Bradley County Economic Development Corp. discussed a number of pending projects during its monthly board meeting Monday.
By Tim Kessler
Saline River Chronicle Contributor
Attending were board Chairman Dr. Bob Smalling and members Carlton Davis, Devin McDiarmid, Morgan Meeks, Kelly Ashcraft, Hugh Allen Quimby, John Lipton and James Wells. Also attending were accountant Bob Milton, Warren Mayor Gregg Reep and Banks Mayor Keeton Hudson.
Milton said the organization had $915,693 in total assets, although a $50,000 loan to J&E Food Group is still shown both as an asset and liability. The only income for the month was $500 in a lease payment from WLS Sawmill.
Smalling said documents were signed to swap 10 acres of high-quality industrial land for BCEDC use in exchange for 47 acres to be given to Dr. Kerry Pennington.
In regard to the Griggs Property, Smalling said a prospect hopes to build a mill on that property in addition to a mill planned in Mississippi. Details have not been finalized yet.
Reep said a company from Florida plans to buy the property formerly owned by J&E Food Group. While a poultry plant was originally planned, the new company is looking at a timber-related industry. He said PotlatchDeltic made the city aware of the company’s interest as PotlatchDeltic is interested in purchasing the product the company would produce.
Smalling noted a distribution center may be coming to the Warren Industrial Park. He said another prospect was seeking 40 acres of land.
Board members were invited to attend a reception set for 4 p.m. Oct. 30 at the University of Arkansas at Monticello Fine Arts Center for Highway Commissioner David Haak.
A nominating committee was set up with board members Wells, Meeks and McDiarmid. Former board member Marilyn Johnson would need to be replaced as well as outgoing board members McDiarmid, Davis, Quimby, Roger George and Jeff Wardlaw. New board members will be elected at the BCEDC annual meeting on Jan. 29.
Reep said he was working on Internet expansion for the city. He said he would need a list of businesses and residents who don’t have suitable service.
He said the city has paved some streets and still has work to do. Council members are working on the 2024 budget and electricians have begun working on more streetlights downtown. He said the city has confiscated at least 50 non-working vehicles stored in residential yards.
Hudson said Banks started a new 1-cent sales tax on Oct. 1. Stone Ponies will be the featured band at the Buck Fever Festival which will be held Nov. 10-12. Two properties have been torn down. A Trunk or Treat event will be held on Oct. 31. The city dog ordinance has been amended to only allow four dogs per household.
Board members approved a motion to give $100 to the Buck Fever Festival.