion of the meeting. Discussion Items - Resolution 25167 (Condemnation - 233 South Fisher Street): Staff noted a clerical error in the resolution text regarding the parcel number for a previously condemned property deemed dangerous. While notifications to the public were correct, the committee discussed the need to correct the official resolution to proceed with demolition due to safety hazards. No questions were raised by the committee or administration. - Resolution 25168 (Condemnation - 3806 School Street): A proposal to condemn property at 3806 School Street (Parcel 0144-27250) was introduced. The committee received no questions or comments before voting to forward the resolution to Full Council. - Resolution 25169 (Condemnation - 2410 West Matthews Avenue): A proposal to condemn property at 2410 West Matthews Avenue (Parcel 0143-143-01900) was introduced. The committee received no questions or comments before voting to forward the resolution to Full Council. - Resolution 25199 (Bulletproof Vest Grant): The committee discussed a resolution authorizing the grants and community development department to apply for the FY 2026 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant through the U.S. Department of Justice. No questions or comments were offered before voting to forward the resolution to Full Council. - Resolution 25200 (Fire Department Staffing Realign): The committee deliberated on creating a second Assistant Fire Chief position to separate operational command from training, safety, and administrative functions, citing increased call volume and complexity. A committee member expressed confusion regarding the claim of "no headcount increase" despite adding a high-level position. Chief Hammerett clarified that the position would be filled through internal promotion of existing staff rather than new hiring, explaining that the salary savings from promotions would offset the costs of new high-level roles. He further stated that the estimated $35,000 to $40,000 cost for these promotions is already included in the FY 2026 budget line item of $251,000 for fire salaries. Key Outcomes - Minutes Adopted: The November 18 minutes were approved unanimously. - Resolutions Forwarded to Full Council: The following resolutions were unanimously approved to be placed on the agenda for the Full City Council meeting: - Resolution 25167: Condemn property at 233 South Fisher Street (with corrected parcel number). - Resolution 25168: Condemn property at 3806 School Street. - Resolution 25169: Condemn property at 2410 West Matthews Avenue. - Resolution 25199: Apply for the FY 2026 Bulletproof Vest Partnership Grant. - Resolution 25200: Realign Fire Department staffing to include a second Assistant Fire Chief. - Meeting Adjourned: The committee adjourned unanimously at the conclusion of business.

The City of Jonesboro Metropolitan Planning Commission convened on December 9, 2025, to review a rezoning request for the Oak Tree Manor property located east of Warren Street and south of Jonathan Drive. The applicant, Marquis Mealing, sought to rezone the property from R0 to Planned Development (Residential) to facilitate a gated, single-family attached senior living community comprising 30 buildings. After reviewing staff recommendations and addressing public concerns regarding senior housing restrictions and fencing, the Commission approved the rezoning with specific stipulations, noting that one commissioner recused herself due to prior professional relationships with the applicant. Consent Calendar - Minutes from the November 12th meeting were approved without changes following a motion, second, and unanimous vote. Public Comments & Testimony - Randy Willett (Property Owner): - Expressed curiosity regarding whether the development would be fully fenced. The applicant confirmed a perimeter fence would encircle the entire property, in addition to a gated entrance. - Addressed the potential for rental units, confirming the units are constructed to be capable of being sold or rented, though individually owned. Discussion Items - Applicant Presentation (Marquis Mealing): - Described the project as a proposed gated community for senior living, featuring 30 buildings (29 residential, 1 common building). The applicant noted voluntary design adjustments, including widening streets from 24 to 30 feet, enlarging a cul-de-sac, installing sprinklers in all buildings, and incorporating five pavilions for resident use. - Clarified that while the units are classified as "single family residence" for zoning purposes due to individual ownership structures, each building contains two separate units (effectively duplexes), not single-family detached homes. - Explained that the 830-foot private street exceeds the traditional 400-foot maximum but includes a City Council waiver request, supported by the presence of fire coverage and sprinklered buildings. - Commissioner Questions regarding Senior Living Status: - A Commissioner expressed concern that labeling the project "senior living" might imply an age restriction that cannot be legally enforced by the Planning Commission once rezoning is approved. The applicant and staff confirmed that the city cannot impose age limits, and the "senior living" designation is solely for marketing purposes. The Commissioner suggested striking the phrase from the rezoning text as it is not a legal requirement. - The Commissioner noted the inability to accept a "bill of assurances" for age restrictions, as enforcement would fall to a Property Owners Association (POA), of which none exists yet. The Commission agreed the marketing intent does not equate to a zoning mandate. - Commissioner Questions regarding Sprinklers and Egress: - Commissioner Jim Little inquired about the necessity of sprinklers since they are not a standard code requirement for duplexes. The applicant explained that the design is based on the property's configuration, which lacks a second exit; therefore, sprinklers were installed voluntarily to compensate for the single-point entry/exit and to facilitate the street length waiver. - Staff Comments: - A City Planner confirmed the project meets all six zoning criteria and recommended approval subject to stipulations regarding city engineer requirements, stormwater drainage, floodplain regulations, and final site plan approval. Key Outcomes - Motion to Approve: Commissioner Zolper moved to approve the rezoning request with stipulations; Commissioner Little seconded. - Vote Result: Approval passed with a roll call vote (one commissioner, Miss Nelson, recused herself prior to vote). The vote tally was unanimous among voting members. - Stipulations: The proposed site must satisfy city engineering, stormwater drainage, and floodplain regulations; the final site plan is subject to review and approval by the Planning Department prior to redevelopment; and any future change of use requires Planning Department approval. - Next Steps: The resolution must be placed on the City Council agenda before 10:00 AM on Thursday, December 11, for final consideration. - Administrative Note: The Commission noted the December 9 meeting was the final meeting for December and was adjourned.

The Finance Administration Council Committee convened at 4:00 PM on December 9, 2025, to review a comprehensive agenda consisting of municipal lien resolutions, capital procurement contracts, a significant land donation, the 2026 budget adoption, and a property purchase agreement to settle litigation. The committee reviewed and voted to forward all items to the full City Council for final action, with extensive discussion focused on the fiscal prudence of the proposed fire truck purchases, the long-term strategy for the 2026 budget amidst rising operational costs, and the financial risks regarding the settlement of the Citizens Bank Tower litigation. Consent Calendar - Municipal Liens (Resolutions 25171–25193): The committee voted unanimously to forward 23 resolution packages to the full council to place municipal liens on various properties for unpaid fines or fees. Owners represented include Sky Park Holdings LLC, Kingdom Assets LLC, Hannah George Senior, Unicorn Investments LLC, Smith Brothers Properties LLC, AVHS Arkansas AR LLC, and multiple individual property owners. The amounts ranged from $60 to $365. - Code Enforcement Acknowledgement: Council members commended Director Roper and code enforcement staff for their diligent work in clearing liens and maintaining city properties. Public Comments & Testimony - Laurel Park Offer Clarification: Matt Tre (Attorney for Laurel Park LLC) attempted to join via Zoom but was disconnected; he later rejoined to clarify that the offer was intended for the property owner to offset costs and legal fees before the end of the calendar year due to tax purposes. - Council Member Concerns: Council members expressed skepticism regarding the appraisal value of $71 per square foot for the Main Street lots, noting it as astronomical compared to market rates. There was significant debate regarding the unknown costs of continuing litigation versus the definitive cost of the $750,000 purchase offer. - Budget Review Request: Council members requested further clarification on the justification for salary increases without performance metrics and sought information on outsourcing analyses during the upcoming first-quarter review. Discussion Items - Resolution 25178 (Fire Apparatus Purchase): The committee discussed the $2.4 million contract with Southern States Fire LLC to replace a 2005 aerial ladder truck and a 2011 pumper truck. Staff explained that City Water and Light has committed to a two-year funding program contributing $600,000 annually. The budget includes a $625,000 appropriation from the depreciation fund, with the remaining balance expected to be funded by the partner city for the next two cycles. - Resolution 25195 (Land Donation): Staff presented details on the acceptance of a 2-acre in-kind donation from Blazor Land Holdings LLC, valued at $876,000. The property is designated for future public safety (fire station, police substation, or severe weather shelter). Staff outlined that while the city intends to pursue funding for these uses within seven years, there is no immediate guarantee of construction, and the property may be developed from a "blank slate" if existing structures are not reusable. - Resolution 25196 (2026 Budget Adoption): The committee reviewed the projected $85 million balanced budget, which includes a 4% overall salary increase (2% step increase + 2% cost of living adjustment) for all full-time employees. Staff noted the transition to a captive insurance program (effective Jan 2025) resulted in decreased claim activity (from $10 million to $8 million) and administrative savings. The committee deferred final approval of certain personnel requests pending a first-quarter review. Significant discussion centered on roadway maintenance prioritization, with staff noting the city spends significantly less than the estimated $3.5 million annually required to maintain road conditions. - Resolution 25198 (Laurel Park Property Settlement): The committee debated a settlement offer to purchase three lots on Washington Street for $750,000 to terminate ongoing litigation with Laurel Park LLC. While the Mayor and legal staff advocated for the offer to avoid potentially years of unpredictable legal fees and litigation costs, council members raised concerns about the high per-square-foot valuation and the lack of a definitive cost estimate for continuing the legal battle. The matter was noted as a long-standing issue with the property owner still litigating financial claims related to the demolished Citizens Bank Tower. - Franchise Fee Revenue Bond: Staff provided an overview of the $17.5 million bond issuance, detailing the debt service payments starting in August 2026 and the allocation of funds toward the E911 center, Caraway Road expansion, and pedestrian trail connections. Key Outcomes - Resolution 25178: Vote passed to forward to full council for approval of the $2,419,767 fire apparatus contract with Southern States Fire LLC. - Resolution 25195: Vote passed to forward to full council to accept the land donation from Blazor Land Holdings LLC and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute related documents and warranty deeds. - Resolution 25196: Vote passed to forward to full council to adopt the City of Jonesboro 2026 budget, authorizing $85 million in expenditures and a 4% salary increase for employees. - Resolution 25197: Vote passed to forward to full council to amend the Salary Administration Plan to reflect updated pay ranges and job titles consistent with the 2026 budget. - Resolution 25198: Vote passed to forward to full council to accept the $750,000 offer from Laurel Park LLC to purchase three parcels and terminate litigation, with a stipulation that the deal must close before December 29, 2025. - Adjournment: The meeting concluded with the committee forwarding all new business items to the full City Council for final deliberation and approval.

Council members and city officials convened for a working session on Friday afternoon, December 5, 2025, to discuss the proposed 2026 budget. Mayor Copenhager opened the session by addressing the "20,000-pound elephant" regarding the City serving as a trustee for City Star's financial activities following a Department of Justice meeting, confirming that children's sports programs will continue while the financial baseline is established. Chief Steve Pratte then presented a detailed budget overview, emphasizing a strategy of consistency and fiscal responsibility. The session featured extensive Q&A regarding revenue streams, employee compensation, capital improvements, reserve funds, and long-term infrastructure needs, with no final action taken as the agenda will move to the Finance Committee on the following Tuesday. Consent Calendar - No routine consent calendar items were presented or approved; the session was designated strictly as a working session for discussion and questions. Public Comments & Testimony - No formal public comments were recorded during this closed council working session, though the Mayor noted that the public is invited to review the budget documents available online and attend the upcoming Finance Committee meeting. Discussion Items - City Star Trustee Arrangement: Mayor Copenhager stated that the City is prepared to serve as a trustee for City Star's financial activities. He expressed that the Department of Justice has no concerns with current protocols. The Mayor emphasized that while this will be a budget impact, the exact cost is unpredictable until a baseline is established, and the City Star board has voted to collaborate on this transition to ensure youth sports programs continue without issue. - Budget Philosophy and Salaries: Mayor Copenhager stated that the 2026 budget prioritizes consistency, noting there are no new revenue streams. He confirmed the budget includes a two percent annual step increase in salaries plus a two percent cost of living adjustment. Dr. Coleman questioned if the two percent increase was adequate for specialized staff (HVC, IT, sanitation), expressing concern that competitive market pressure might require higher pay. Councilmember Bryan noted that sanitation and entry-level worker pay has increased nearly 40 percent over a 10-year period despite these small annual adjustments. - Captive Insurance Program: CFO Pratte explained that the city entered a captive insurance program, which successfully decreased overall claim activity by two million dollars from the previous year. He contrasted this with the national market trend of 13-15 percent premium increases, noting that without this program, premium increases would have been projected between 25 percent and 48 percent. Pratte stated that claims dropped from ten million dollars to approximately eight million dollars in 2024, demonstrating the program's efficacy. - Capital Improvements and Bonding: Pratty detailed the use of a 17.5 million dollar bond approved in mid-2025 to fund the E911 safety center, Caraway Road expansion, and pedestrian trail connections. Councilmember Hafner expressed concern regarding the growing Capital Improvement Carryover Fund (increasing from 6.3 million to 11.1 million) and asked when specific long-standing projects, such as the 50 Spot parking lot and Loop Road overlays, would be completed. Engineering staff confirmed they are reviewing the fund and will work to realign or reassign funds if projects are deferred. Dr. Coleman inquired if the remaining 1.6 million in bond proceeds had a specific timeline for expenditure, clarifying that while there are constraints, the goal is to utilize funds effectively within the three-year window, though the specific projects for that remaining amount are still being identified. - Revenue Limitations and Infrastructure Costs: A significant portion of the discussion focused on the constraints of the one-cent sales tax revenue. Councilmember Bryan argued that the limited revenue stream prevents the city from addressing all needs, citing that 70 million dollars of economic activity yields only 700,000 dollars in tax revenue. He expressed concern that residential growth in Valley View (3,000 lots) may not generate enough sales tax to cover the infrastructure costs required to serve those new residents. Councilmember Coleman and the Mayor discussed the lack of property taxes and sanitation fees for apartment complexes in Jonesboro compared to neighboring cities, noting the city provides nearly $1.5 million annually in free sanitation services to commercial complexes. - Police and Fire Department Staffing: Chief Elliott (Police) stated that the department is currently 15 officers short of full staffing. He expressed that while the city is preparing the budget for a fully staffed force, the primary challenge nationwide is recruiting qualified applicants. Elliott noted that the department is currently at a critical retention point due to high retirement eligibility among command staff (six eligible this year, eight next year) and the mental toll of the job, though the new health and wellness program has improved retention. He stated that once the department reaches full staffing, he will immediately seek federal grants for expansion. Regarding the Fire Department, the Mayor and Chief noted similar pressures, with new fire stations and equipment costing two million dollars; the city has appropriated 25 percent of this cost, with City Water and Light agreeing to fund the remaining 1.2 million over two cycles. - Reserve Analysis and Interest Rates: The discussion covered the city's reserve position, forecasting roughly 20 million dollars in unappropriated reserves, which provides approximately 3.8 months of spending power against a required 1-2 months. Dr. Coleman suggested exploring short-term CDs to earn higher yields on the 2.8 percent currently earned on checking accounts. Pratte confirmed that while the current rate is competitive, the city would be open to re-evaluating investment strategies, though the current provider includes significant free services that offset the yield difference. Key Outcomes - No Vote Taken: As a working session, no formal votes or approvals were taken on the 2026 budget or the City Star trustee arrangement. - Referral to Finance Committee: The budget presentation has been referred to the Finance Committee for the next Tuesday meeting, where action will be taken on whether to forward the budget to the full council. - Future Considerations: The Mayor and Council agreed to revisit budget requests, specifically regarding employee compensation and the allocation of the 1.6 million dollar remaining bond proceeds, following first-quarter results to assess growth trends and economic impacts. Councilmember Bryan recommended the council consider a potential half-cent sales tax increase or other revenue sources to accommodate long-term public safety and infrastructure needs as the city continues to grow. - Sanitation Fee Review: Council requested a review or re-examination of the internal costs associated with free sanitation services provided to apartment complexes, potentially referencing a past study on the matter. - Investment Strategy Review: The finance department agreed to investigate potential short-term investment vehicles (such as CDs) to optimize returns on reserve funds while maintaining liquidity and FDIC insurance standards.