The Heber Springs City Council has approved up to $10,000 from the city’s general fund to support maintenance and improvements at the Heber Springs Municipal Airport.
The action came during the council’s July 16, 2026, meeting after members welcomed new Airport Manager Brent Johnston, who had been serving in the position for approximately 2 weeks.
Johnston invited council members to tour the airport, assess its current condition and consider improvements that could help make the facility a stronger asset for Heber Springs.
“We’d like to make the airport an extra asset for the city,” Johnston told the council.
AIRPORT MAINTENANCE AND IMPROVEMENTS
During the meeting, Johnston discussed several maintenance needs and possible improvements at the airport, including flooring, furniture, reflective window tinting and repairs to the airport’s fuel system.
Johnston said reflective window tinting could help reduce the workload on the building’s air-conditioning system and potentially lower utility expenses. Officials also discussed replacing the airport’s aging flooring with commercial carpet tiles, which could be replaced individually if damaged.
The airport manager said a valve within the fuel system was expected to be examined during regularly scheduled tank maintenance. An initial estimate placed the possible repair cost at approximately $2,300.
Johnston also reported that a lightning strike caused problems with the airport’s fuel system during the July 4 holiday weekend. A damaged control module prevented the airport from pumping fuel normally.
John Ed Hendricks reportedly responded during the holiday weekend, diagnosed the problem and replaced a circuit board. The replacement part cost approximately $650. The repair allowed fuel service to continue, although the airport temporarily operated from only 1 tank at a time.
Johnston explained that the airport generates revenue primarily through aircraft hangar leases and fuel sales. He said maintaining reliable fuel service and improving the facility’s appearance are important to serving pilots and visitors arriving in Heber Springs.
Council members discussed allocating between $8,000 and $15,000 before agreeing to provide up to $10,000 from the general fund. Johnston said he believed the proposed improvements could be completed within that amount and that his goal was to finish the work below the approved limit.
The council approved the funding request after thanking Johnston for seeking quotes from local businesses.
NEW AIRPORT MANAGER WELCOMED
Johnston thanked the city for the opportunity to manage the airport and encouraged council members to visit the facility.
He said even a short visit would allow members to take inventory of the airport’s condition and better understand its needs.
Council members said the airport serves as a front door to Heber Springs for business owners, visitors and other travelers arriving by air.
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION APPOINTMENT
In other business, the council approved the appointment of Brit Graham to the Heber Springs Civil Service Commission. Graham will replace Mr. White on the commission.
The appointment was approved following a council vote.
8TH STREET BRIDGE UPDATE
City officials reported that the Arkansas Department of Transportation has received plans for the 8th Street Bridge project at the 30% design stage.
Those plans were under review at the time of the meeting. Officials said the completed plans were expected to be ready by the end of 2026, with the project potentially advertised for bids in early 2027.
SPRING PARK LIGHTING
Entergy is expected to replace and improve lighting at Spring Park.
City officials said the project will provide lighting throughout the night at the skate park and include additional decorative lighting.
The city encouraged residents to thank the crews working on the lighting improvements.
FEMA PROJECT UPDATE
Council members also received an update on a project involving the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
City officials said they were working to secure required easements and were awaiting approval of revised plans following previously discussed changes.
SANDY BEACH POLICE COVERAGE
The council confirmed that designated police coverage would be provided at Sandy Beach on Saturdays and Sundays through Labor Day weekend.
The scheduled coverage was announced as noon to 8 p.m. on Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays.
Officials also discussed making a city-owned side-by-side utility vehicle available to the officer assigned to Sandy Beach. City officials planned to speak with the police chief about the transportation and operational arrangements.
DISTRICT COURT AGREEMENT TABLED
The council tabled consideration of a district court interlocal agreement after members said additional financial information was needed.
City officials said the agreement and its proposed cost-sharing arrangement were difficult to interpret. Questions remained about Heber Springs’ share of current and future expenses.
Officials planned to meet with the Cleburne County judge and mayors from surrounding communities before bringing the matter back to the council.
FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MINUTES
The council approved minutes and excerpts from its June 16, 2026, meeting.
Members also approved payment journals covering June 1 through June 30 and financial statements dated June 30 for the city’s street, sanitation, general, community center, operation and maintenance, and miscellaneous funds.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Officials used the meeting to announce several community events, the Heber Springs Back-to-School Bash scheduled for August 8.
The Back-to-School Bash will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Heber Springs Community Center.
Officials also announced that Ozark Trail Fest is scheduled for October and will include a 5K event.
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