OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD
Record of Proceedings

Jonesboro City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, February 17, 2026
BodyJonesboro, Arkansas
SessionMeeting Portal
DateTuesday, February 17, 2026
StatusFILED
Video Record
0:00 / 1:42:37

Transcript — Verbatim
0:03

We do have a public hearing at uh public hearing regarding the abandonment of green easement location of block 5R and the second edition of block Court of Arsenal discussion by anybody in the audience who would like to talk about this easement.

0:35

I don't see any, so that will be closed for the moment, and uh just in a few minutes, we'll open up City Council meeting.

0:42

Thank you.

3:13

It is five thirty, and we're gonna go ahead and start.

3:16

Um I'll lead us in a pledge allegiance, and then Dr.

3:20

Charles Coleman will lead us in invocation.

3:24

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republican.

3:34

Under individual liberty.

3:55

All right, Council members, if you would please go ahead and cast your ballot for being present.

4:07

All right, we do have nine present this evening.

4:10

We do have a quorum, so next we'll move on to special presentations.

4:15

Uh council, I think it's very imperative that uh again, you brought it to my attention early on.

4:20

Um I think we need to have more special presentations in front of City Council, making council aware of things that we're doing, uh, and also things that you have voted on and supported uh when it comes to moving forward with the city budget.

4:38

We've made some really large decisions in the last five years when it comes to health insurance, the rising ex uh just cost um are becoming prohibitive for so many citizens across our community.

4:55

And so I want to say, first of all, when we bring it to council, uh the engagement piece that you all have is very important.

5:02

And again, I want you to know what we're doing behind the scenes as well with our department heads.

5:08

Dwayne, if you want to come forward and you can make an introduction here of the members that are present this evening.

5:15

I felt tonight it's very important for you to see the results of your decision and and ours that we brought to you the reflection of what we have done now in over a year being on a self-serving program.

5:32

That was a big step for the city of Jonesboro.

5:35

And as you know, it's always a priority of this administration to put our employees' uh needs first, and health care is one of those.

5:44

It's very important.

5:45

A lot of times we can't provide other needs and services, but with the health insurance uh participation levels that council approves every year in our budget, that allows us to be competitive for our employees and helps them in the pocketbook, and they can get the best health care.

6:01

So in turn, they're able to be at work.

6:04

So Duane, if you would feel free to go ahead, you have the floor, and I I appreciate counsel's attention.

6:10

Yeah, I think you also, and I think it's uh be very beneficial to everyone to see how the plan has been evolving as we started.

6:20

Uh I think you're going to be impressed with the numbers and information, and I'm pleased to have the Hatcher group with me tonight uh along with uh ADP as well, uh, because now we have the self-service on our mobile apps and things like that for employees.

6:33

So I'll talk a little bit about that, but I won't uh talk any more, but I'll turn it over to Greg Hatcher and let him explain about the plan.

6:41

Sure.

6:43

Well, um I think the first thing I'd like to do is just talk about health care costs in general, even before we get into the details, because you know, as it for a person that's not dealing with it every single day, it's like why are the costs going up and up and up?

7:01

It's like you're just running against a headwind all the time.

7:05

So there's several reasons.

7:07

One, you know, when we passed health care reform in 2008, it took place, 2010.

7:15

We added uh no pre-existing conditions, we added wellness to the plans that weren't covered before.

7:21

We we added birth control pills, we added psychiatric drug, alcohol um recovery with no with no limit.

7:29

Okay, it used to be used to have all these limits.

7:32

So any time you add to a plan more coverage, it's going to cost more money.

7:38

I always use the example that you can go buy a Camry, just the Bayes Camry, or you can buy one with leather seats with a spoiler with a sunroof with you know cool tires, and it's always going to cost more.

7:51

So there's no argument that the additional coverages that we added were really important, and um certainly take care of Americans better, but I think what Americans weren't ready for is the compounding of that year after year after year.

8:09

Then you have guys like me, baby boomers, the aging of the population.

8:15

So today our society for every for every one person that's you know retired, we have four working to pay for them.

8:25

In the next 10 years, it could be there's they're showing the ratios could be two to one.

8:30

Just the population is aging, and as we age, you know, we use more health care.

8:35

Um, and then I think everybody knows that we have more and more procedures.

8:41

You know, it used to be when I started in this business, somebody had a heart issue, they had a quadruple bypass.

8:46

Today, somebody has a heart issue, most of the time they get a stint, you know, in their home in a couple days.

8:53

Okay.

8:53

Used to be that people died from those things.

8:56

I have personally witnessed a heart attack um playing pickleball with a guy that they said 98% chance he shouldn't make it, but he had a doctor doing CPR, we did the work, you know, and I'm eating dinner with him a week later.

9:10

So health care is very important.

9:12

There's nothing more important than your health.

9:16

That being said, when we're going and we're delivering rate increases, it isn't fun.

9:20

So if you look back 15 years ago, how many groups did we have fully insured versus self-funded?

9:27

It would have been almost all fully insured except the big boys.

9:31

Okay, the really big groups today, groups at a hundred lives, 150 lives, are going self-funded because they're trying to battle those headwinds.

9:43

So one of the things that people don't realize is when we passed health care reform, we added those coverages, but we did not address prescriptions.

9:54

It was not part of health care reform.

9:57

They were it was just completely ignored.

10:00

So today, if you're fully insured, every time there's a health, there's a prescription drug claim, there is a drug rebate that goes under the table to the insurance company.

10:11

And I say under the table, not illegally, but just that you can't see.

10:16

So the farm the pharmaceutical companies are paying drug rebates to that vendor.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting
Procedural██████████████████18%
Healthcare Costs██████████████████18%
Public Safety█████████████13%
Health Insurance█████████9%
Public Engagement███████7%
Engineering And Infrastructure███████7%
Zoning Regulations█████5%
Parks and Recreation████4%
Governance Accountability████4%
Summary of Proceedings

Jonesboro City Council Meeting - February 17, 2026

The Jonesboro City Council met on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. in the Municipal Center Council Chambers. Prior to the regular meeting, a Public Services Committee meeting was held at 4:30 p.m., a Public Safety Committee meeting at 5:00 p.m., and a public hearing at 5:25 p.m. regarding the abandonment of a drainage easement in Southern Hills (no public comments were made, and the hearing was closed). The regular meeting featured a special presentation on the city's self-funded health insurance plan, action on numerous resolutions and ordinances, and reports from the mayor and council.

Special Presentations

  • Health Insurance Claims Analysis (2025) – Greg Hatcher of the Hatcher Insurance Group presented a detailed analysis of the city's transition from a fully insured plan to a self-funded plan with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Key points included:
    • In 2024, the city paid $6 million in premiums while claims totaled $10.1 million, leading to a 50% rate increase. After moving to self-funded, claims dropped to $8.7 million in 2025, despite a national healthcare trend increase of 12%.
    • By “script sourcing” 36 high-cost prescriptions (out of 1,000+ per month), the city saved $1.6 million. Example: a drug costing $27,000/month was sourced for $6,000/month.
    • Drug rebates increased by $671,000, now flowing to the city.
    • The self-funded model provides a 13% annual advantage (6% premium tax savings, 3% from drug rebates, 3% underwriting gain, 1% interest).
  • Wellness and Technology Updates – Jacob Still (Hatcher Agency) highlighted three goals achieved: increased wellness visits through on-site clinics (partnering with NYIT and Arkansas State), a cancer program for employees (over 80 cancer claims since 2023), and specialty medication management. Don Wiener (ADP) noted that the city’s three-person HR team serves nearly 800 employees (industry benchmark: 1 HR per 100 employees). New ADP technology has streamlined self-service, reducing 100 weekly employee inquiries. Scott Allison (Benefits Me) reported that 27% of employees are enrolled in a payroll-deducted purchasing program offering 70,000 products, with no interest or credit checks.

Consent Calendar

  • Approved unanimously (9-0-3) with the removal of items RES-25:168, RES-26:010, and RES-26:011 for separate discussion. The following items were approved:
    • MIN-26:012 – Minutes of February 3, 2026 council meeting.
    • RES-25:219 – Right-of-way and temporary construction easement at 2400 E. Johnson Avenue for roadway improvements.
    • RES-26:009 – Purchase of three buses for the Transit Department (JET) at a bid price not specified in the minutes.
    • RES-26:013 – Application for a FY2026 BUILD Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.
    • RES-26:015 – Municipal lien of $275 on property at 2404 Brazos St. owned by Kingdom Assets, LLC.

Items Removed from Consent Agenda

  • RES-26:010 – Acceptance of a permanent right-of-way at 3505 Stella Drive for pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure. Public commenter Patti Lack noted the absence of a purchase price. Engineering Director Craig Light confirmed the right-of-way was obtained from Arkansas State University at no cost. Passed 9-0-3.
  • RES-26:011 – Waiver of competitive bidding to purchase 60 street lights (pedestrian-friendly fixtures) from Tech Electric. Director Light explained that 27 lights will be installed on Huntington Avenue (Union St. to Flint), with the remaining for future projects like Monroe Street to get bulk pricing. Installation bids open March 4–5, 2026. Passed 9-0-3.

Public Comments & Testimony

  • Patti Lack (4108 Forest Hill Road) raised concerns about the missing purchase price on the Stella Drive right-of-way (item RES-26:010) and questioned the lack of competitive bidding for street lights (RES-26:011). She also spoke against ordinance ORD-26:007, noting the applicant did not appear at the MAPC meeting and urged the council to table it until the applicant presented properly.
  • Nicklaus Aumann (2420 Judes Way, president of Klaus Property Management) apologized for missing the MAPC meeting, stating he works full-time as an electrician, but affirmed his intention for the rezoning at 900 N. Caraway Road.
  • Bob Hester (7096 CR 333) opposed both private club permits (ORD-26:002 and ORD-26:003), arguing the area is already adequately served with 70–80 alcohol outlets. He requested the council not grant the permits (procedural death) and asked for findings of fact from any motion.
  • James Elwyn Hinds (508 Ridgecrest) opposed the alcohol permits, stating the ABC Board cannot grant a permit without council approval. He also spoke during public comments about the need for energy audits for Jonesboro residents, noting that City Water & Light and Summit do not offer such services.
  • Jim Stearns (Parks & Recreation Director, 1317 Bennett Drive) provided an update on parks: the youth center pool passed health inspection in its best shape in five years; Southside Softball received praise for senior games; Disciple Drive project is 60% complete; a shared-use trail from Arkansas State to Gee Street is nearly done; over 2,000 kids signed up for youth sports (basketball begins Feb. 21, softball Feb. 28, etc.).

Discussion Items

Resolutions Not on Consent Agenda

  • RES-25:168 – Condemnation of 3806 School Street. Councilmember Kevin Miller reported the property recently sold, and Code Enforcement requested tabling. Motion to postpone indefinitely passed 9-0-3.
  • RES-25:169 – Condemnation of 2410 W. Matthews Ave. Passed 9-0-3.
  • RES-25:216 – Condemnation of 120 W. Woodrow Street. Code Enforcement Director Scott Roper noted the owner applied for a permit that day; if the structure is demolished within the time limit, the lien won't be enforced. Passed 9-0-3.
  • RES-26:006 – Request for free utility services from City Water & Light for a traffic signal at 6002 E. Johnson Avenue. Councilmember John Street recused himself due to his CWL board membership. Passed 8-0-3 (1 recused).
  • RES-26:012 – Purchase of additional right-of-way on S. Caraway Road for roadway improvements. Councilmember David McClain moved to amend the funding source from “Capital Improvement Budget” to “Capital Improvement Revenue Bond Budget.” CAO Brian Richardson clarified both refer to the same revenue bond funds. Amendment passed by voice vote; then the resolution as amended passed 9-0-3.

New Business (Ordinances on First Reading)

  • ORD-26:005 – Ordinance to vacate and abandon a drainage easement in Southern Hills (Lot 5R, Block C). Suspended rules, held at one reading (no further action).
  • ORD-26:007 – Rezoning from R-1 to RS-6 for 900 N. Caraway Road (Klaus Property Management). After public comment (Patti Lack and Nicklaus Aumann), the ordinance was held at one reading (no vote).

Unfinished Business (Ordinances on Second Reading)

  • ORD-26:004 – Rezoning from R-1 to RS-7 for 1306 Charles Drive (Weston Wagner). Held at second reading (no vote).

Ordinances on Third Reading (Votes)

  • ORD-26:001 – Rezoning from R-1 to C-3 (General Commercial) for 2620 Alexander Drive (Paula Thompson). Applicant’s attorney Jim Gramling presented a revised ordinance with: a 25-foot buffer (as MAPC required), seven limited use overlay exclusions agreed with neighbors, and dedication of green space in the southeast quadrant. City Attorney Carol Duncan noted the revised ordinance was significantly different (added legal description and new section 3). Council voted to replace the original ordinance with the revised version (voice vote), then passed the ordinance as amended 9-0-3.
  • ORD-26:002 – Private club permit for Monarca’s Mexican Restaurant, LLC. After public comments (Bob Hester opposing, James Hinds opposing), council passed 9-0-3.
  • ORD-26:003 – Private club permit for Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Public comments (Bob Hester opposing, James Hinds opposing, and Scott Hunter correcting the address to 2809 E. Highland Drive). Passed 9-0-3.

Key Outcomes

  • Votes on resolutions and ordinances – All passed with 9-0-3 (three absent: Chris Moore, Anthony Coleman, LJ Bryant) except RES-26:006 which passed 8-0-3 with one recusal (John Street).
  • Amendments – RES-26:012 amended to specify funding source; ORD-26:001 replaced with a revised version.
  • Tabled items – RES-25:168 (condemnation of 3806 School Street) postponed indefinitely.
  • Mayor's Report – Mayor Copenhaver announced: Plan Jonesboro kickoff (Feb. 12) with 120+ participants; 24 of 45 new JET bus shelters installed; incinerator repair may be pending; tornado siren locations being reevaluated; 2025 crime stats decreased; employee of the month (Christy Wall); Communications Director Donna Malone retiring March 4.
  • Council Reports – Councilmember Emison noted early voting began. Councilmember McClain requested answers about allegations of department heads taking cash, and about legislative audit involvement. Councilmember Hafner clarified that the A&P Commission financials are audited annually (included in the city’s legislative audit).
  • Public Comments – James Hinds requested energy audit services for residents. Jim Stearns provided park updates.
  • Next Steps – Mayor Copenhaver informed council of a preliminary proposal regarding the First United Methodist Church facility as a potential police station; documents will be distributed.

Meeting Transcript

We do have a public hearing at uh public hearing regarding the abandonment of green easement location of block 5R and the second edition of block Court of Arsenal discussion by anybody in the audience who would like to talk about this easement. I don't see any, so that will be closed for the moment, and uh just in a few minutes, we'll open up City Council meeting. Thank you. It is five thirty, and we're gonna go ahead and start. Um I'll lead us in a pledge allegiance, and then Dr. Charles Coleman will lead us in invocation. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republican. Under individual liberty. All right, Council members, if you would please go ahead and cast your ballot for being present. All right, we do have nine present this evening. We do have a quorum, so next we'll move on to special presentations. Uh council, I think it's very imperative that uh again, you brought it to my attention early on. Um I think we need to have more special presentations in front of City Council, making council aware of things that we're doing, uh, and also things that you have voted on and supported uh when it comes to moving forward with the city budget. We've made some really large decisions in the last five years when it comes to health insurance, the rising ex uh just cost um are becoming prohibitive for so many citizens across our community. And so I want to say, first of all, when we bring it to council, uh the engagement piece that you all have is very important. And again, I want you to know what we're doing behind the scenes as well with our department heads. Dwayne, if you want to come forward and you can make an introduction here of the members that are present this evening. I felt tonight it's very important for you to see the results of your decision and and ours that we brought to you the reflection of what we have done now in over a year being on a self-serving program. That was a big step for the city of Jonesboro. And as you know, it's always a priority of this administration to put our employees' uh needs first, and health care is one of those. It's very important. A lot of times we can't provide other needs and services, but with the health insurance uh participation levels that council approves every year in our budget, that allows us to be competitive for our employees and helps them in the pocketbook, and they can get the best health care. So in turn, they're able to be at work. So Duane, if you would feel free to go ahead, you have the floor, and I I appreciate counsel's attention. Yeah, I think you also, and I think it's uh be very beneficial to everyone to see how the plan has been evolving as we started. Uh I think you're going to be impressed with the numbers and information, and I'm pleased to have the Hatcher group with me tonight uh along with uh ADP as well, uh, because now we have the self-service on our mobile apps and things like that for employees. So I'll talk a little bit about that, but I won't uh talk any more, but I'll turn it over to Greg Hatcher and let him explain about the plan. Sure. Well, um I think the first thing I'd like to do is just talk about health care costs in general, even before we get into the details, because you know, as it for a person that's not dealing with it every single day, it's like why are the costs going up and up and up? It's like you're just running against a headwind all the time. So there's several reasons. One, you know, when we passed health care reform in 2008, it took place, 2010. We added uh no pre-existing conditions, we added wellness to the plans that weren't covered before. We we added birth control pills, we added psychiatric drug, alcohol um recovery with no with no limit. Okay, it used to be used to have all these limits. So any time you add to a plan more coverage, it's going to cost more money. I always use the example that you can go buy a Camry, just the Bayes Camry, or you can buy one with leather seats with a spoiler with a sunroof with you know cool tires, and it's always going to cost more. So there's no argument that the additional coverages that we added were really important, and um certainly take care of Americans better, but I think what Americans weren't ready for is the compounding of that year after year after year. Then you have guys like me, baby boomers, the aging of the population. So today our society for every for every one person that's you know retired, we have four working to pay for them. In the next 10 years, it could be there's they're showing the ratios could be two to one. Just the population is aging, and as we age, you know, we use more health care. Um, and then I think everybody knows that we have more and more procedures. You know, it used to be when I started in this business, somebody had a heart issue, they had a quadruple bypass. Today, somebody has a heart issue, most of the time they get a stint, you know, in their home in a couple days. Okay. Used to be that people died from those things. I have personally witnessed a heart attack um playing pickleball with a guy that they said 98% chance he shouldn't make it, but he had a doctor doing CPR, we did the work, you know, and I'm eating dinner with him a week later. So health care is very important. There's nothing more important than your health.

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