Highfill Highlights
Posted: April 22, 2026
The Highfill City Council met Tuesday, June 16, 2026, for a Special City Council Meeting at City Hall. The meeting focused on several important items related to planning, parks, public safety, utility governance, and city operations.
Residents Raise Traffic Safety Concerns
During public comment, residents from the Healing Springs subdivision expressed concerns about speeding within their neighborhood. Residents noted that traffic speeds are particularly concerning during morning and afternoon travel times and offered to partner with the City on potential solutions.
City officials discussed recently purchased speed feedback signs that display vehicle speeds and collect traffic data. Council members reiterated their commitment to addressing speeding concerns and evaluating locations where the signs may be most effective.
Approved Items
The City Council approved:
- May 12, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting Minutes
- Ordinance 2026-11 – Rezoning Property from Rural Residential (RR) to General Commercial (C-2)
- Resolution 2026-21 – Dedicating and Reserving Certain City Lands for Public Park and Related Purposes
- Resolution 2026-22 – Adopting Highfill Police Department Policies and Procedures
- Resolution 2026-23 – Confirming Highfill Water and Sewer Committee Appointments Through June 30, 2028
- May 2026 Financial Reports
Commercial Rezoning Approved
The Council approved Ordinance 2026-11, rezoning property owned by Oelke Construction Company from Rural Residential (RR) to General Commercial (C-2).
During discussion, Council members confirmed that the property is surrounded by other commercial zoning and is consistent with the City’s adopted Master Plan. Following discussion, the ordinance and emergency clause were approved.
Former Wastewater Property Dedicated for Future Park Development
The Council approved Resolution 2026-21 dedicating and reserving city-owned property for future public park and recreational purposes.
The property includes the former wastewater treatment plant site and surrounding acreage. Council members discussed ongoing efforts to begin conceptual planning for the area. Mayor Holland reported that preliminary discussions have already taken place with ESI regarding park concepts and future site layouts.
Officials explained that the next steps will include developing conceptual renderings and working with the Highfill Parks Advisory Committee to identify future recreational opportunities and potential grant funding sources.
Police Policies Adopted as Part of Accreditation Effort
The Council approved Resolution 2026-22 adopting updated Police Department policies and procedures.
Chief Webb explained that the policies have undergone multiple legal reviews and are based on standards developed through the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police. The policies establish operational guidelines, accountability standards, and legal safeguards for the department.
Council members discussed the benefits of accreditation, including improved professionalism, liability protection, officer training standards, and recruitment efforts.
Chief Webb noted that adopting the policies represents a significant step toward becoming an accredited law enforcement agency, a designation currently held by only a few agencies within Benton County.
Water & Sewer Committee Appointments Confirmed
The Council approved Resolution 2026-23 confirming appointments to the Highfill Water and Sewer Committee through June 30, 2028.
Public Works Director Dustin Kahrl explained that the City’s continued growth has increased demands on the utility system and that the committee will begin meeting monthly.
The committee serves as an advisory body that reviews utility operations, hears customer concerns, and provides recommendations to the City Council. Officials also noted that an additional committee vacancy remains and may be advertised in the future.
May Financial Reports Approved
The Council approved the May 2026 financial reports.
Mayor Holland reported that department heads are currently reviewing mid-year budgets to determine whether any adjustments may need to be brought before the Council later this year.
Department Updates
Fire Department Leadership Achievement
Assistant Fire Chief Cameron Harrison announced they successfully completed the Arkansas Executive Fire Officer Program
Officials noted that only a small number of fire service leaders statewide currently hold the certification. Harrison was also appointed Vice President for the Northwest District of the Arkansas Firefighters Association, providing Highfill with greater representation at the state level.
Commercial ISO Rating Improves
The Council received an update regarding the City’s Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings.
Officials reported that Highfill’s commercial ISO rating improved from a 5 to a 4, which can positively impact commercial property insurance rates. Residential ratings remained unchanged.
City staff explained that ISO ratings evaluate factors such as fire protection capabilities, water supply, emergency response resources, and building inspection programs.
Looking Ahead
The Council discussed several ongoing priorities, including:
- Traffic safety improvements
- Park planning and future recreational opportunities
- Police accreditation efforts
- Utility system planning
- Infrastructure and community growth
Upcoming Meetings & Events
- Special HPAC Meeting – June 25, 2026
- Freedom Fest – June 27, 2026
- Next City Council Meeting – July 14, 2026
- National Night Out – October 6, 2026
- Holidays at the Park – December 5, 2026
The June 23 Planning Commission meeting has been canceled due to no items requiring commission action.
Thank you to everyone who attended the meeting and participated in local government.
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.
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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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