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Mayor says West Memphis "strong" as he touts jobs, broadband and a $45 million wastewater plan
Summary
Mayor Marco Mlendon delivered a State of the City highlighting economic development, a proposed data-center project expected to bring jobs, expanded broadband plans, a $45 million wastewater capital investment and infrastructure projects funded by voter-approved sales-tax measures; the council advanced bond authorization tied to those projects and heard bond-counsel details.
Mayor Marco Mlendon used the council meeting on March 20, 2025, to deliver a 22-minute State of the City address, summarizing 2024 accomplishments and laying out infrastructure and economic development priorities for 2025.
"The state of the city is strong," Mlendon told the council and audience, recapping recent investments and projects. He cited the new "text mygov" app, groundbreakings for an animal shelter in partnership with Southland Casino, repurposing of the old library for parks-and-recreation administration, and an inclusive park designed for children with disabilities. The mayor highlighted private-sector investments he said include a Dollar Tree distribution project with 600 new jobs and a Coca-Cola expansion he described as a $50 million project.
On economic development, the mayor said a proposed data-center project approved administratively could bring as many as 300 jobs and "at least $3 billion" in investment, and he said the city is close to offering municipal broadband service that would provide high-speed connectivity at reduced cost for residents.
Public-safety and utilities: the mayor credited the police and fire departments for a reported 52% decline in violent crime from 2019 to 2024 and said West Memphis is on track to complete a $45 million wastewater capital investment plan that will double sewer-treatment capacity.
Finance and bonds: council members took up an ordinance authorizing the issuance of sales-and-use tax bonds to fund capital improvements and pledged a 0.75% sales-and-use tax to repay principal and interest. Bond counsel Sarah Gamo of Friday, Eldridge and Clark told the council the bonds were sold the day before and the city anticipates closing on April 30; she described the structure and closing costs, saying the total principal amount was stated in the meeting as approximately $47,500,000, with a premium of just over $1 million, an underwriters' discount near $450,000 and additional closing costs of roughly $155,000, with proceeds to pay for parks, police, fire and drainage projects.
The council approved the bond ordinance on third reading and also approved the emergency clause by roll call.
Next steps: bond closing is anticipated on April 30; staff and bond counsel will finalize closing documents and post required notices and publications as described by counsel.
