[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6027839,"mediaKeyId","5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484","parentId",5700957,"title","Council adopts police base‑pay ordinance amid broader payroll plan; officers warn staffing is dire","audioSeconds",359,"startMs",2430000,"endMs",2789000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484&start=2430&end=2789","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484/thumbnail_2430000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6027839/Arkansas/Council-adopts-police-basepay-ordinance-amid-broader-payroll-plan-officers-warn-staffing-is-dire","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6027839-984dab5c64c588acc45cf0370ec710ff/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826966&Signature=jfyUVGJfgWfCleblqivG4NTcv~U68A4xUa6okUQV8o~Itbv4E1HTkl-j-qkSwMTzXObKgHwVseFZxwqg-IZb7ATBRwntEJE7aYobQo8pdyCdN0UMLRWTbVRycIrflULNyKSTxrfGMttSXt-2zPd8oQdqsipqhhASHomtNP6cg~QUgDUoAsXS~sX054UFBDQf9C0uWcL7lb6lzhoOqV6rcgJrhdELiJFGr1RjULYZ~FgiNYrLJMS8vb9XoCHJbu7~3S0ib4TOE7l~HCWPi3N6bmVx4ha1PlyAoS~gMLuwh65u7JPTqAQ3PpPp~2KC~hzi-gxOv2~U2pZ8dsdDgLyfhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City of Helena-West Helena","date","2025-05-07T13:02:45Z","article","The Helena‑West Helena City Council adopted an ordinance establishing base pay for police positions and received an extensive presentation from city administration proposing a series of payroll changes intended to reduce overtime costs and improve long‑term staff retention.

At the meeting the council voted to adopt the base‑pay ordinance (order no. recorded as item on the agenda). The clerk called the roll for final adoption and recorded a unanimous affirmative roll call (six yes votes); the presiding officer declared the motion carried. Earlier in the meeting the council also voted to suspend rules and place the ordinance on third and final reading.

Administration presented a financial plan that recommended broader personnel and operational changes. The staff presentation reported that the city spent nearly $650,000 on overtime last year and that overtime made up about 7.8% of total payroll expenditures. Administration proposed using compensatory time (\"comp time\") consistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act so non‑police employees could accumulate up to 240 hours and police and firefighters up to 480 hours of comp time, rather than being paid overtime immediately. The packet also included a proposal to reduce payroll by up to 15% through a combination of staffing adjustments and other measures; administration estimated potential annual savings in the range of $1.0–1.6 million depending on measures adopted. The plan discussed health‑insurance contribution changes, adjustments to sanitation and street staffing, and changes to trash‑collection routes as cost‑saving options.

The ordinance approved by the council set new base pay figures for police positions discussed in the packet; the document in the council packet indicated $40,000 as a target starting salary for fully certified patrol officers and $35,000 for newly hired officers who are not yet certified. Council members and administration emphasized that adopting an ordinance to set pay does not itself create the appropriation; the council directed staff to return with a budget amendment or funding mechanism at a subsequent meeting.

Police leadership and officers urged quick action. Police Detective Sanders told the council, \"we're in dire straits. We're in trouble,\" describing extended shifts, lost vacations and officers pursuing jobs elsewhere. Interim Police Chief Bell said the department had candidates in the pipeline but some potential hires remained at other agencies because competing cities had increased pay. Staff and council discussed the federal COPS grant: administration noted the police department must submit required performance and financial reports before the city can draw down some federal reimbursements that would support hiring.

Councilmembers agreed to meet within two weeks to finalize funding decisions and to consider portions of the mayor's plan; the mayor's chief of staff said elements of the payroll proposal could be phased and that the administration would return with suggested budget amendments and implementation details. The council also discussed a possible bank loan to repair inoperable sanitation and public‑works vehicles (estimated around $150,000) so equipment would be available to support proposed service changes and staffing plans.

No immediate funding appropriation was made at the meeting; the council adopted the base‑pay ordinance and set a timeline for follow‑up action to identify specific budget cuts and revenue adjustments to support the pay changes and other proposals.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Helena-West Helena City Council Meeting - May 6, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The council approved a base‑pay ordinance for police positions and heard a wider administration proposal to reduce overtime by introducing compensatory time, while police officers warned the department is critically short‑staffed and needs immediate action to retain and recruit officers.","taxTitle","Helena, Phillips County, Arkansas","taxId",80580,"location","Arkansas","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6027844,"City attorney outlines changes in Act 505 of 2025 to the Freedom of Information Act",1126,1550000,2676000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484&start=1550&end=2676","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484/thumbnail_1550000.jpg","/articles/6027844/Arkansas/City-attorney-outlines-changes-in-Act-505-of-2025-to-the-Freedom-of-Information-Act","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6027844-1d5e956419578278b42aa56ada2e88a5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826966&Signature=D9USzXZZsNKyCjGWVs8Mh8DYcFmtQwuXPakSCA8kaqZtzMQIKweOEZMvSO6Knt~cEpLVBSiUh1GaIy4ZyAvyoXi1gS9iW~undN-Xp3OTdbTJp3ZM-syjXv6Mc4qEM85Uo2P9zHIy8NM8krxh3Ka~Djz7DasZbeNIMWJ6rLcdQ90iWxwA0LXxuZXVUc92rcU1QWn36G~ogGh6KIUXWZibVnLwvkaKZuS2ByYJdvtw7iQ9pwnL2MOobXscG4czqt-wh91OXq-t1j2VIcC~NeAX0YyZ2DN0CX4D76-RLmnZ~4SZbInooKghIdipexSaS8pLf-W0MwhsSvWiE0E6ejjt0w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The city attorney briefed the Helena‑West Helena City Council on amendments to the state Freedom of Information Act enacted as Act 505 of 2025 and highlighted changes that will affect local governing bodies.

The city attorney told the council, \"As you look at the act, anything that's underlined has been added to the law,\" and explained the bill's new definitions of \"deliberation,\" \"poll\" and \"informal meeting,\" which clarify when exchanges between members of a governing body must be disclosed. The attorney said the act narrows remote‑meeting allowances for local municipal governing bodies and requires that if a member attends remotely, attendees must be able to see and hear that member and identify them. The attorney also described new language requiring that an executive session notice state which of the enumerated purposes (for example, appointment, employment, promotion, discipline) is the basis for the executive session.

Other additions include a requirement that a governing body publish its most current public meeting agenda online or through social media at least three days before a regular meeting and at least two hours before a special meeting, where the governing body maintains those platforms. The attorney said the act does not include an emergency clause; under the statute's effective schedule the changes will take effect 90 days after signature by the governor.

Councilmembers asked clarifying questions about which bodies may meet remotely and how records of meetings must be preserved; the attorney noted that municipalities must maintain meeting recordings for the period required by law and recommended staff review current storage practices. The council did not take formal action on the briefing; the attorney's presentation was an informational update to prepare staff and members for compliance.","City legal staff briefed the council on Act 505 of 2025, which amends the state Freedom of Information Act to clarify definitions of deliberation and polls, narrow some remote‑meeting allowances for local bodies, and require agenda publication and additional executive‑session specificity.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6027849,"Council hears code‑enforcement dispute and wider questions about tiny‑house rules",572,952000,1524000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484&start=952&end=1524","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484/thumbnail_952000.jpg","/articles/6027849/Arkansas/Council-hears-codeenforcement-dispute-and-wider-questions-about-tinyhouse-rules","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6027849-16574fae873577f246ef27bceb5f9fbf/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826966&Signature=g4s1YcNY8l8NF5zKy8XgEbwbXvM-PrvWoo9B4vhI4EgQHWWDsIovPtjk1pCmAZ9IQVOxmKi3jMX6i9k509A61CXSqIawx5H-uTbMH8Xh2MerOqbeijZCXkFe9ZdfrDUIdkUXspnxTrJSQkGxmsccz66E1A-6J33~X02ODV7gA4w8zB2iBrGK3WlJXKo2DfQ5gou22kvAutwGj5u2hAsPLfzanJlxh~O7dW7bThvN4yMQkQiybtiYdya9VZtx2jqdrNlXSiu8Ix32JaFcwRKK8gqNPoD3xMpF3zu75eVqXGky6YFJ9dSTBm5NRpmciO7AsGdMTWRG0EuvrNEIaC16dg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A code‑enforcement matter about a small dwelling on a Fourth Street lot evolved into a broader discussion about how Helena‑West Helena regulates tiny houses and whether the city needs an ordinance to set minimum square footage and fire‑safety requirements.

Bill Miles, owner of Miles Real Estate, said his client purchased a lot with an old pool and that the new lot owner was willing to fix code issues in steps. Miles asked the council for time to complete repairs and suggested a phased compliance plan. He told the council he and Grayson Gordon had visited the property and that some mowing and trimming had already been completed.

City planning staff and code enforcement raised a larger issue. Jim Montague, urban planning (title in meeting), told the council, \"the city has nothing on the books about tiny houses,\" and explained that the local code does not define minimum square footage for tiny houses or address how they fit with state and federal fire‑protection requirements. Montague urged that the planning commission take up the subject to establish an ordinance and that the commission meet to consider minimum dimensions and code compliance before the council grants any formal permissions for tiny houses.

Code enforcement officer Carol (Cal) Woodridge supplied staff correspondence with the property owner and advised a written notice had been issued; the email trail and a dated letter addressed to the Fourth Street address were included in the council packet. Council members agreed to send the matter to the planning commission for review; the planning commission meeting was referenced as occurring the following week, and council directed staff to coordinate that review and to provide clear guidance on sewer service, classification of unit types (e.g., trailer versus tiny house), and any temporary relief options while the commission studies a permanent ordinance.

No change to code or a waiver of code enforcement action was made at the meeting; councilmembers deferred formal action until the planning commission provides recommendations.","A property dispute over a small dwelling prompted a wider discussion that planning staff say the city has no ordinance defining tiny houses; councilmembers directed the planning commission to review rules about minimum square footage, sewer service and fire code compliance.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6027853,"Council confirms mayoral nominees to Port Authority",4869,832000,5701000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484&start=832&end=5701","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484/thumbnail_832000.jpg","/articles/6027853/Arkansas/Council-confirms-mayoral-nominees-to-Port-Authority","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6027853-b47842a55bb2b6236ad74cd2181a5224/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826966&Signature=nnnqXJSxTSHAOz1dAW~l1oTEztu1OeeLPCCajvpLkEZNGWALtr2yvl8TmkkhV~RjuDqMVMv~PQ2rTDv8Xzx107GJ5gpcR3tS8dZ5kEopBI9KnDykO3KMEFp-ZS1TCRDGqIIbHodBJWwEVI0kwDB0hS953ybcp1I0hOJkCB0O4rf4rR3KYnY2-dD5yVOSIfM4q1ZtH~a6Db8L70vDRUqrrQjDhZkiOCO5htcbNN9UVFcWmF7hYYf7JaEx5VuPsrireJDf7bXY-qfwMcAq78NznwEPkv0Cq043sH0t9BKZcXMjkOF6hLrXhKZvRTerXA7be9uLDfYFCKOUcoGdX6tr0g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Helena‑West Helena City Council voted to confirm mayoral nominees to the Port Authority, adding community representatives to the body that oversees port‑related activity.

The mayor submitted an emailed list from John Edwards recommending reappointment of current members and nomination of new members. Council moved and approved the reappointments and the additional nominee, Bishop Leroy Carter and Wes Horner among those confirmed during the meeting. Council clerk roll call indicated the motion passed; the clerk recorded four members voting yes and two members absent for the roll call on that item, and council declared the appointments approved.

Bishop Leroy Carter, who attended the meeting, and nominee Wes Horner each addressed the council briefly after the vote; Horner thanked the council, saying he would “work hard” and invited members to contact him with any concerns.

Council did not discuss substantive port policy or funding during the vote; the action at the meeting was the confirmation of nominees to fill vacancies on the Port Authority.","The Helena‑West Helena City Council approved the mayor's nominees to the Port Authority, adding local community members including Bishop Leroy Carter and Wes Horner to the authority roster.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6027857,"Resident asks council to transfer old library for community programs",548,400000,948000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484&start=400&end=948","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5700957-5068437a79289721316aeba92cd01484/thumbnail_400000.jpg","/articles/6027857/Arkansas/Resident-asks-council-to-transfer-old-library-for-community-programs","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6027857-0b5ac803fd34d63197485675798094d5/orig.mp4?Expires=1770826966&Signature=i4rkVrlg6dZES8EDt0I2mmnAxCf8Sy3rJ6BU3Fc9N~7igWQaQJw559pDPcVoaeZECDydTdbBQ8hWYpTrArS3KYjI6kOY4RueGPqtQ9QF3l6GY-aegnJuXs6pPxFplcvKaC6k439tt0iXlzEYwQ8ml58FsEwLQaw3CPqSWD-VcOvcjQeKmnMyJxtpZ658QU~U2Cw1axCb7xrkM-3elJGtiLu9mw3PlXWTl7H2pwKMkqjHKWZtHZCdJjVhDCroM4Mc-Ws4Ic-pu9InYgBvMOqoPubrca6kSwuk8gX6Ama3nUehi5SoNN1MIBDdmfbYGg5Lp0dK95CLRlY80e8vfDJp-g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Ruthie Bridal, a Helena resident, asked the Helena‑West Helena City Council to transfer ownership of the vacant former Phillips County library so she can rehabilitate the building and run community programs.

Bridal told the council, \"I'm here today to request, to require, acquire the building in West Helena, the old library,\" and described plans for a small library and study space, parenting classes under a \"legacy birthing project,\" sewing classes and job‑training supports.

The request came during the public‑comment portion of the council meeting. Bridal said the building has been stripped of wiring and other interior materials and that she intends to do the rehabilitation herself; she said she is not asking the city for rehabilitation funds and would maintain the property if transferred to her. Council members asked whether Bridal is a nonprofit; Bridal said she currently operates an LLC and has used a local 501(c)(3) for some activities.

Councilmember Miss Davis asked for time to study the proposal; several council members agreed to place the item back on the next meeting agenda so staff and council could review the written proposal that Bridal had provided. The mayor and council did not vote on a transfer at the meeting and gave no formal direction beyond agreeing to schedule the matter for a future meeting.

Background provided during the discussion noted the building sits on Main Street and that Phillips County previously removed library materials because of mold, leaving the structure without heating and air systems and with interior elements stripped. Bridal said the property currently needs maintenance and that she has kept the grass cut.

The council indicated members wanted more time to review Bridal's written proposal and supporting documents before taking formal action; the item will return to the council agenda for further consideration.","Ruthie Bridal asked the Helena‑West Helena City Council to transfer the vacant former Phillips County library building so she can rehab it and operate community services including a small library, parenting classes and job training.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council adopts police base‑pay ordinance amid broader payroll plan; officers warn staffing is dire

City attorney outlines changes in Act 505 of 2025 to the Freedom of Information Act

Council hears code‑enforcement dispute and wider questions about tiny‑house rules

Council confirms mayoral nominees to Port Authority

Resident asks council to transfer old library for community programs