Dierks City Council Tables Sales Tax Discussion, Approves Walking Trail Grant Application

The Dierks City Council met Monday for their regular monthly meeting, addressing a variety of topics including water payments, economic development funding, law enforcement matters, and community improvement projects.

Mayor Ronnie Cogburn reported that the city’s primary water-related concern continues to be delinquent payments from North Howard County. According to Cogburn, North Howard made a payment of $9,400 on Monday but still owes slightly more than $28,000. He added that another payment is due on the 20th of this month.

Cogburn noted that the city had not received a payment in nearly four months but remains hopeful that additional payments will be made soon.

The mayor also informed the council that the city had received a bid from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) totaling $38,000.

Council members also discussed a proposed allocation of a 10 percent sales tax, with portions designated for Howard Memorial Hospital and economic development efforts. However, members expressed concerns about the proposal and voted to table the discussion until next month’s meeting.

Dierks Police Chief John McKee reported that his department is currently investigating an open case involving a juvenile. McKee said investigators are attempting to gain access to the juvenile’s cellphone to retrieve data. The investigation stems from allegations that inappropriate photographs were sent. He added that the information recovered from the phone will help determine whether the case is prosecutable.

In other business, the council approved a motion authorizing the city to apply for a walking trail grant. The proposed project carries an estimated cost of $238,000.

Before adjourning, council members scheduled a city park cleanup event for June 20.

The Dierks City Council is expected to revisit the sales tax discussion during their next regular meeting.