Pine Bluff Councilman Glen Brown Jr. presented a 2024 year-end budget adjustment of $866,000 that affects all city departments, during a short City Council meeting Monday.
“This adjustment is necessary to finalize the books for 2024 and ensures accurate accounting for all city expenditures,” explained Brown, chair of the Ways and Means Committee. He further clarified that the adjustments were primarily the result of unforeseen expenses and revenue fluctuations throughout the year.
The City Council addressed a wide range of municipal issues, from budget adjustments and proposed ordinances to impassioned community concerns and recognitions.
After a brief discussion regarding the specifics of the adjustments, the council unanimously approved the measure. Reports from other committees followed, with updates on upcoming meetings and planned activities. The Economic Community Development Committee’s announcement of a groundbreaking ceremony for the long-awaited Marriott Hotel on Friday drew applause from those present.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“This project represents a significant investment in our city’s future,” one attendee commented after the meeting.
The council tackled a substantial agenda of ordinances and resolutions. Among the items discussed were:
A second reading of an ordinance regulating the location of smoke shops and vape shops within the city. Discussion on this ordinance centered around concerns about proximity to schools and community centers. The purpose of the ordinance is to regulate their business locations within the city by adding a new Article VIII to Chapter 16 of the Code of Ordinances. The ordinance would prevent smoke and vape shops from being located within 1,500 feet of any public or private school or place of worship. Existing shops within the restricted area can continue operating but are prohibited from expanding.
A second reading of an ordinance concerning abandoned, wrecked or inoperable vehicles: This ordinance aims to streamline the process for removing such vehicles from both public and private property. It will prohibit such vehicles from being parked on city streets, right-of-ways or vacant lots. It will also authorize city departments to remove these vehicles and require a notice to be affixed to the vehicle before removal, allowing the owner to contest the determination.
A first reading of an ordinance requiring legislation appropriating funds to specify the funding source: This is to specify the funding source to ensure transparency when it comes to spending and budgeting. The next ordinance read, prescribing means for adjustments, amendments, or changes to the municipal budget, would formalize the procedure for making changes. It requires adjustments, amendments, or changes to the budget to be made by resolution or ordinance, depending on how the budget was initially adopted.
A first reading of an ordinance establishing procedures for adjustments to the municipal budget: This ordinance seeks to formalize the process for future budget adjustments.
A resolution authorizing the filing of applications for federal transportation assistance: This resolution will enable the city to pursue funding for much-needed infrastructure improvements. The council unanimously approved the resolution that authorizes the submission of applications to the Federal Transit Administration for federal funding for transportation projects.
A resolution amending the 2025 municipal budget to provide the city clerk a fixed travel expense of $1,200 was approved.
The meeting concluded with announcements about upcoming community events, including a youth basketball league honoring local legends. Adding a touch of local pride, Coach Albert Brewer with Gloves Not Guns, though unable to attend, sought to recognize a 9-year-old resident who recently won the 2025 National Silver Gloves championship.
The Pine Bluff City Council convened for a short meeting on Monday. (Special to the Commercial)