What’s Happening in Centerton: November 2025 City Council Recap

What’s Happening in Centerton: November 2025 City Council Recap

By Allie Verdery | The Blue Haired Broker | Luxury Real Estate Advisor, Engel & Völkers Bentonville

If you're buying, selling, or investing in Centerton, let's talk. I work exclusively with clients who expect more than the basics. I deliver concierge-level service, sharp strategy, and discretion you can trust. When you're ready to make your next move, I’m your first call.

Centerton continues to expand rapidly, and city leadership is working to manage that growth with focus and accountability. The November 10 City Council meeting was full of key decisions that will shape everything from infrastructure and utilities to how new developments are approved. Here's what matters.

City Financials and Department Updates

Centerton is ending the year in strong financial shape. Revenue collection is at 91 percent with expenditures at 81 percent.

• Street Fund: 105 percent of projected revenue collected with 96 percent spent

• Sales Tax: Trending slightly above projections

• Department and court reports: Filed with no objections

Warren Subdivision Flooding Concerns

A neighboring property owner raised concerns about flooding caused by the Warren Subdivision. They reported a dramatic increase in stormwater runoff, from an estimated 3 million to 30 million gallons annually, impacting livestock and damaging land.

The city engineer stated the subdivision’s design meets all code requirements, but the Council showed responsiveness by tabling the final plat approval. The developer’s engineer will present at the December meeting to address the issue directly.

This move demonstrates a commitment to transparency and protecting property owners.

Ordinances Passed

Mobile Food Vendor Fees
Monthly fees for vendors in city parks increased from 200 to 400 dollars. The water hookup fee also increased from 25 to 50 dollars.

Easement Dedications

• Wagner Road: Easement accepted from Antonio and Carolina Ramirez

• 900 West Centerton Boulevard: Drainage easement accepted from Reach Church

Final Plat for Tuscany Phase 4
Approved for 41 new residential lots at Main Street and Town Vu Road. The development includes sidewalk plans and connections to future trail systems.

Adoption of 2026 Budget
The budget includes two new hires for Public Works, expanded software use for Planning, and maintains structured compensation policies.

Police Equipment Upgrade
Council approved a new five-year contract with Axon for body cameras and tasers. Competitive bidding was waived due to Axon’s status as a sole-source vendor and the city’s existing use of their platform.

Resolutions Passed

Library and Community Space Grant
The city is applying for a 250,000 dollar matching grant to renovate the former city hall into a public library and gathering space.

Public Works Equipment Purchases
Approved the purchase of three pieces of equipment to replace leased machinery:

• John Deere 50 Compact Excavator

• John Deere 320 Backhoe

• John Deere 672 Motor Grader

Temporary Office Lease for Public Works
Council approved a lease for temporary office space for the Public Works Department during renovations. The lease is 2,500 dollars per month including utilities. While the initial term is four months, the project is estimated to take up to ten months. To accommodate that timeline, the agreement includes a month-to-month extension clause so the city can remain in the space without renegotiating.

Public Hearing Scheduled for Sewer Rate Adjustment
The hearing is set for December 9 at 6 p.m. to review a proposed increase of 50 cents per month to the sewer base rate.

Additional Software Training Days Approved
Council authorized optional training days for the BS and A planning software platform. The extra training will only be used if necessary and will not impact the budget due to available vendor credits.

Water and Sewer Commission Update

2026 Rate Adjustments

• Water base rate increase: 50 cents

• Flow rate increase: 1 dollar and 45 cents per 1,000 gallons

• Sewer base rate increase: 50 cents

These increases ensure compliance with state funding requirements and prepare for future capital projects. Centerton is also working toward long-term improvements including:

• Continued leak detection and replacement efforts

• Reviewing alternatives to the Decatur wastewater treatment facility

• Participation in a regional wastewater study with the State of Arkansas and the Northwest Arkansas Council

These moves support infrastructure expansion while maintaining sustainability.

Personnel and Policy Updates

Two employee policies were updated:

• A formal performance evaluation and COLA structure

• Clarified use of comp time for work-life balance

One city employee was terminated after it was discovered they were working a second job during city hours and misusing city resources. They agreed to repay 1,718 dollars in wages.

Community Events

Coffee with the Mayor
Saturday, November 15 at 9 a.m.
290 North Main Street

Thanksgiving Community Dinner
Thursday, November 27 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
290 North Main Street

Both events are open to the public. The Thanksgiving dinner still welcomes volunteers and donated side dishes.

Why This Matters to You

Whether you're considering your next property or evaluating future investment potential, staying informed on city policy and infrastructure is critical. The ripple effects of utility rate changes, zoning decisions, and infrastructure spending all touch the real estate market.

I help my clients see those moves before they hit the listings. My service is high-touch, research-driven, and tailored to the level of precision luxury buyers and sellers expect. If you’re serious about results, I’m here to lead with strategy, not guesswork.

Allie Verdery
The Blue Haired Broker
Luxury Real Estate Advisor
Engel & Völkers Bentonville