Article by Emily Wang, White River Now
During the Sept. 6, Batesville City Council meeting, an ordinance was approved to enable the issuance of up to $110 million in sales and use tax bonds for the water treatment project, a measure previously endorsed by voters in August 2022.
The payment schedule extends through April 2048. The council emphasized that the city’s tax collection can only be used for the intended projects; the money cannot fund anything else.
City departments reports
Police Chief John Scarbrough reported a decrease in calls in August but noted an increase in arrests and reports. He mentioned personnel changes and efforts to enhance technology, including upcoming discussions with T-Mobile to improve wireless internet access for officers.
Fire Chief Mark McCollum reported recent incidents, including four vehicle and three structure fires. He announced plans for a smoke detector grant that could provide 250 units with ten-year batteries to assist local residents.
City Engineer Damon Johnson provided updates on ongoing projects, including a sewer rehabilitation initiative funded from city reserves. He noted that the street department is currently half-staffed due to a lack of applicants willing to engage in manual labor.
“It’s just people don’t want to get out in the heat in a ditch with a shovel and do hard manual labor,” Johnson told council members.
He emphasized that efforts are being made to streamline operations and reduce project costs, with a $15 million cut to current plans.
In a related update, the council discussed the Main Street improvement project, which is progressing ahead of schedule. New curbing and a walking trail are underway, with plans to finalize electrical work.
DWI Sobriety Court
Deputy Bruce Winston addressed the council with a budget request for the DWI Sobriety Court, which aims to rehabilitate individuals involved in substance-related offenses.
According to Winston, the court was established in 2009 as the first of its kind in Arkansas, addressing both alcohol and drug-related incidents. It aims to reduce incarceration by providing treatment options and support for changing behaviors.
Currently funded through a state grant, the court faces challenges in maintaining its fully outfitted vehicle used for home visits and transport, as the grants do not cover these needs.
Winston’s proposed budget includes an initial $3,000 to start an account for vehicle maintenance. To ensure future replacement, the goal is to add $500 per month, totaling $6,000 annually.
With 14 participants currently enrolled in the court, it is focused on securing local funding to ensure its long-term viability and avoid reliance on state grants.
Winston highlighted an upcoming graduation ceremony for two participants, showcasing the program’s success and the importance of community support and saying the future goal is “to be able to have local funding for the entire program, not having to rely on a state grant that could disappear tomorrow…If that state grant pulls, we have to shutter the program that we have.”
During an executive session, the council approved the reappointment of Kristi Jenkins, Lackey Moody Jr., and Kyle Kallsnick to the Parks and Recreation Committee. The Batesville Appeals Commission will also see the reappointment of Zack Mobley and James Boothby.
Image of Batesville Municipal Building by Gena Tate for White River Now
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