The Highfill City Council met for its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, September 8, 2026. The meeting included updates from Gentry Public Schools and City departments, along with Council action on annexation, public safety, water and sewer operations, and the City’s financial reports.
Gentry Public Schools Update
The Council received an update from Gentry Public Schools, presented by Mark Scott.
The district continues to expand programs designed to support students and families while preparing students for future educational and career opportunities.
Among the updates shared was the Gentry FFA program’s first National Three-Star Chapter rating, the highest rating available through the National FFA program.
The district has also expanded its Ready Day One program to approximately 1,800 students, providing school supplies at no cost to families. School supply packets are also available for students who move into the district during the school year.
Through a Department of Agriculture grant, the district recently launched a no-cost lunch program for students.
Other initiatives include expanded FFA and career pathway opportunities, dual-credit programs, and continued efforts to balance technology-based instruction with traditional classroom teaching.
The district also continues to livestream assemblies and award programs, allowing parents who cannot attend in person to participate virtually.
Welcoming New Development to Highfill
The City Council approved Ordinance No. 2026-15, accepting the voluntary annexation of approximately 5.30 acres into the City of Highfill.
The property, owned by Alejandro Morales and Socorro Perez, includes three commercial buildings currently under development. The property was assigned to Ward 2 as part of the annexation.
With the annexation, the City will extend police protection, fire protection, and municipal water service to the property within the timeframe established by state law and the City’s service schedule.
The annexation follows the required county review and statutory process, including verification of the property ownership, legal description, and connection to the existing city limits.
Additional Police Vehicle Approved
With the City’s continued growth and the demands placed on the Police Department’s fleet, the City Council approved Resolution No. 2026-26, authorizing the purchase of an additional police patrol vehicle.
The City will purchase a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe from the Northwest Arkansas Children’s Shelter for $35,000. The vehicle is no longer needed by the shelter and provides the City with an opportunity to add a patrol vehicle to its fleet at a cost the Council determined to be in the City’s best interest.
The purchase will be funded through the Police Department’s restricted reserve account.
The additional vehicle will help address the department’s current fleet needs and provide greater flexibility as the Police Department continues serving the community.
Water and Sewer Account Reassignment Ratified
The City Council approved Resolution No. 2026-27, formally ratifying the reassignment of a City bank account from the General Fund to the Water Fund.
The account had originally been established as a General Fund surplus account and was later repurposed for Water and Sewer operations. Because the account had a zero balance when it was reassigned, no money was transferred and there was no financial impact to the City.
The Council’s action formally documents the reassignment and ensures the City’s financial records accurately reflect the account’s current purpose.
2025 Water and Sewer Audit Approved
The City Council also approved the 2025 Water and Sewer Audit.
City staff reported that the Water and Sewer Department met its reserve requirements. The audit also included recommendations and observations related to accounting procedures, bank account authorization, clothing and uniform expenses, and customer meter deposits.
Staff is addressing the recommendations and will separate boots from uniforms as separate line items in the budget. Staff is also working with the City’s water billing software provider to reconcile information related to customer meter deposits.
The City continues to use additional review procedures because the finance department has one accounting employee. The Mayor reviews and signs off on the finance work, including bank reconciliations, as part of the City’s internal financial oversight.
August Financial Reports Approved
The Council approved the August 2026 financial reports, continuing the City’s regular monthly review of revenues, expenditures, and overall financial activity.
Fire Department Preparing for New Fire Truck
Mayor Chris Holland reported on behalf of the Fire Department that the City’s new fire truck is expected to be delivered in October.
Fire personnel are expected to travel to Georgia to pick up the vehicle and return it to Highfill once it is ready for delivery.
The new truck will strengthen the City’s fire response capabilities and support the department’s ongoing equipment needs.
City Council Vacancy — Ward 3, Position 1
Mayor Chris Holland announced the resignation of a City Council member during the September 8 meeting, creating a vacancy for Ward 3, Position 1.
The current term expires December 31, 2026. The vacant position will be filled by appointment by the City Council.
Who Can Apply?
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of Ward 3
- Be a qualified elector (registered voter)
- Be willing to attend regular and special City Council meetings
- Have an interest in serving the community and participating in local government
Serving on the City Council is an opportunity to contribute to the community, participate in local decision-making, and help shape the future of Highfill.
Application Deadline
Applications must be submitted by 4:30 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Residents interested in serving on the City Council may complete the City’s online City Council vacancy application.
The City Council is expected to consider an appointment to fill the vacancy at its October 13, 2026, regular meeting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a City Council Member do?
A Highfill City Council member serves as an elected representative of the residents of their ward and participates in decisions affecting the City as a whole.
Council members work with the Mayor and other members of the City Council to establish policies, consider ordinances and resolutions, approve budgets and expenditures, review City operations, and address issues affecting the community.
Council members also have an opportunity to hear directly from residents and bring community concerns and ideas to the Council for consideration.
What kinds of issues does the City Council consider?
City Council business can include:
- City finances and the annual budget
- Streets, water, sewer, and other infrastructure
- Police, fire, and public safety
- Planning, zoning, and development
- City ordinances and resolutions
- City property and facilities
- Contracts and agreements
- Personnel and administrative matters
- Community programs and events
- Long-range planning and growth
Because Highfill continues to grow, Council members may also be involved in discussions regarding development, infrastructure needs, transportation, public services, and planning for the City’s future.
How often does the City Council meet?
Regular City Council meetings are held on the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at City Hall.
Special meetings may also be called when necessary.
Council members should be prepared to review meeting agendas and supporting materials before meetings and participate in discussions and votes during meetings.
What is the time commitment?
Serving on the City Council requires more than attending the monthly meeting.
Council members should plan to:
- Attend regular and special City Council meetings
- Review agendas and supporting documents before meetings
- Participate in discussions and decision-making
- Attend meetings or activities related to City business when appropriate
- Stay informed about City operations and issues affecting residents
- Communicate with residents and listen to community concerns
The amount of time required may vary depending on current City projects, issues, and special meetings.
Does a Council Member represent only their ward?
Council members are elected by ward and serve as representatives of their ward’s residents. However, Council members participate in decisions that affect the City as a whole.
Council members should consider the needs of their constituents while also considering the overall interests and long-term well-being of the City of Highfill.
What is the role of the Mayor?
The Mayor and City Council work together in governing the City.
The Council is responsible for legislative and policy decisions, including considering ordinances, resolutions, budgets, expenditures, and other matters brought before the Council.
The Mayor serves as the City’s chief executive and works with City staff to carry out the City’s policies and manage municipal operations as provided by law.
What should I know before serving?
New Council members are encouraged to become familiar with the City’s laws, policies, financial procedures, planning regulations, ethics requirements, and other responsibilities associated with municipal government.
The City has provided educational resources below to help applicants and new Council members understand the role of municipal government in Arkansas and the responsibilities of serving on a municipal governing body.
Education & Resources
The following resources are provided to help applicants learn more about municipal government and prepare for service on the Highfill City Council.
Highfill Municipal Codebook
The Highfill Municipal Code contains the City’s ordinances and regulations governing municipal operations and matters within the City’s authority. [Highfill Municipal Code]
Civil Pedia Handbook
The Civil Pedia resources provide information designed to help municipal officials understand their responsibilities and the operation of municipal government in Arkansas.
The following topics are particularly relevant to City Council service:
Find Your Ward
Not sure whether you live in Ward 3?
The Highfill Ward Map shows the boundaries for each City ward and can help residents determine which ward they live in.
Statement of Financial Interest Form
Statement of Financial Interest Form
A Statement of Financial Interest is a required disclosure for certain public officials and other public servants under Arkansas law. The purpose of the statement is to promote transparency regarding certain financial and business interests of public officials.
The Arkansas Ethics Commission’s Statement of Financial Interest form requests information such as the public official’s name and address, spouse’s name, names under which the official or spouse conducts business, and the reason for filing. The form also requires disclosure of certain sources of income, business interests, investments, and other financial information covered by the law.
Municipal public servants file their Statement of Financial Interest with the City Clerk or City Recorder.
Applicants and newly appointed Council members should review the current form and instructions carefully and provide all information required by the Arkansas Ethics Commission. The Commission’s current forms and instructions are available through its official website.
Important: The Statement of Financial Interest is a disclosure requirement and is separate from the City’s application to fill the vacant Council position.
For questions about completing the Statement of Financial Interest, applicants may contact the Arkansas Ethics Commission or review the Commission’s current instructions.
How to apply?
Serving on the Highfill City Council is an opportunity to contribute to the community, participate in local government, represent residents, and help guide the future of Highfill.
If you are a qualified Ward 3 resident and are interested in serving, we encourage you to review the information and educational resources provided above and submit your application by 4:30 PM on Monday, October 5, 2026.
Upcoming Meetings and Events
Residents are encouraged to mark their calendars for upcoming City meetings and community events:
- Highfill Parks Advisory Committee: Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 6:00 PM — Council Chambers
- Planning Commission: Tuesday, September 22, 2026, at 6:00 PM — Council Chambers
- Water & Sewer Committee: Monday, September 28, 2026, at 5:00 PM — Council Chambers
- National Night Out: Tuesday, October 6, 2026, at 6:00 PM — City Park
- City Council: Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at 6:00 PM — Council Chambers
- Holidays at the Park: Saturday, December 5, 2026, at 5:30 PM — City Park
Staying Connected with the City of Highfill
The City of Highfill remains committed to keeping residents informed as the community continues to grow.
Residents can review City Council agendas, meeting recordings, minutes, ordinances, resolutions, financial reports, and other public records through the City’s website.
City Documents & Public Records
For City news, project updates, event announcements, and meeting reminders:
City of Highfill Facebook Page
Thank you for staying engaged and being part of the Highfill community.
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