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What Happened at Highfill City Council This Month

Highfill Highlights

City Council meeting graphic featuring the Highfill logo on a beige background, with the headline “City Council Meeting” in large blue text and the tagline “Working Together for Highfill” beneath it. The image shows a formal council chamber with a curved wooden dais, labeled seats for mayor and council members, microphones, and U.S. and state flags on either side.

Posted: July 15, 2026

The Highfill City Council met for its regular meeting on July 14, 2026, and addressed several items focused on city growth, infrastructure improvements, financial planning, employee retention, and upcoming community needs.

Council Approves Updated Fireworks Ordinance

Council adopted Ordinance 2026-12, amending the city’s fireworks regulations to allow fireworks sales within Highfill city limits.

The updated ordinance allows the City to issue permits for approved fireworks vendors. The previous restriction prohibiting fireworks sales inside the city was removed to provide an opportunity for additional local sales-tax revenue while maintaining city oversight through the permitting process.

Water and Sewer Infrastructure Planning Moves Forward

Council approved Resolution 2026-24, which establishes the City’s intent to issue water and sewer revenue bonds and authorizes reimbursement for eligible project expenses.

City staff provided an update on the upcoming 18-inch water line project, noting that the water line construction bid came in below original estimates. However, the pump station portion of the project has increased due to rising equipment costs.

The resolution allows the City to reimburse eligible expenses associated with the project, including costs related to easement acquisitions.

Council Reviews Mid-Year Budget and Approves Employee Pay Adjustments

Staff presented a mid-year budget review highlighting updated revenue projections, current expenditures, and financial trends.

The review included:

  • Updated projections for franchise fees, licenses, and permits.
  • Revised water and sewer revenue estimates based on current usage.
  • Discussion regarding employee retention challenges and the increasing competition for qualified employees.
  • Review of the financial impact of employee turnover, including recruitment, training, and certification costs.

Department heads discussed challenges in recruiting and retaining employees, particularly in police, water, and sewer operations. Council approved employee salary adjustments to help the City remain competitive with surrounding municipalities and support continued staffing stability.

Financial Update Approved

Council reviewed and approved the City’s current financial statements.

Staff reported increased franchise tax revenue following the rate adjustment approved September 2025. Residents can review Ordinance 2025-8 Amended Franchise Fees for additional information.

Council also reviewed the Water & Wastewater Savings Account, which continues to provide funding support for future infrastructure projects, including planned lift station and pump station improvements.

Department and Committee Updates

Water & Sewer Department

Graphic from the City of Highfill promoting water conservation and an odd‑even watering schedule. The top section says ‘Water Together. Make It Last.’ with a blue water‑drop icon labeled ‘Every drop counts.’ Text explains that the community is under high water demand. The middle section instructs residents to water on even‑numbered days if their address is even and on odd‑numbered days if their address is odd, with examples provided. Below, a note explains that following the schedule reduces strain on the water system and helps ensure reliable water. The bottom section lists water‑smart tips with icons: water early in the morning, avoid watering during rain, check for leaks, and use water wisely. The City of Highfill logo appears at the bottom along with a message encouraging conservation for the future.

Staff provided updates on daily operations and ongoing improvements, including:

  • Daily water consumption reached a record 785,000 gallons.
  • Increased usage is partially related to activity from the XNA concrete plant.
  • Speed-limit signage was installed near the city park.
  • Additional booster pump equipment and lightning-strike mitigation procedures are now in place.
  • Staff continue evaluating potential locations for speed-limit signage in residential areas.

Fire Department

The Highfill Fire Department shared several updates:

  • The annual Chicken Barbecue is scheduled for August 1 at 11:00 a.m.
  • The department completed purchases through the REDC grant program, including new equipment and protective gear.
  • Department representatives attended an award ceremony recognizing the successful completion of the grant project.
Group of people standing in a formal room at the Arkansas State Capitol in front of wooden paneling and multiple U.S. and Arkansas flags. The group is holding an oversized ceremonial check labeled ‘Highfill Volunteer Fire Department’ for a Rural Services Grant in the amount of $12,151.42. The setting appears to be the Governor’s Conference Room, and everyone is posed together for the award ceremony.
, AR – July 13: in , AR on July 13, 2026. (Photo by Will Newton)

The City of Highfill was recognized as one of the communities receiving funding through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) Rural Services Division grant program. Residents can learn more about the grant announcement and the project’s impact through the following press releases:

Treasurer Report

Staff shared updates regarding municipal training, professional development, and the City’s continued commitment to transparency and public access.

The City’s Finance & Administration staff completed the Arkansas Mandatory Municipal Treasurer Training, ensuring Highfill remains compliant with new state requirements established through Act 671 of the 2025 Arkansas General Assembly. The training provides guidance on municipal financial responsibilities, policies, procedures, and audit preparation.

Staff also completed the Arkansas Municipal League Arkansas Certified Employee (ACE) Advanced Level 3 Certification, which provides advanced education in municipal administration, finance, budgeting, personnel management, ethics, and other areas essential to effective local government operations.

During the 2026 Arkansas Municipal League Summer Convention, Highfill’s transparency practices were highlighted in a presentation to municipal officials from across the state. The presentation shared how the City proactively provides public information through its website and communication platforms, including meeting agendas, council packets, meeting summaries, financial information, ordinances, resolutions, meeting recordings, and other public documents.

The City’s approach focuses on making government information easy to access and understand while encouraging greater community engagement. Highfill continues to prioritize transparency, accountability, and open communication with residents.

Highfill Parks Advisory Committee (HPAC)

The Parks Advisory Committee reported positive feedback regarding the recent fireworks show. Committee members thanked city departments and staff for their support in making the event successful.

Mayor’s Report

Mayor Holland discussed the continued growth of Highfill and the need to prepare for future staffing needs across multiple departments, including police, water and sewer, streets, fire, and parks.

Council also discussed planning for future parks staffing as additional recreational facilities become available.

Council Approves Funding for Water Line Easements

Council authorized up to $325,000 from the Water & Wastewater Savings Account for easement acquisitions related to the 18-inch water line project.

Staff explained that some property owners may choose water-tap exchanges instead of direct payment for easements. The funding authorization allows the City to continue moving forward with necessary property acquisitions while providing flexibility during negotiations.

Upcoming Meetings and Events

Residents are encouraged to participate in upcoming city meetings and events:

  • HPAC Meeting: July 21, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
  • Planning Commission Meeting: July 28, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
  • City Council Meeting: August 11, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
  • National Night Out: October 6, 2026 – Location to be announced
  • Holiday at the Park: December 5, 2026 – 5:30 p.m.

Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and participated in local government. The City of Highfill remains committed to responsible growth, transparent government, and continued investment in services and infrastructure that support the community.

To stay informed, residents can follow the City’s Facebook page, visit the City website, sign up for Highfill Highlights, and review meeting recordings and public documents available online.

Highfill City Council works for you — stay informed, get involved, and help shape the future of our community.

Transparency & Public Information

The City of Highfill is committed to keeping residents informed.

To review meeting recordings, agendas, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, financial reports, and other public documents, visit:

City Documents & Public Records
https://highfillarkansas.gov/city-documents/

For city news, project updates, event announcements, and meeting reminders:

City Website
https://highfillarkansas.gov/

Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/HighfillAR/

Thank you for staying engaged in the future of Highfill.

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