Jonesboro City Council Meeting - December 16, 2025

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.