Centerton City Council Meeting Recap: October 14, 2025

If you weren’t at the Centerton City Council meeting Tuesday evening, here’s what you need to know. The city continues to make steady moves on infrastructure, policy, and planning. These decisions directly influence Centerton's growth, livability, and real estate market.

Key Highlights and Approvals

Minutes and Financials

The Council approved meeting minutes from August and September, including those from the Water and Sewer and Planning Commissions. As of September, the city has brought in approximately 82 percent of its projected revenue and spent about 73 percent of its budget. Building permits remain strong, signaling continued growth and consistent demand.

Employee Recognition

Cody Harper was honored for 20 years of service with the City of Centerton. His experience and dedication have played an important role in shaping how this city operates behind the scenes.

Ordinance Updates

Two ordinances were adopted:

• Ordinance 2025-51 repeals an outdated section of the municipal code related to cable franchise agreements. This change addresses a concern raised by a resident during a previous City Council meeting. The old code implied a single franchise agreement was still in place locally, but the state has managed these agreements since 2013. By repealing the outdated section, the city is clearing up confusion and confirming there is no longer a monopoly. Centerton residents now have access to multiple providers, and this update reflects that reality in the municipal code.

• Ordinance 2025-52 adds the city’s impact fee structure into the municipal code. This ensures that new development contributes directly to the infrastructure needed to support population and commercial growth.

Property Tax Resolution

The Council approved Resolution 2025-37, authorizing the collection of property taxes for 2025 to be collected in 2026. This is a standard step in keeping city operations funded.

Cemetery Maintenance

Larry Herron will continue maintaining the Centerton Cemetery at a rate of $230 per visit. He has served in this role for 11 years. His work is funded through a trust and does not impact the city’s general budget.

Employee Policy Updates

Three policy changes were adopted, including a new acting allowance policy and revisions to timekeeping practices. These updates are part of ongoing efforts to modernize internal procedures.

Vehicle Lease Authorization

The city approved the lease of four new Ford F-250 trucks for Public Works and two Ford Explorers for administrative use. These vehicles replace aging units and are already factored into the upcoming 2026 budget.

Sewer Capacity and Utility Updates

Centerton continues to work closely with the Decatur wastewater facility and the Water and Sewer Commission to manage system capacity and plan for growth. Key updates from the meeting include:

• Developers will now be required to conduct sanitary sewer studies prior to preliminary plat approval. This ensures that infrastructure capacity is evaluated before development moves forward.

• Decatur is installing new meters to track inflow from both the Simmons plant and the Decatur side. Centerton already has a meter in place. Together, these systems will provide more accurate, real-time data on wastewater flow.

• Two out of three treatment membranes at the Decatur facility have been installed. The final unit is expected soon.

• A UV light filtration system is also being added to the facility to enhance treatment quality and align with environmental standards.

• The Centerton Water and Sewer Commission is evaluating audio and video recording options for future meetings to improve public access and transparency.

A specific concern discussed during the meeting was the issue of sewer pinch points. In this context, a pinch point refers to a location in the wastewater network where sewage flow becomes restricted, creating a bottleneck. These areas can increase the risk of backups or overflows if not properly managed. While previously identified pinch points have been addressed, new development near or upstream from these areas may still require careful planning and system upgrades. Under the city's updated policies, developers will now be responsible for identifying any impact their projects may have on the system and contributing to necessary improvements as part of the approval process.

This ongoing work reflects Centerton’s commitment to building reliable infrastructure that supports both existing neighborhoods and new growth, with transparency and long-term planning at the forefront.

Allen Road Trail Expansion

The city plans to construct a 10-foot multi-use trail along Allen Road. Easements are needed from seven properties to move forward with construction. Some property owners have already granted access, and the city is actively working to contact the remaining ones.

If, after multiple documented attempts, property owners cannot be reached, the city may pursue condemnation of the recreation easements. This legal step would only be taken to secure access for the public trail. Property owners would retain full ownership of their land and be compensated fairly for the easement, if applicable.

This project is part of a broader effort to improve walkability and recreational infrastructure across Centerton.

Animal Shelter Upgrades

The Council discussed important improvements to the Centerton Animal Shelter, which are included in the proposed 2026 budget. The scope of the project includes:

• Structural upgrades to retain conditioned air

• Installation of HVAC, filtration, and air sanitization systems

• Electrical system enhancements

The total project is estimated at $150,000 and will be addressed in two phases. The first $75,000 is budgeted for 2026, with additional funds to follow. This topic will be reviewed in more detail during the 2026 Budget Workshop on October 28.

Upcoming Community Events

Coffee with the Mayor

Saturday, October 18 at 9:00 AM
Location: 290 North Main Street

I’ll be attending and sharing a September Real Estate Market Update for Centerton. If you’re interested in current home values, inventory trends, or future development impacts, stop by and connect with me directly.

2026 Budget Workshop

Tuesday, October 28 at 6:00 PM
Location: City Hall
Dinner will be served at 5:30 PM. The full budget breakdown includes department updates, planned investments, and funding allocations for the coming year.

What This Means for local Buyers & Sellers

The Council’s decisions influence more than policy. They affect everything from home values and infrastructure to how future development takes shape. Staying informed helps you stay ahead, whether you're a homeowner, investor, or planning your next move.

• Improved sewer infrastructure opens the door for more residential development in areas that were previously restricted, which may increase housing supply and influence pricing.

• Impact fees on new construction could shift builder costs, potentially affecting list prices for new homes.

• The animal shelter and trail improvements reflect ongoing investment in community livability, which supports long-term property values.

• Property tax approvals and budgeting decisions help signal the city’s financial stability, something buyers and investors often evaluate when choosing where to live or put money.

As your local real estate advisor, I stay engaged in these developments to provide clients with more than listings. I provide perspective.

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

If you’re curious how Centerton’s growth impacts your current or future property plans, I’d love to have that conversation.

Allie Verdery, The Blue-Haired Broker
Engel & Völkers Bentonville

Call or text: (314) 517-3196
Instagram: @thebluehairedbroker
https://thebluehairedbroker.com

Serving Centerton and all of Northwest Arkansas