Helena-West Helena Development News
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HWH City Council Meeting 6/16/26
Published: Jun 16, 2026
City Council Debates Third-Party Sanitation Services Amidst Operational Challenges
The council discussed the city's sanitation department, including the potential for contracting with a third-party vendor versus continuing in-house operations. The discussion highlighted concerns about current operational costs, equipment maintenance, employee retention, and the need for a potential increase in sanitation fees. It was noted that sanitation rates have not been raised in over 10 years. The council decided to gather more financial data, including bids from potential third-party contractors and the actual costs of current operations, before making any decisions. A special meeting may be required to further deliberate on this issue.
City Council Considers Animal Control Facility Amidst Financial and Infrastructural Priorities
The council discussed the potential for establishing an animal control or rescue site at 613 Oakland Avenue. The building previously housed a veterinarian clinic. The owner is willing to lease the space for $500 per month. However, concerns were raised about the building's structural integrity and the need to define the scope of animal control services the city would provide, including noise, smell, and the types of animals to be managed. The ARDOT's old visitor center was considered as an alternative location but was not feasible for leasing. The council acknowledged the importance of animal control but also the city's existing financial constraints and other pressing infrastructure needs like road repairs. The possibility of hiring an animal control agent and utilizing volunteer support was mentioned.
City Tackles Utility Debt with $772K in Outstanding Balances, Secures IRS Assistance
The council received an update on outstanding utility balances, totaling $772,184. Energy has pledged forgiveness for balances older than three years, reducing the city's immediate obligation. The city will owe $115,954 for current and recent balances, while the water department will handle its own $230,958 in outstanding balances. Additionally, the city made its final $50,000 payment to the Army Corps of Engineers, closing that account. Correspondence with Representative Crawford's office is ongoing for potential IRS assistance.
City Council Approves Budgets, Revisits Landfill Methane Proposal, and Greenlights Juneteenth Event
The council discussed the upcoming adoption of budgets for the Airport Commission and the AMP Commission. The AMP budget has already been approved by its commission and requires city council adoption for compliance with audit measures. A resolution (12 2016) was presented for the combined budgets. Separately, a proposal from M2X for methane extraction at the Helena West Helena Landfill was revisited. Concerns were raised about the 50-year contract term, and the council agreed to form a committee to further evaluate the proposal, emphasizing the landfill's value as a city asset. The council also approved an event permit for a Juneteenth Field Party/Car Show at River Park on June 20th, 2026.
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The Helena-West Helena News archive
HWH Community Water meeting - 6/22/26
HWH City Councii Meeting 6/4/26
HWH City Council Meeting 6/2/26
HWH City Council Meeting 6/2/26
HWH City Council Meeting 5/19/26
HWH City Code Enforcement Forum Meeting - 5/12/26
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