Finance & Administration Council Committee Meeting Summary – June 9, 2026

The Finance & Administration Council Committee of Jonesboro met on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at 4:00 PM in the Municipal Center. Chair Joe Hafner called the meeting to order with a quorum present. Members present: Joe Hafner, John Street, David McClain, Charles Coleman, Brian Emison. Absent: Anthony Coleman, Ann Williams. City Clerk April Leggett confirmed electronic attendance.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (MIN-26:049): Minutes from the May 26, 2026, Finance Committee meeting were approved by a motion from John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0 (with two absent).

Discussion Items

• RES-26:060 – Free Utility Services from City Water and Light for City-Owned Property: Councilmember John Street recused himself due to his position on the City Water and Light Board of Directors. The property at 301 West Monroe Street is where the Real Time Crime Center will be located. A motion to forward to full council was made by Brian Emison, seconded by David McClain. Passed 3-0 (Street abstained, two absent).
• RES-26:061 – Municipal Lien on 300 E Pine Street (Unicorn LLC, $865): Code Enforcement Director Scott Roper reported that the lien paperwork was incorrect and recommended resending. The committee voted to postpone the item temporarily until the next Finance meeting. Motion by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0 (two absent).
• RES-26:062 – Municipal Lien on 316 S McClure (SBREME LLC, $465): Director Roper confirmed the lien was correct. After clarification on parcel numbers, the committee forwarded the resolution to full council. Motion by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0.
• RES-26:064 – FY2026-2027 CDBG Annual Action Plan: Grants Director Chris Richey presented the plan with a total federal allocation of $716,683. The budget includes allocations to City Youth Ministries ($11,123.63), Sure Foundation ($11,000.70), Jonesboro Business Association ($9,338.35), and North Johnsboro Community Development Corp ($8,033.73). Councilmember Dr. Charles Coleman clarified that the $15,000 for first-time home buyer assistance is $5,000 per person for three buyers. Councilmember David McClain asked about application limits (none, as long as qualifications are met) and concern over federal funding cuts. Richey expressed confidence in continued funding. Public infrastructure funds can be used for sidewalks, overlays, parks, and capital projects in low-to-moderate income areas. Motion to forward to council by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0.
• RES-26:065 – Amendment to City Salary and Administration Plan: Chief Administrative Officer Brian Richardson explained the budget-neutral adjustments due to retirements and efficiency improvements. Changes include reclassifying positions (e.g., Finance Manager Assistant to Assistant Finance Director; creating Permit Technician; eliminating vacant Admin Assistant and GIS Coordinator; adding an Engineer position). The Public Information Specialist was re-graded from 113 to 115 for equity. No headcount increase in Communications. Future recommendations from the Matrix study for the Building Department are expected. Motion to forward to council by John Street, seconded by Brian Emison. Passed 4-0.
• Other Business – Swim Team Contracts: Chair Hafner inquired about status. Richardson reported a tentative agreement on lane division; details on winter rates and billing are being finalized. Both swim teams are currently operating under the agreement, and the contract is expected at the next Finance meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes of May 26, 2026, approved.
• RES-26:060 forwarded to full council (Street recused).
• RES-26:061 postponed to next Finance meeting for correction.
• RES-26:062 forwarded to full council.
• RES-26:064 forwarded to full council.
• RES-26:065 forwarded to full council.
• Swim team contract update provided; contract anticipated at next meeting.
• Meeting adjourned by motion (John Street, second Brian Emison) with all in favor.