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OPENPUBLICA · PUBLIC MEETING RECORD

Record of Proceedings

Jonesboro City Council Meeting: State of the City and Youth Sports Oversight - March 3, 2026

Meeting Portal — Tuesday, March 3, 2026

BodyJonesboro, Arkansas

SessionMeeting Portal

DateTuesday, March 3, 2026

StatusFILED

Video Record

0:00 / 1:22:35

Transcript — VerbatimClick a timed line to jump · ⧉ to share it

0:00

Good evening, everybody, and welcome to City Council.

0:04

This is March 3rd, 2026.

0:08

Let me see.

0:09

Councilman Emerson, would you like to lead us in prayer?

0:12

I hadn't asked.

0:13

All right, great.

0:14

All right, we'll go ahead and open this evening's minutes, and I'll start with Pledge Allegiance, an invitation will be led out.

0:23

I pledge allegiance through the flag of the United States of America.

0:28

And the Republic for which it stands one nation.

0:35

Liberty and justice for all.

0:37

Would you be a good pray with me?

0:39

Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us all here today to do the business of the great city of Jonesboro.

0:44

And we just ask a hand of healing and calm and just looking over all of our troops, all of our soldiers, everybody that's overseas that's in conflict right now, along with our first responders that are here in Jonesboro.

1:00

And uh just ask that you forgive us of our sins and look after us as we go about as we go about our day, and um trying to live life in the way that you would want us to lead it.

1:11

Thank you so much for everything that you've given us.

1:13

Amen.

1:14

Amen.

1:15

If you would please go ahead and do roll call.

1:38

Got it.

1:38

All right, we do have 10 present.

1:41

Next we'll move on to special presentations.

1:59

Good evening item for special presentation.

2:02

The Honorable Mayor Harold Copenhagen will present the state of the city address.

2:14

Good evening, council and everybody in the community.

2:18

I appreciate everybody for being present.

2:22

Council, I want to tell you it's an honor to provide you the state of the city address for Jonesboro.

2:30

You know, it's an honor to work with Tony Thomas, Brian Richardson, Tanya, Tracy, April Leggett, our city clerk, and city attorney Carol Duncan to invest and improve in our city.

2:48

This is my sixth state of the city address, and every single time, I'm thrilled for the privilege to stand before you.

2:57

You know, this is an amazing city, and we're doing amazing things together.

3:02

I'd also like to recognize our city employees.

3:06

The city team works incredibly hard to ensure city services and programs run smoothly.

3:14

Last year, more than one and a half million hours of their labor was dedicated to this community in the rain, cold, sunshine, and the recent snow.

3:28

Their dedication to the residents of this city is on display every day for this community.

3:36

I certainly want to thank those who make sure our tax dollars are well kept.

3:41

Last year, Steve Pertie and our finance department processed a hundred and seven thousand various transactions.

3:51

They managed nearly 5,000 business licenses and distributed nearly 40 million dollars in payroll checks.

4:01

Now, let me back up and restate that.

4:04

They processed 107,000 transactions with the staff of 10.

4:10

They oversaw nearly 100 million dollars in revenue, and they did that with exceptional professionalism.

4:19

In route to receiving 15 consecutive clean audits by the Arkansas legislative audit.

4:28

That means not one of those transactions violated the accounting standards for local, state, or federal law.

4:39

That's incredible.

4:40

Thank you, Steve.

4:47

Lastly, I'd like to thank all the residents of Jonesboro.

4:51

Now, Jonesboro is a great community.

4:53

It's a community to build a life in, a family, business, and every individual though, contributes to our community.

5:01

You are the heartbeat of Jonesboro.

5:05

So the state of Jonesboro is thriving because our people make it that way.

5:11

Jonesboro is filled with amazing people who go above and beyond.

5:15

Some are in this room.

5:17

Our financial position is solid.

5:20

We wrapped up 2025 with 28.1 million dollars in reserves.

5:27

9.6 million of which is required by city policy.

5:32

The closing months of 2025 also reflect economic growth and the strengthening of the local economy, which sales tax returns month after month surpassing those of the previous year.

5:48

Our chamber cut ribbons on 150 new businesses in Jonesboro last year.

5:54

150.

5:56

That's 150 new opportunities for individuals to have jobs and millions in the economic impact.

6:04

There was recently announcement of a new industry coming to Jonesboro.

6:09

In VoAsian, it's going to bring 200 plus more jobs to Jonesboro.

6:15

Jonesboro's growth, though, is directly tied to the decisions that's made in this room.

Discussion Breakdown — Share of Meeting

Public Safety████████████12%

Procedural███████████11%

Economic Development███████████11%

Public Engagement███████████11%

Pending Litigation██████████10%

Youth Programs████████8%

Community Engagement███████7%

Governance Accountability███████7%

Engineering And Infrastructure██████6%

Summary of Proceedings

Jonesboro City Council Meeting – March 3, 2026

The Jonesboro City Council convened at 5:30 PM on March 3, 2026, with Mayor Harold Copenhaver presiding. Ten council members were present (Brian Emison, Chris Moore, Chris Gibson, David McClain, Kevin Miller, Anthony Coleman, John Street, Charles Coleman, LJ Bryant, Ann Williams); Joe Hafner and Janice Porter were absent. The meeting featured the State of the City address, consent agenda approvals, updates on youth sports accounting, and a public comment period highlighting governance concerns.

Consent Calendar

Minutes of the February 17, 2026, City Council meeting were approved.
RES-26:014 – A resolution authorizing a platform services agreement with Cubic Transportation Systems, Inc., following a competitive RFP process, was approved.
RES-26:016 – A resolution to purchase fire department safety and rescue equipment and amend the FY2026 budget was approved.
All consent items passed unanimously (10-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

Matt Daniel (2203 Doral Drive, Jonesboro) spoke during the public comments period. He stated he voted for Mayor Copenhaver and was a first-time speaker. Daniel expressed loss of confidence in the Mayor’s leadership, alleging that public statements about City Stars did not align with written records. He claimed that the proposal he presented (at the Mayor’s request) did not seek $500,000 in public funding free from oversight, as the Mayor had stated, and that city employees controlled the City Stars budget. He also noted that three city employees were paid to work City Stars leagues and events, contradicting the Mayor’s assertion of zero city contribution. Daniel urged the Council to address governance and public trust, saying "silence, inaction, deferral, and accountability are all decisions." He distributed handouts (COM-26:012).

Discussion Items

State of the City Address (Mayor Copenhaver): The Mayor reported that the city ended 2025 with $28.1 million in reserves ($9.6 million required by policy), processed 107,000 transactions with a staff of 10, and received 15 consecutive clean audits. Key highlights: 150 new businesses, 232 new employees onboarded, $75 million in grants over five years, violent crime at a decade low, 11,501 fire calls (10% increase), 100,000+ dispatch calls, and 7,500 code enforcement cases (7,000 resolved). The Mayor also outlined future projects: a $5.5 million 9-1-1 public safety center, $3 million in road overlays, a new park in northeast Jonesboro, and the $20 million Ridge Athletic Center. He emphasized the need for continued investment and planning under the Destination 100K initiative.
Youth Sports Accounting Transition (Finance Director Steve Purtee): Purtee detailed the new accounting processes for youth sports, which are now under city oversight. An internal audit contract was reestablished with Mike Burroughs (retired legislative auditor). All deposits are processed at the Municipal Center; dual control and numerical accounting (tickets, armbands) are used for cash handling. Four sport categories (volleyball, basketball, soccer, football/cheer) will have separate general ledger accounts. Monthly reporting will be consistent with other city financials. A budget amendment for youth sports will be prepared for Council approval. Legislative auditors will visit the week of March 9 to review the 2025 audit. The remaining reserve from the previous fund is approximately $70,000 as of December 31, 2025; the Mayor requested it be set aside as restricted funding for future youth sports expansion.
Councilmember Reports:
- LJ Bryant asked about the $70,000 reserve and the FBI investigation. City Attorney Carol Duncan confirmed no concerns expressed by the FBI; they seized cash during an initial visit and are working to return it. Bryant also expressed support for sidewalk infrastructure (noting ~20% of residents don’t drive) and raised concerns about incomplete records for tournament workers and invoices to City Stars from city employee email addresses.
- Dr. Anthony Coleman questioned the legality of the city taking over youth sports from the nonprofit City Stars. Duncan clarified the city did not take over the nonprofit status; the board voted to transfer funds to the city.
- David McClain asked about moving to cashless transactions for youth sports. Parks Director Jim Stearns said they are assessing equipment and Wi-Fi costs; a phase one plan will be shared. McClain also asked if employees were ever paid in cash (including Christmas bonuses). Duncan explained the city refrained from asking employees questions due to the ongoing FBI investigation to avoid interference, but may reach out to the investigator to see if it is now permissible.
- Chris Gibson announced he will call a special public services meeting soon.
- Chris Moore asked about downtown street repairs related to City Water and Light sewer work. Mayor Copenhaver said a meeting is scheduled for Thursday (March 5) at 9 AM.
- Mayor’s Reports: Recognized the passing of developer Bruce Burrow; welcomed Leadership Jonesboro class; noted the Foundation of Arts karaoke event and Junior Auxiliary charity ball (which raised $100,000 for a new park). Also recognized Roger McKinney (Living Legacy Award), Dr. Charles Coleman (Ed Way Community Support Award), employee of the month Dennis Trinidad, and thanked outgoing Communications Director Donna Malone.

Key Outcomes

Consent agenda approved unanimously (10-0).
ORD-26:006 (traffic signs) held at first reading.
ORD-26:005 (drainage easement vacation) and ORD-26:007 (rezoning at 900 N. Caraway Road from R-1 to RS-6) held at second reading.
ORD-26:004 (rezoning at 1306 Charles Dr. from R-1 to RS-7) passed on third reading (10-0 vote; enactment O-EN-011-2026).
Youth sports accounting transition is underway with new internal controls; a budget amendment will be presented to Council. The $70,000 reserve will be set aside for future youth sports programs.
No formal action was taken on the governance concerns raised during public comments; the FBI investigation remains ongoing.

Meeting Transcript

Good evening, everybody, and welcome to City Council. This is March 3rd, 2026. Let me see. Councilman Emerson, would you like to lead us in prayer? I hadn't asked. All right, great. All right, we'll go ahead and open this evening's minutes, and I'll start with Pledge Allegiance, an invitation will be led out. I pledge allegiance through the flag of the United States of America. And the Republic for which it stands one nation. Liberty and justice for all. Would you be a good pray with me? Dear Lord, thank you for bringing us all here today to do the business of the great city of Jonesboro. And we just ask a hand of healing and calm and just looking over all of our troops, all of our soldiers, everybody that's overseas that's in conflict right now, along with our first responders that are here in Jonesboro. And uh just ask that you forgive us of our sins and look after us as we go about as we go about our day, and um trying to live life in the way that you would want us to lead it. Thank you so much for everything that you've given us. Amen. Amen. If you would please go ahead and do roll call. Got it. All right, we do have 10 present. Next we'll move on to special presentations. Good evening item for special presentation. The Honorable Mayor Harold Copenhagen will present the state of the city address. Good evening, council and everybody in the community. I appreciate everybody for being present. Council, I want to tell you it's an honor to provide you the state of the city address for Jonesboro. You know, it's an honor to work with Tony Thomas, Brian Richardson, Tanya, Tracy, April Leggett, our city clerk, and city attorney Carol Duncan to invest and improve in our city. This is my sixth state of the city address, and every single time, I'm thrilled for the privilege to stand before you. You know, this is an amazing city, and we're doing amazing things together. I'd also like to recognize our city employees. The city team works incredibly hard to ensure city services and programs run smoothly. Last year, more than one and a half million hours of their labor was dedicated to this community in the rain, cold, sunshine, and the recent snow. Their dedication to the residents of this city is on display every day for this community. I certainly want to thank those who make sure our tax dollars are well kept. Last year, Steve Pertie and our finance department processed a hundred and seven thousand various transactions. They managed nearly 5,000 business licenses and distributed nearly 40 million dollars in payroll checks. Now, let me back up and restate that. They processed 107,000 transactions with the staff of 10. They oversaw nearly 100 million dollars in revenue, and they did that with exceptional professionalism. In route to receiving 15 consecutive clean audits by the Arkansas legislative audit. That means not one of those transactions violated the accounting standards for local, state, or federal law. That's incredible. Thank you, Steve. Lastly, I'd like to thank all the residents of Jonesboro. Now, Jonesboro is a great community. It's a community to build a life in, a family, business, and every individual though, contributes to our community. You are the heartbeat of Jonesboro. So the state of Jonesboro is thriving because our people make it that way. Jonesboro is filled with amazing people who go above and beyond. Some are in this room.

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