The Heber Springs City Council approved a series of major infrastructure improvements, equipment purchases and intergovernmental agreements during its October 15, 2026, meeting, including a nearly $5 million stormwater drainage project designed to address drainage concerns in the city.
Council members also approved the purchase of a new fire department vehicle, authorized an agreement involving district court revenues and adjusted the November council meeting schedule.
The largest expenditure approved during the meeting was a $4,941,701.94 stormwater drainage improvement contract awarded to Steep Creek.
HEBER SPRINGS APPROVES $4.94 MILLION STORMWATER DRAINAGE PROJECT
The council approved Resolution 2026-06, authorizing a contract with Steep Creek for a major stormwater drainage improvement project.
The company’s winning bid totaled $4,941,701.94, approximately $1,058,298 below the engineer’s estimated project cost of $6 million.
That represents a savings of approximately 17.6% compared with the original engineering estimate.
The project will be funded through federal emergency management grants administered through the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, along with local municipal funds.
The drainage improvements are intended to address stormwater infrastructure needs and improve the city’s ability to manage runoff.
CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BEGIN IN MARCH 2027
Construction is expected to begin around March 2027.
The anticipated schedule allows time for the fabrication of specialized concrete drainage boxes and helps avoid potential construction complications during winter weather.
Project planning also includes coordination involving the Sugarloaf Heritage Council and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Adjustments have been made to align the project with a Section 319 grant involving affected areas near the 8th Street bridge.
City officials have been working through the planning and funding requirements associated with the improvements.
The project’s substantial cost makes it one of the more significant infrastructure investments discussed by the city.
FIRE DEPARTMENT RECEIVES APPROVAL FOR NEW 2026 GMC SIERRA
The council also approved the purchase of a new 2026 GMC Sierra 1500 for the Heber Springs Fire Department.
Council members voted to waive competitive bidding requirements for the vehicle purchase.
The truck carries a purchase price of $46,750.
The department will trade in its existing 2015 Dodge Ram 2500, receiving a $13,000 trade-in allowance.
According to information presented to the council, the older vehicle accumulated approximately $7,000 in maintenance costs during the past 11 months.
After the trade-in and applicable incentives, the final net purchase cost is $33,879.
The purchase will be paid entirely from existing fire department funds.
The vehicle replacement is intended to provide the department with updated transportation while addressing maintenance concerns associated with the aging truck.
CITY APPROVES COURT FUNDING AGREEMENT WITH CLEBURNE COUNTY
The council approved an interlocal agreement involving Cleburne County and the municipalities of Heber Springs, Greers Ferry, Quitman and Concord.
The agreement establishes procedures involving district court accounting records, fine collections, court costs and the distribution of certain revenues.
It also addresses financial support for local-level programs and the administration of justice fund.
Under the agreement, Heber Springs will remit 25% of its remaining court costs and filing fees as specified by the agreement.
Other participating municipalities have the following allocations:
Concord: 4%
Greers Ferry: 5%
Quitman: 6%
The agreement is intended to establish a consistent process for handling designated court revenues among the participating local governments.
NOVEMBER CITY COUNCIL MEETING RESCHEDULED
The Heber Springs City Council also approved a change to its November meeting schedule.
Because of conflicts surrounding the Thanksgiving holiday, the November meeting has been moved to Monday, November 16, 2026.
Residents who regularly attend council meetings should make note of the schedule adjustment.
COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Several upcoming activities were also highlighted during the October 15 meeting.
CHARLEY JOHNSON CAR SHOW
The Charley Johnson Car Show was announced for Saturday, October 17, at the community center.
The event was among the local activities highlighted for residents.
TRUNK-OR-TREAT OCTOBER 24
Families are invited to participate in Trunk-or-Treat activities on Saturday, October 24, 2026.
The After Dark in the Park event is seeking participation from businesses, churches and community organizations interested in providing decorated trunks and Halloween treats.
Organizations interested in participating can contact event organizers at 501-365-6015.
EARLY VOTING BEGINS OCTOBER 19
Early voting for the November 3, 2026, general election begins Monday, October 19.
During the meeting, residents were reminded that 4 local ballot issues will appear on the ballot.
Informational brochures and nonpartisan election materials from the University of Arkansas were identified as available at City Hall.
Residents are encouraged to review the ballot issues and become familiar with the proposals before voting.
HEBER SPRINGS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE
The Heber Springs Christmas Open House is scheduled for November 6–7, 2026.
The downtown event is part of the community’s holiday shopping season and provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to support local businesses.
MAJOR CITY INVESTMENTS AND UPCOMING PROJECTS
The October 15 meeting included decisions affecting several areas of municipal operations.
The nearly $5 million drainage contract represents a major commitment to infrastructure improvements, while the new fire department vehicle will replace equipment that has required substantial maintenance.
The court agreement establishes financial procedures involving Cleburne County and neighboring municipalities.
Residents can expect additional information as the stormwater drainage project moves toward its anticipated March 2027 construction start.
The next rescheduled November council meeting is set for Monday, November 16, 2026.
Leave a Reply