September 9 Centerton City Council Recap: What Homeowners, Buyers & Builders Need to Know

Curious about what’s shaping Centerton’s future? Here's your full recap of the September 9, 2025 City Council meeting — covering zoning changes, infrastructure hurdles, public concerns, and what it all means for the community and local real estate market.

Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or just want to understand where Centerton is headed, I’ve broken it all down in plain English.

Quick Summary

• Zoning map overhaul approved

• Decentralized sewer debate heats up

• Residents call for more internet options

• Financials show strong year-to-date growth

• Developers face continued bottlenecks

Opening Notes

The meeting opened with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer. A quorum was present (two council members were absent).

Minutes & Reports

• August council, water/sewer, and planning commission minutes approved (minor correction to company name noted)

• August financials: revenue at 75% YTD, expenditures within budget

• Street fund at 67% revenue, 53% expenses

• Building permits remain strong

• Department reports submitted in writing; no questions raised

Public Comments

Limited Internet Options

One resident shared frustration with having only one internet provider (Cox) for over 6 years. He asked the city to help bring in competitors like AT&T or Ritter.

City's Response:

• Internet provider approval now lies with the Arkansas Secretary of State, not the city

• Providers can apply to enter if they build the infrastructure

• Mayor Edwards agreed to reach out to potential providers directly

Traffic at Kimmel & Greenhouse

The same resident suggested adding a 4-way stop due to delays and safety issues.

City's Response:

• A roundabout is planned, but construction is years away

• Jurisdictional overlap (Centerton, Bentonville, Benton County) complicates action

• City engineers are working on interim traffic solutions

Housing Affordability

A local resident raised concerns about rising housing prices pushing out longtime locals.

Council's Response:

• Acknowledged this is a statewide trend

• Mixed-density options like duplexes have been proposed but often face resistance

• Council remains open to creative solutions with developers and state leaders

Ordinances Passed

Zoning Map Update (Ordinance 2025-48)

A full update to the city’s official zoning map was approved to reflect:

• Past annexations

• Zone changes

• Actual use of properties on the ground

No changes to density or property lines. An emergency clause was added to make it effective immediately.

Want the full breakdown?
Read my recap of the September 2 Planning Commission Meeting here: Planning Commission Recap

Other Ordinances

• 2025-46: Accepted 1.46-acre parkland donation for future pickleball courts

• 2025-47: Approved use of electronic payment systems citywide

• 2025-49: Accepted $40,602 bond for drainage work at police expansion site

• 2025-50: Accepted infrastructure bonds for Willow Crossing (water, sewer, drainage)

Resolution 2025-36: Equipment Purchase

Approved purchase of a new Freightliner dump truck with snowplow capability via Sourcewell cooperative purchasing. Delivery expected in 8–9 months.

Infrastructure & Utilities

Centerton Utilities Update

• Utilities Director was away at a statewide meeting

• Council requested a clear wastewater capacity priority list to improve developer coordination

• Transparency ask: publish agendas, minutes, and capacity updates online

• Future capacity options still on the table, including Decatur and NACA connections

Sewer Solutions: Decentralized System Debate

Presenter: Developer Gavin Edwards + Engineer Tom Bartlett (Aquatech)
Proposal: Temporary, ADH-compliant decentralized wastewater systems for subdivisions stalled by current sewer capacity limitations

Highlights:

• Developer would build and maintain until POAs take over

• System fully removable when city sewer becomes available

• Already used in cities like Cave Springs, Prairie Grove, and Highfill

• Could speed up new construction by 12 to 24 months

Legal Roadblock:

• The Utilities Commission’s attorney says Act 935 prohibits these systems in cities with existing municipal sewer utilities

• Council clarified that this is not a legal opinion from the city attorney

Council Questions:

• Asked whether the developer’s upfront costs were justified given potential new capacity by year-end

• Developer pointed out that even with new capacity, construction delays would remain

• Holding costs from interest rates make the decentralized approach more cost-effective in the near term

Current Status:

• Developer is pausing plans to invest $30K+ on feasibility studies until the legal path is clearer

• Plans to regroup with the utility commission attorney

• No vote taken

This issue is far from resolved and will likely return to future agendas.

Community Announcements

Centerton Day

Date: Saturday, September 13
Location: City Square
A full day of food, live music, vendors, and neighbors.

Coffee with the Mayor

Date: Saturday, September 20, 9:00 AM
Location: 290 North Main Street
Join Mayor Edwards for open Q&A. I’ll be there too sharing my monthly Centerton real estate market update.

2nd Annual NWA Preparedness Fair

Date: Friday, September 27
A free, family-friendly event with emergency vehicles, preparedness tips, and local safety resources.

2026 Budget Workshop

Date: Monday, October 28, 6:00 PM
Location: City Hall

Final Thoughts

Centerton is growing fast, and that brings real challenges — from utilities and zoning to affordability and access. I’ll keep tracking every meeting so you can stay informed and confident whether you’re buying, selling, or investing.

Have questions about how these updates affect you or your property? Just reach out.

Allie Verdery
The Blue Haired Broker
Engel & Völkers Bentonville
@thebluehairedbroker | Local Expertise. Global Reach.