The Batesville City Council is scheduled to consider a range of public safety, planning, and infrastructure matters when it meets Tuesday, including resolutions supporting a revived state surplus property program and authorizing a water system merger.
Council members are expected to hear routine reports from the police department, the fire department, and the city engineer before taking up new business.
One resolution calls on state leaders to revive or replace the Arkansas Federal Surplus Property Program, which previously allowed cities and other public agencies to purchase government-grade equipment at steep discounts. The program was recently shut down amid an operating deficit, but the proposed resolution argues it delivered significant value to local governments, particularly small and rural communities, including Batesville.
The council is also slated to consider a resolution authorizing the Bethesda Water Association to merge into the Batesville Water Utility. Bethesda currently purchases bulk water from the city and has voted to pursue the merger, citing long-term benefits for customers. If approved, the merger would be contingent on required state applications and final approval from the Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Division.
Several zoning-related items are on the agenda, including an ordinance to amend residential provisions of the city’s zoning code, a proposed amendment to the Batesville Comprehensive Plan in an area northeast of Harrison Street and east of Dry Kiln Road, and an ordinance to amend the zoning districts map.
Other items include a resolution authorizing the city to accept a donation of Gray’s Hospital from Markowski Investments Holdings LLC, consideration of the city’s 2026 budget, a financial report, and an executive session.
The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Batesville Municipal Building.
Image: Gena Tate, White River Now
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