Newport council adopts 2026 city budget, approves two commission budgets and declares three properties nuisances

The Newport City Council unanimously approved the city’s 2026 budget and adopted a series of resolutions and ordinances at its Dec. 1 meeting in the municipal courtroom.

Mayor Ratliffe reviewed the Proposed 2026 City Budget before the council voted 8–0 to approve it; the motion was made by Michael Allen and seconded by Julie Moss. Following that vote, the council suspended the rules under A.C.A. §14-43-313 to forego second and third readings and approved an ordinance setting the salaries for the City Clerk/Treasurer and City Attorney, also by an 8–0 vote.

Why it matters: adopting the city budget sets Newport’s spending priorities for 2026 and the ordinance establishes the statutorily required salaries for two senior municipal officers.

During reports, Mayor Ratliffe told council members an electronic copy of October 2025 financial statements had been distributed and reported November sales-tax receipts: $181,846 (city), $136,072 (county) and $90,923 (NEDC). Mayor Ratliffe recognized Lieutenant Mark Harmon of the police department, who said approximately $88,000 seized about a year earlier has been processed through the court system and "these funds are to be deposited into the City’s General Fund." Harmon requested the council consider using the funds to purchase a police vehicle and other equipment.

The council also approved two commission budgets for 2026. After Mayor Ratliffe reviewed the proposed budgets and City Attorney Pettie read the corresponding resolutions, the council voted 8–0 to adopt the Newport Economic Development Commission proposed 2026 budget (motion by Allen Edwards, second by Wendell Green) and voted 8–0 to adopt the Newport Airport Commission proposed 2026 budget (motion by Allen Edwards, second by Michael Allen).

In separate code-enforcement actions, the council declared three properties nuisances. City Attorney Pettie said notices were sent to the owners of properties at 1800 Congress Street, 2500 Linwood Street and 2509 Linwood Street and asked if anyone wished to speak; no one responded. The council read and accepted resolutions declaring each property a nuisance; each measure passed by unanimous roll call.

The council opened the meeting with a proclamation honoring paramedic Caleb McDougal. Mayor Ratliffe recognized Karen James of Southern Paramedic Service dba White River Ambulance, who said McDougal had received the Star of Life Award, described in the meeting as the highest award a paramedic can receive; Ms. James noted there were 147 recipients nationally and six in Arkansas. Mayor Ratliffe read the city proclamation honoring McDougal.

City Attorney Pettie also told the council he had contacted the Arkansas Department of Transportation about ARDOT’s plans for the Old Blue Bridge; the ARDOT attorney was out of the office until Dec. 2, 2025 and Pettie said he would follow up then.

Votes at a glance: 1800 Congress Street — motion to accept resolution declaring property a nuisance; mover: Michael Allen; second: Allen Edwards; outcome: approved 8–0 (yes votes: Allen, Moss, Edwards, May, Green, Falwell, Lake, Mansko). 2500 Linwood Street — read by caption (motion: Edwards/Falwell) and accepted (motion: Allen/Edwards); outcome: approved 8–0. 2509 Linwood Street — read by caption (motion: Allen/Edwards) and accepted (motion: Edwards/Mansko); outcome: approved 8–0. Newport Economic Development Commission 2026 budget — motion: Allen Edwards; second: Wendell Green; outcome: approved 8–0. Newport Airport Commission 2026 budget — motion: Allen Edwards; second: Michael Allen; outcome: approved 8–0. Proposed 2026 City Budget — motion: Michael Allen; second: Julie Moss; outcome: approved 8–0. Ordinance setting City Clerk/Treasurer and City Attorney salaries (A.C.A. §14-43-313) — rules suspended and ordinance approved; outcome: approved 8–0.

What the meeting did not do: Council did not take an immediate formal vote to allocate the seized $88,000 to a specific purchase; Harmon’s request was recorded as a request for council consideration. No public commenters identified themselves to speak on the nuisance resolutions when asked.

With no further business, the council adjourned.