The Searcy City Council approved a major park construction bid, advanced plans for a new police department facility and reviewed the city’s financial position during its regular meeting Tuesday night, October 13, 2026.
City officials reported nearly $24 million across city accounts at the end of September, with sales tax collections running approximately 2% ahead of the previous year.
The council also addressed employee holiday bonuses, property maintenance liens, a private club permit application and several financial and administrative matters.
NEARLY $24 MILLION REPORTED IN CITY ACCOUNTS
During the September financial report, city officials reported approximately $23.9 million in total funds across city accounts.
The report included approximately $8.6 million in the general fund, $1.1 million in the street fund, $6.7 million in reserves and $4.6 million in restricted project reserves.
September revenue totaled approximately $3.3 million, while operational expenses were reported at approximately $2.7 million.
Officials said the city had a year-to-date revenue-over-expense balance of approximately $1.6 million.
Sales tax collections were running about 2% ahead of last year.
The financial report also showed the city maintaining approximately 102 days of reserve cash, exceeding its 90-day goal.
Officials reported approximately 8.2 months of operating cash available across city funds.
The report noted that cash balances remained relatively stable during September, with an increase of approximately $62,000.
City officials also discussed ongoing project expenditures and reserve balances.
SEARCY APPROVES FERN COWAN ROGERS PARK CONSTRUCTION BID
The council approved acceptance of a construction bid from Wooster Construction for the Fern Cowan Rogers Park project.
The bid was approximately $408,000.
The park project is among the city’s ongoing efforts to improve recreational facilities and community infrastructure.
Council members approved the bid following a motion and roll-call vote.
The meeting discussion did not provide a detailed construction schedule or anticipated completion date.
NEW SEARCY POLICE DEPARTMENT PROJECT MOVES FORWARD
Council members also advanced preparations for construction of a new police department facility.
The council considered an agreement with a construction company for the project and approved a resolution involving potential reimbursement of project expenses through future bond financing.
Paul Phillips of Crews & Associates addressed council members about the proposed financing arrangements.
Phillips explained that city officials were considering a bond financing plan with a maximum amount of $12.5 million.
He emphasized that the city would seek to issue only the amount necessary to complete the project.
The discussion included a goal of keeping direct construction costs closer to $10 million, with additional expenses for architecture, engineering, furnishings and other project requirements.
Phillips discussed a potential 25-year financing structure with annual debt service of approximately $900,000.
Those figures were presented as planning estimates rather than finalized borrowing terms.
CITY DISCUSSES FINANCING OPTIONS AND SAVINGS
The council’s financial adviser explained that waiting for the city’s completed audit could potentially help secure more favorable financing arrangements.
He discussed the possibility of obtaining bond insurance to support a stronger credit rating and reduce financing costs.
The city is also considering ways to reduce the amount of money required for debt service reserves.
Phillips explained that a surety bond could potentially replace a portion of the cash normally held in reserve, depending on the cost of that coverage.
The resolution approved by council members would allow qualifying expenditures made before the bonds are issued to be reimbursed from future bond proceeds.
The discussion did not represent final approval to borrow the entire $12.5 million.
Officials indicated that additional financial work would be required before bond financing could be finalized.
SEARCY CITY EMPLOYEES DISCUSSED FOR HOLIDAY BONUSES
The council also continued discussions concerning holiday bonuses for city employees in 2026.
Mayor Mat Faulkner emphasized the importance of city employees and their contributions to municipal operations.
Council members supported moving forward with a holiday bonus proposal.
The financial adjustments associated with the bonuses are expected to be addressed in a budget adjustment ordinance during the November meeting.
Officials discussed completing the process before Thanksgiving.
The transcript did not clearly establish the exact bonus amount, so that figure should be confirmed before publication.
TRANSFER STATION LEASE DISCUSSION POSTPONED
The council also considered whether to continue discussions concerning the city’s transfer station lease.
Following a brief discussion, officials agreed to move the matter to the November meeting.
No final decision on the lease was announced during this meeting.
SPAN SEARCY BREWERY PRIVATE CLUB APPLICATION ADVANCES
Council members also considered an ordinance authorizing Span Searcy Brewery LLC to apply for a private club permit through the Arkansas Alcoholic Beverage Control Division.
A public hearing was held before the regular council meeting, and no public comments were offered during that hearing.
The council subsequently considered and approved the ordinance authorizing the application process.
The action allows the business to pursue the state permit application and does not itself constitute the state’s final issuance of a permit.
Council members also addressed an emergency clause associated with the ordinance.
PROPERTY MAINTENANCE LIENS APPROVED
The council approved certification of liens to the White County Tax Collector involving certain properties within the city.
The liens concern expenses associated with grass cutting and the abatement of other property nuisances.
A public hearing was held before the council meeting, with no residents speaking on the matter.
The council subsequently approved the item.
ADDITIONAL CITY BUSINESS
The council approved an ordinance authorizing the city to conduct business with Sharon DeWitt, identified in the meeting agenda as the spouse of city employee Todd DeWitt.
The council also approved a budget adjustment ordinance addressing the city’s financial operations.
These items were considered through the city’s regular ordinance approval process.
SEARCY CONTINUES WORK ON MAJOR CITY PROJECTS
The October 13 meeting highlighted several priorities for Searcy officials, including municipal financial management, park improvements and planning for a new police department facility.
The city reported stable reserves and increased sales tax collections while continuing discussions about financing major construction projects.
Additional decisions concerning the police department financing, employee holiday bonuses and transfer station lease are expected as those matters move through the city’s review process.
For continuing coverage of Searcy City Council meetings, local government and community developments, visit ArkansasRadio.com.
SOURCE:
Searcy City Council
Regular Meeting
October 13, 2026
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