Centerton City Council Meeting Highlights –

December 10th, 2024

As a long-time resident of Centerton, I’m always interested in how our city is planning for the future. While I couldn’t attend the council meeting in person, I watched the replay and wanted to share the key takeaways. This meeting covered a lot of ground, from infrastructure upgrades to a significant police department expansion, with important discussions about how to balance growth and financial responsibility. Here are the highlights:

New Year, New City Council Members

A big thanks to outgoing city council members Darren Warren & Keith Higginbotham for their combined decades of service. Congratulations to newly elected members, Joshua Hagan & Wendy Henson.

2025 Budget Approved

The council approved the 2025 budget, which outlines critical investments in infrastructure and public safety while maintaining fiscal stability. Here are the main points:

Water and Sewer Investments

Centerton’s rapid growth has put a spotlight on aging infrastructure, particularly in the water and sewer systems. Addressing these issues is a top priority:

• Water Loss Repairs: The city’s water system currently experiences a 33% loss due to leaks and aging pipes. The budget allocates funds for additional repair crews and contracts with outside services to tackle these issues systematically.
  
  
• Major Projects:
• Highway 102 Utility Relocation: A $9M project to move utilities along Highway 102, with $6M expected to be reimbursed by the state.
• Downtown Upgrades: $1M for water and sewer improvements in the downtown area.
• Osage Lift Station Upgrades: $1.3M for improvements to ensure the station can handle increased demand from new developments.
  
  
• Policy Updates: The city is negotiating with the Arkansas Department of Health to revise outdated sewer usage standards, which currently delay approvals for new developments. The current standard assumes 100 gallons of wastewater per person per day, but actual usage is closer to 45 gallons—a significant discrepancy.

Fiscal Responsibility

The budget reflects careful planning to balance growth with financial stability. After covering all operating expenses and debt service, the city anticipates ending 2025 with $57,000 in operating funds and $5.4M in reserves for unexpected costs. These reserves provide a safety net while ensuring funds are available for unplanned expenses.

Police Department Expansion

The council also approved a $1.5M expansion and remodel of the police department. This project is funded by a voter-approved bond and addresses the growing needs of our community. Key details include:

• Project Scope: Adding 3,000 square feet of space, including new storage facilities and modernized areas for improved efficiency.
• Timeline: Construction is expected to begin early next year, with an anticipated completion date of October 31, 2025.
• Why It Matters: As Centerton grows, this expansion will ensure our police force has the resources and infrastructure to continue serving the community effectively.

For more information, check out this story from 40/29 News: Centerton Moves Forward with Police Department Remodel & Expansion.

Upcoming Public Hearing on Impact Fees

In January, the city will hold a public hearing to discuss proposed impact fees. These fees would help fund infrastructure improvements to support new developments without placing the financial burden solely on existing residents. This is an important opportunity for the community to weigh in on how Centerton grows. I encourage everyone to participate—your input matters!

Community Concerns and Discussions

The meeting also included robust discussions about key challenges facing the city:

• Utility Costs: Rising water and sewer rates are a concern for many residents. The council explained that the increases are necessary to cover operational costs, fund repairs, and ensure the city’s utilities can meet growing demand. They also emphasized the importance of transparency in communicating how these funds are used.
  
  
• Sewer Capacity and Development Delays: Several new subdivisions are experiencing delays due to sewer capacity limitations. While the city is actively working to address these issues, including collaborating with neighboring cities like Decatur, it’s clear that more long-term solutions are needed. Negotiations with the Arkansas Department of Health and ongoing infrastructure upgrades are steps in the right direction.
  
  
• Transparency and Communication: Many residents expressed a desire for clearer communication about the city’s plans and progress. Both council members and city staff acknowledged the need to keep the community better informed, particularly about large projects and utility challenges.

Final Thoughts

Watching the replay of this meeting, I was struck by the amount of work happening behind the scenes to keep Centerton moving forward. From major infrastructure projects to planning for sustainable growth, it’s clear that city leaders are tackling big challenges. That said, the discussions also highlighted the importance of transparency and collaboration with the community. There’s a lot to be proud of, but also plenty of work ahead.

As a proud 12-year resident and local real estate professional, I am committed to becoming your go-to Centerton expert in the year ahead. Stay tuned after each city council and planning commission meeting for essential updates you won’t want to miss. And as always, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your favorite Blue Haired Broker – I'm here to help!

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