Highfill Highlights
March 11, 2026
The Highfill City Council met Tuesday evening for its regular monthly meeting at City Hall. Here’s what your local government accomplished for our community.
Approval of Minutes
Council approved the minutes from the Special City Council Meeting – February 17, 2026. You can view the full minutes to see all discussions, motions, and votes.
Public Comment
During the public comment period, a Highfill resident and retired U.S. Navy veteran spoke about his appreciation for the community and city services. He noted that the flagpole at the Police Department is currently not flying a flag and offered to help coordinate repairs so that the flag can be displayed again. He also suggested installing a flag retirement drop box at City Hall to give residents a place to properly retire worn American flags, and he offered to help transport the collected flags to nearby veterans organizations for ceremonies. City staff indicated they would explore options for installing a retirement box and repairing the police department flagpole.
Council Member Main added that residents have been asking about the basketball goal at City Park, which currently needs repairs to the net and rim. Parks Advisory Committee Chairman and Council Member Summitt responded that the committee is already planning to refurbish or replace the basketball goal along with other park improvements. Updates are expected following the committee’s next meeting.
Resolutions Approved
Resolution 2026-10 – Visionary Milestone Right of Way Acquisition and Administrative Services Agreement
The Council approved Resolution 2026-10 to work with Visionary Milestones on right-of-way acquisition and administrative support for the City’s new water line project.
This water line will connect to the City’s recently completed water tower. The agreement allows staff to begin securing the necessary easements so the project can move forward. Early feedback from the Arkansas Department of Health was minimal, and City staff expect full approval of the plans in the coming months.
The Council voted unanimously to approve this resolution.
Resolution 2026-11 – Used Dump Truck Purchase
Resolution 2026-11 authorizes the City to purchase a used dump truck for Public Works. The current truck has served the City for decades and is ready for replacement.
Because suitable trucks can become available quickly through auctions, other municipalities, or private sellers, the resolution gives the City flexibility to act fast. Staff will inspect any potential purchase to ensure the truck is mechanically sound before moving forward.
This purchase will come from the existing road department budget, so no additional funds are being added. The Council approved the resolution unanimously.
Resolution 2026-12 – Land Purchase from Jason and Janet James
Resolution 2026-12 allows the City to purchase about 1.5 acres east of the Highfill Fire Station from Jason and Janet James. The property includes a house that will be repurposed for City use.
In the short term, the property will provide extra parking for the Community Building and Fire Department. The house will also offer much-needed workspace for City staff, helping ease space limitations at City Hall. Using the existing structure could delay the need for a future City Hall expansion, saving the City significant construction costs.
The Council approved the $300,000 purchase price from the City’s savings and also authorized up to $100,000 for improvements, including preparing the building for City use and expanding parking. This resolution, like the others, was approved unanimously.
The resolution was approved unanimously by the Council.
Additional Public Comment
Mayor Holland briefly reopened the public comment to allow an online participant to speak.
A resident raised concerns about flooding near Mason Valley Road and Highway 12, noting that heavy rainfall last year caused water to rise near homes and made the intersection difficult to pass. She also expressed concern that recent utility work and nearby development may have altered roadside drainage.
City staff explained that a clogged culvert during the storm contributed to the flooding, and once it was cleared the water levels dropped significantly. Public Works indicated they will review the drainage ditch along Mason Valley Road and regrade the area where needed to help improve water flow.
The resident also asked about missing street signs in her neighborhood. City staff confirmed that replacement stop signs have already been installed, and the City is currently waiting on delivery of custom street name signs from the manufacturer.
City officials encouraged residents to continue reporting flooding or infrastructure concerns and to provide photos when possible to help staff respond quickly.
February 2026 Financial Reports Approved
The City Council reviewed and approved the February 2026 financial reports. The reports provide an overview of the City’s revenues, expenditures, and fund balances for the month.
Following the review, the Council approved the financial reports unanimously
Department Head Reports
Police Updates:
The Police Department was recognized for being one of the safest in Northwest Arkansas for the first time, a milestone reflecting the department’s commitment to community safety. Chief Webb also requested approval for two new solar-powered, Bluetooth-enabled speed limit signs to enhance traffic safety, particularly along Mason Valley and in developing neighborhoods. The Council approved up to $8,000 for the purchase and installation of these signs, with potential for future expansion to other areas as needed. These fixed signs, which feature flashing lights to catch drivers’ attention, will complement the city’s existing radar trailer and improve overall traffic awareness.
Public Works & Roads:
Public Works reported that the city’s road grader is back in service, and crews have been actively addressing snow damage and potholes, with a focus on Bolin and Rocky Comfort roads. The Public Works Director also discussed upcoming increases in vacation accrual for employees reaching five-year milestones and proposed researching a vacation buyback program. This would allow employees to sell up to 80 hours of accrued vacation time back to the City. The Council requested a policy review to be presented at the next meeting.
Parks & Community Events:
In Parks and Community Events, Parks Committee Chairman shared that tree removal is nearly complete for liability trees in City Park, reducing potential hazards from storms. The Parks Committee is also in the process of establishing a volunteer-run 501(c)(3) nonprofit, which will not be a City-run organization. This separate nonprofit is necessary because the City cannot accept public donations directly. The organization will allow the community to make donations and apply for grants to support city programs, including park events, infrastructure projects, and police and fire services.
These reports highlight ongoing efforts to improve public safety, road maintenance, and park infrastructure while enabling community engagement through enhanced funding opportunities.
Mayor’s Report
Land Donation for Future City Park:
A developer is donating approximately 3 acres of land behind the former sewer plant near Bryant Road. This land will complement the planned new city park. Formal acceptance by the Council will occur closer to development.
Douglas Cemetery Grant:
The City initially planned to apply for a grant through Regional Planning, but after their review, they recommended pursuing funding through Senator Womack’s office for improvements at Douglas Cemetery. Engineers have prepared a cost estimate of $2.1 million, and the Council will be updated once a response on the grant application is received.
Park Engineering Selection:
Council approved the top three engineers for the new city park project: ESI (1st), CEI (2nd), and MCE (3rd).
The order is important for contract negotiations; the city will negotiate with one firm at a time per Arkansas law. Selection was based on prior experience with similar parks, geographic proximity, and proven project expertise.
Flood Drainage Coordination:
The City has reached an agreement with Crafton Department to review flood drainage reports for all new subdivisions, ensuring proper planning and reducing future flooding issues.
Upcoming Events & Meetings:
- Parks Advisory Committee: Tuesday, March 17, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers
- Planning Commission: Tuesday, March 24, 6:00 PM, Council Chambers
- Free Tree Friday: Friday, April 10, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM, City Park
- Next City Council Meeting: Tuesday, April 14, 6:00 PM
- Spring Festival: Saturday, May 2, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM, City Park
- Christmas in the Park: Saturday, December 5, 5:30 PM, City Park
ARDOT Road Project Meeting:
On Tuesday, April 7th, 4:30 – 6:30 PM at First Baptist Church, ARDOT will host a meeting regarding a proposed new road highlighted in red that runs east to west, north to south through the city. Attendance is encouraged, as project details have not yet been publicly released. View ARDOT letter and map.
Looking Ahead – Meetings & City Events
- Highfill Parks Advisory Committee: Tuesday, March 17th at 6:30 PM
- Planning Commission Meeting: Tuesday, March 24th at 6:00 PM
We invite the community to stay engaged, ask questions, and attend meetings. Your participation helps the city make better decisions for everyone.
Explore upcoming activities
Understanding the City Council’s Role
The City Council guides Highfill’s policies, budgets, and community projects. Residents are invited to speak during the Public Comment section on any topic—not just agenda items. Meeting agendas and supporting materials are posted in advance to help you stay informed and involved.
Community Feedback Requested: Future Land Use Plan & Master Street Plan
The City of Highfill is currently collecting online feedback from residents as part of the planning process for the Future Land Use Plan and Master Street Plan. Community input is an important part of shaping how Highfill grows and develops in the future.
Residents are encouraged to take a few minutes to review the information and submit feedback online.
Learn more and submit feedback:
Plan Your City
Your input helps guide future planning decisions for the community.
Staying Engaged
Residents are invited to review minutes, ordinances, and resolutions, attend meetings, and provide input during Public Comment. Active participation ensures City decisions reflect community needs.
Watch Council Meetings:
Missed a meeting? You can view the full video or listen to audio recordings on the City’s website to see discussions, votes, and updates firsthand. Watching the meeting gives residents a firsthand look at how decisions are made, how the Council the prioritizes the City’s finances, and how your local government plans for future growth, infrastructure, and community services. Stay informed, stay engaged, and see your City in action.
Official Documents & Updates:
For supporting documents, meeting agendas, and updates on projects, visit the City of Highfill official website.
Highfill City Council works for you — stay informed, get involved, and help shape the future of our city!
It’s My Town!