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Van Buren, Arkansas

Recent Van Buren City Council topics include resolutions & ordinances, roads & infrastructure, planning & zoning, contracts & procurement, budget & taxes, public safety.

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Municipal budget

US Census Annual Survey of Local Government Finances
Total revenue$34.2M (FY2023)
Total spending$39.4M (FY2023)
Taxes$13.0M (FY2023)
Debt outstanding$3.4M (FY2023)
Spending per resident$1,687 (FY2023)

Development activity

Housing units permitted — US Census Building Permits Survey
202519 housing units ($5.6M)

Upcoming

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Mon Jul 27, 2026

City Council Meetings

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CITY COUNCIL MERTING MONDAY — JULY 27, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM — 1003 BROADWAY STREET 1. 2. 3. 9. AGENDA Invocation Roll Call Consent Agenda: * Minutes from Monday, June 22, 2026, City Council Meeting e Resolution — Remove and Dispose of Fixed Assets ¢ Resolution — Amending Resolution 9-3-2020-CCTV e =©Financial Statements e¢ Department Reports: Police — Fire — Building — Street -Planning — Ambulance - Code Enforcement - Resolution — James Blount Retirement Public Heating - Condemning Certain Real Property at 128 South 22™ Street Resolution — Authorizing Architectural Contract for New Fire Station Resolution ~ Amending Resolution for Drainage Improvements Downtown Resolution — Amending Resolution for Boatwright Drainage Phase IT Resolution — Accepting Bid for Boatwright Drainage Phase IT - Goodwin & Goodwin 10. Miscellaneous and Genetal Discussion: Almost Home — Connie Martin 11. Adjournment City of Van Buren, Arkansas Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Tuesday, June 22, 2026 Van Buren Municipal Complex CALL TO ORDER 5:31PM The Regular Meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph P. Hurst at 5:31PM. Police Chief Jonathan Wear led the invocation. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS - AWARDS None ROLL CALL 5:32PM Present: Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, Council Member Mike Kneeland, Council Member Madison Simmons, Council Member Tyler Wood, , Council Member Matt Dodson, Council Me [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]

Recent meetings

Tue Jul 7, 2026

Planning Commission Meetings

Planning Commission considers rezoning of 3‑acre Rena Rd parcel to two‑family district

The Van Buren Planning Commission will review a rezoning request for a 3‑acre property on Rena Road, seeking to change the zoning from R‑1 single‑family to R‑2 two‑family. It will also hear a conditional use permit for a church pavilion at 300 Linda Lane, a setback variance for 1500 Lovers Lane, a revision to an existing development agreement for 2509 Alma Hwy, and conduct its annual bylaws review.

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10. City of Van Buren, Arkansas Planning Department 1003 Broadway ° Van Buren, Arkansas 72956 Van Buren Municipal Complex—City Council Room Tuesday, July 07, 2026, 5:30 PM PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Call To Order. Roll Call. Approval Of Minutes From May 05, 2026. Rezone #5-2026—Goodwin Engineering On Behalf Of Mourning Wood, LLC, 3+/- Acres With Street Frontage Between 1110 Rena Rd and 1118 Rena Rd (Parcels #700-08811-000 & #700- 08060-001)—Requesting To Rezone From R-1 Single Family Residential District To R-2 Two- Family Residential District. Conditional Use Permit #3-2026—TJ McCollough On Behalf Of Van Buren First Assembly Of God Church, 300 Linda Lane (Parcel #700-09418-000)—Requesting Conditional Use Permit To Allow Construction Of Church Pavillion In R-1 Single Family Residential District. Recess Planning Commission Convene Board Of Zoning Adjustment Variance #3-2026—Marcos Gonzales, 1500 Lovers Lane (Lot 80 North Hills)—Requesting Variance From Front and Side Yard Building Setback Requirements. Recess Board Of Zoning Adjustment Reconvene Planning Commission Revision To The Existing Development Agreement—Douglas Scott Rice, 2509 Alma Hwy (Rice Lots 1 & 2). Van Buren Planning Commission Bylaws Annual Review. Old/New Business. Adjourn. 4 lofi City of Van Buren, Arkansas Planning Department 1008 Broadway ° Van Buren, Arkansas 72956 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES May 05, 2026 1. Call To Order 2. Roll Call. The Van Buren Planning Commission held its monthl [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Jun 22, 2026

City Council Meetings

Public hearing and vote on $2M water and sewer bond

The council will hold a public hearing on the Van Buren Municipal Utilities (VBMU) bond project and consider an ordinance authorizing $2 million in water and sewer revenue bonds. The consent agenda includes adopting a revised personnel policy handbook with a cybersecurity policy and disposing of a fixed asset (fire department ice machine).

budgetbondsutilitieswatersewerpersonnelcybersecuritypublic-hearing
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY – JUNE 22, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM – 1003 BROADWAY STREET __________________________________________________________________ AGENDA 1. Invocation 2. Roll Call 3. Consent Agenda: • Minutes from Monday, May 26, 2026, City Council Meeting • Resolution – Remove and Dispose of Fixed Assets • Resolution – Adopting A Revised Personnel Policy Handbook • Financial Statements • Department Reports: Police – Fire – Building – Street -Planning – Ambulance - Code Enforcement - 4. Public Hearing – VBMU Bond Project 5. Ordinance – Authorizing the Issuance of Water and Sewer Revenue Bond 2,000,000 6. Miscellaneous and General Discussion 7. Adjournment City of Van Buren, Arkansas Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Tuesday, May 26, 2026 Van Buren Municipal Complex CALL TO ORDER 5:32PM The Regular Meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph P. Hurst at 5:32PM. City Attorney and Reverend Jacob Howell led the invocation. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS - AWARDS None ROLL CALL 5:32PM Present: Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, Council Member Mike Kneeland, Council Member Madison Simmons, Council Member Tyler Wood, , Council Member Matt Dodson, Council Member Tonia Fry, Mayor Joseph P. Hurst, City Clerk-Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds Absent: None SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS None CONSENT AGENDA 5:34PM After determining there were n [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Thu Jun 11, 2026

Parks & Recreation Commission Meetings

Disc golf and cannon transfer updates for parks commission

The Van Buren Parks & Recreation Commission meets to receive updates on the disc golf course and the transfer of a cannon at City Park. No votes or decisions are scheduled; the agenda consists of informational items and general discussion.

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PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 2026 ~ 5:30 P.M. VAN BUREN MUNICIPAL COMPLEX ~ 1003 BROADWAY STREET __________________________________________________________________ AGENDA 1. Disc Golf Update-Kevin Burdick 2. City Park Cannon Transfer Update 3. General-Miscellaneous 4. Adjournment
Tue May 26, 2026

City Council Meetings

City Council approves $331,222.10 bid for Northridge and Park Ridge Drive overlays

The Van Buren City Council will vote on several items, including a resolution to accept a $331,222.10 bid from McKenzie Asphalt for overlay work on Northridge Drive and Park Ridge Drive. The council will also consider a contract for architectural services for a new fire station, an ordinance to rezone a property from R‑2 to C‑2, and amendments to height‑restriction rules. Additional routine items such as the consent agenda and miscellaneous discussion are also on the agenda.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING TUESDAY – MAY 26, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM – 1003 BROADWAY STREET __________________________________________________________________ AGENDA 1. Invocation 2. Roll Call 3. Consent Agenda: • Minutes from Monday, April 27, 2026, City Council Meeting • Resolution – Removal of Fixed Assets • Resolution – Updating Signature Cards-District Court • Financial Statements • Department Reports: Police – Fire – Building – Street -Planning – Ambulance - Code Enforcement - 4. Resolution – Enter into Contract with MAHG for Architectural Services New Fire Station 5. Resolution – Accepting Bid for Northridge Drive and Park Ridge Drive Overlay 6. Ordinance – Authorizing Consvelo Socorro Posada to Submit Application Private Club 7. Ordinance – Amending Height Restrictions C-2 8. Ordinance – Rezone Northridge R-2 to C-2 9. Miscellaneous and General Discussion- 10. Adjournment CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO. ___-___- 2026 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF MCKENZIE ASPHALT, LLC ., FO R THE NORTHRIDGE DRIVE AND PARK RIDGE DRIVE OVERLAY PROJECTS ; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has advertised bids for the Northridge Drive and Park Ridge Drive Overlay Projects through Neal Morrison Consulting, LLC.; and WHEREAS, bids have been received and opened in accordance with Arkansas law and McKenzie Asp [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Tue May 5, 2026

Planning Commission Meetings

Planning Commission to consider rezone to C-2 and plat for Legacy Place III

The Van Buren Planning Commission will consider a rezone request for tracts in Legacy Place II from R-2 Residential to C-2 Thoroughfare Commercial, along with a preliminary plat for the final phase of Legacy Place III. Also on the agenda is a zoning ordinance amendment to modify maximum allowable structure height in C-2 districts. The meeting includes approval of previous minutes and old/new business.

zoningplanning-commissionrezoningpreliminary-platcommercial-districtheight-amendmentlegacy-placevan-buren
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& 2 YP City of Van Buren, Arkansas Planning Department 1003 Broadway ° Van Buren, Arkansas 72956 Van Buren Municipal Complex—City Council Room Tuesday, May 05, 2026, 5:30 PM PLANNING COMMISSION AGENDA Call To Order. Roll Call. Approval Of Minutes From April 07, 2026. Preliminary Plat Review—Legacy Place III Lots 49-56 and Tracts C-1 & C-2—Replat Of Tracts A, B, C Legacy Place II—Brixey Engineering/Franklin Construction. Rezone #4-2026—Tract B & Part Of Tract C Legacy Place II (Parcels #700-08909-102 & 700- 08909-103); Proposed Tracts C-1 & C-2 Legacy Place I[J—Brixey Engineering/Franklin Construction; Requesting Rezone From R-2 Family Residential District To C-2 Thoroughfare Commercial District. Zoning Ordinance Amendment—Maximum Allowable Height Of Structures In C-2 Thoroughfare Commercial District. Old/New Business. Adjourn. 1of1 City of Van Buren, Arkansas Planning Department 1003 Broadway ° Van Buren, Arkansas 72956 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 07, 2026 1. Call To Order 2. Roll Call. The Van Buren Planning Commission held its monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 07, 2026, at 5:30 P.M. The meeting was held at the Van Buren Municipal Complex in the City Council Chambers. The following Commissioners were present: Chairman Mark Evans, Vice-Chairman Philip Bagby, Jared Clark, Will Henson, Mason Shirey, Jay White, and Nathan Wilson. Commissioners Missy Hefner and Tiffany Webster were absent. City Staff present were Planning Director Wally Bailey, Building Off [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Apr 27, 2026

City Council Meetings

Council to vote on fire ladder truck, dump truck, and childcare family home regulations

The Van Buren City Council will meet on April 27 to consider several ordinances, including a contract with J&M Display Fireworks, purchase of street department equipment, adoption of regulations for childcare family homes, purchase of a fire department ladder truck, and purchase of a street department dump truck. The consent agenda includes approval of prior minutes, a street closure for Current Church-Vine Street on June 12, removal of fixed assets, financial statements, and department reports. The council will also discuss a sidewalk repair matter from Tina and Rowland Barkley during the miscellaneous and general discussion portion.

ordinancespublic-safetyfire-departmentstreet-departmentchildcarefireworksconsent-agendasidewalk-repair
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY – APRIL 27, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM – 1003 BROADWAY STREET __________________________________________________________________ AGENDA 1. Invocation 2. Roll Call 3. Consent Agenda: • Minutes from Monday, March 23, 2026, City Council Meeting • Street Closure: Current Church-Vine Street June 12, 4-10pm • Resolution – Removal of Fixed Assets • Financial Statements • Department Reports: Police – Fire – Building – Street -Planning – Ambulance - Code Enforcement - VBMU 4. Ordinance – Contract with J&M Display Fireworks 5. Ordinance – Approve Purchase of Street Department Equipment 6. Ordinance – Adopting Regulations for Childcare Family Homes 7. Ordinance – Approve Purchase of Fire Department Ladder Truck 8. Ordinance – Approve Purchase of Street Department Dump Truck 9. Miscellaneous and General Discussion- Tina & Rowland Barkley-Sidewalk Repair 10. Adjournment City of Van Buren, Arkansas Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the City Council Monday, March 23, 2026 Van Buren Municipal Complex CALL TO ORDER 5:32PM The Regular Meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph P. Hurst at 5:32PM. Council Member Madison Simmons led the invocation. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS - AWARDS None ROLL CALL 5:34PM Present: Council Member Mike Kneeland, Council Member Madison Simmons, Council Member Tyler Wood, , Council Member Matt Dodson, Council M [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Mar 23, 2026

City Council Meetings

City Council approves $549,586.05 bid for 26th Street Improvement Project

The council will vote to accept Steep Creek, LLC's bid of $549,586.05 for the 26th Street Improvement Project Schedule I. It will also consider amendments to two prior resolutions related to Boatwright Drainage and 26th Street improvements. Two ordinances—Home Based Business and Spay and Neuter Requirements—are slated for discussion. Additional items include routine consent agenda items and a public discussion on stray cats.

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Agenda (official)
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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY – MARCH 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM – 1003 BROADWAY STREET __________________________________________________________________ AGENDA 1. Invocation 2. Roll Call 3. Consent Agenda: • Minutes from Monday, February 23, 2026, City Council Meeting • Street Closures-VB First Baptist VBS June 1-5 • Resolution – Removal of Fixed Assets • Resolution – Destruction of Records Duplicate Checks • Financial Statements • Department Reports: Police – Fire – Building – Street -Planning – Ambulance - Code Enforcement - VBMU 4. Resolution –Amending Resolution 6-5-2025 Boatwright Drainage-Hawkins Weir 5. Resolution – Accepting the Bid for 26th Street Improvement Project Steep Creek LLC 6. Resolution – Amending Resolution 5-3-25 N 26th Street Improvements-Hawkins Weir 7. Ordinance – Home Based Business 8. Ordinance - Spay and Neuter Requirements 9. Miscellaneous and General Discussion- Margaret Haddock - Regulating Stray Cats 10. Adjournment CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS RESOLUTION NO. ___-___- 2026 BE IT ENACTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL, FOR THE CITY OF VAN BUREN, ARKANSAS, A RESOLUTION TO BE ENTITLED: A RESOLUTION ACCEPTING THE BID OF STEEP CREEK, LLC., FOR THE 26TH STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT SCHEDULE I; AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES. WHEREAS, the City of Van Buren has advertised for bids for the 26th Street Improvement Project through Hawkins-Weir Engineering; and WHEREAS, bids have been received and opened in accordance with [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Feb 23, 2026

City Council Meetings

City Council approves $13.9M in water and sewer bonds

The Van Buren City Council approved four ordinances authorizing the issuance of revenue bonds totaling $13.9 million for the Van Buren Municipal Utilities. The funds will finance the replacement of old water and sewer pipes and the rehabilitation of three water towers over a 20-year period with no rate increase for residents.

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CITY COUNCIL MEETING MONDAY — FEBRUARY 23, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM — 1003 BROADWAY STREET AGENDA Invocation Roll Call Consent Agenda: ¢ Minutes from Monday, February 9, 2026, City Council Meeting Resolution — Removal of Fixed Assets Resolution - Adopting a Revised Petsonnel Handbook (2) Resolution — Authorize to Pay Annual Crawford County Emergency 911 Financial Statements Department Reports: Police — Fire — Building — Street -Planning — Ambulance - Code Enforcement - VBMU Ordinance — Public Hearing for ROW Abandonment- Rick Mooney State of the City —Mayor Joe Hurst Miscellaneous and General Discussion- Almost Home-Connie Mattin Adjournment City of Van Buren, Arkansas Minutes of the Special Meeting of the City Council Monday, February 9, 2026 Van Buren Municipal Complex **Regular City Council meeting was scheduled for Monday, January 26, 2026, but was postponed due to inclement weather CALL TO ORDER 5:30PM The special meeting of the Van Buren City Council was called to order by Mayor Joseph P. Hurst at 5:30PM, Reverand and City Attorney Jacob Howell led the invocation. Mayor Joseph P. Hurst led the Pledge of Allegiance. PRESENTATIONS - AWARDS None ROLL CALL 5:31PM Present: Council Member Mike Kneeland, Council Member Madison Simmons, Council Member Shannon Newerth-Henson, Council Member Matt Dodson, Council Member Tyler Wood, Council Member Tonia Fry, City Attorney Jacob Howell, Mayor Joseph P. Hurst, City Clerk- Treasurer Shawnna Reynolds Absent: None SPEC [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]
Mon Feb 9, 2026

City Council Meetings

City Council will adopt the 2026 budget and authorize multiple revenue bonds.

The Van Buren City Council meeting will consider a revised city budget and a series of resolutions and ordinances covering contracts, right‑of‑way, and public‑works purchases. Council members will vote on several revenue‑bond authorizations totaling over $13 million for municipal utilities. Additional items include rezoning actions, a land transfer for a high‑school baseball field, and other standard consent‑agenda items.

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RESCHEDULED CITY COUNCIL MEETING. MONDAY — FEBRUARY 9, 2026 CITY COUNCIL ROOM — 1003 BROADWAY STREET AGENDA tL. Invocation 2. Roll Call 3. Consent Agenda: ¢ Minutes from Monday, Decembet 22, 2025, City Council Meeting ¢ Organization of governing body 14-43-501-Procedutal Rules 2026 City Council Meeting Schedule Street Closutes: Downtown Merchants TOTMA-2026 ¢ Resolution — Entering Into Contract On Call Services Hawkins Weir Resolution — Authorization to Convey ROW-ARDOT Hwy 59 Widening Resolution — Setting A Public Hearing-Summit-Mooney Resolution - Adopting Revised Budget 2025 Resolution - Entering Into Contract Hawkins-Weir Boatwright Drainage Phase 2 * Ordinance — Authorizing Purchase of Concrete 2026 * Ordinance — Authorizing Purchase of Asphalt 2026 © Ordinance — Amending Ordinance 21-2025 Purchasing Dump Truck ¢ Ordinance — Adopting Amended Standard Drawings for Public Works Construction ¢ Financial Statements ¢ Department Reports: Police — Fite — Building ~ Street -Planning — Ambulance - Code Enforcement - VBMU ee 6 4, Public Hearing - VBMU Bond Projects 5. Ordinance — Confirming Rates For Services Rendered by the Water and Sewet-VBMU 6. Ordinance - Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $2,300,000 A-VBMU 7. Ordinance - Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $3,750,000 B-VBMU 8. Ordinance - Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $3,435,000 C-VBMU 9. Ordinance - Authorizing Issuance Revenue Bond $4,430,000 D-VBMU 10. Ordinance ~ Rezoning 1425 Fayetteville Road 11, [Excerpt truncated on this listing page; use the official record for the full text.]

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