Nashville Pursues Grant Funding to Support Cantex Expansion

The City of Nashville held a public meeting Monday evening prior to its regular city council meeting to discuss an application for grant funding through the Arkansas Community and Economic Development Program.

During the meeting, Nashville Mayor Larry Dunaway explained that the grant application is part of an incentive package offered through the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to encourage Cantex to expand its operations in Nashville. He said the incentive is connected to the PILOT program, which stands for Payment in Lieu of Taxes.

Dunaway also hinted that additional economic development news could be announced in the near future.

Nashville Parks and Recreation Director Meghan Floyd reported that a four-ton air conditioning unit at the park office had failed. She said the bid to replace the unit came in at $11,800, and efforts are underway to have the new system installed before the upcoming Stand Up for America celebration on July 4.

Floyd also informed the council that she and Hope Parks and Recreation Director Summer Chambers have been invited to speak at a Parks and Recreation Convention in Philadelphia. Their presentation will focus on “Big Team Sports Programs in Small Town America.” Floyd said the only expense associated with the trip would be airfare.

Council members voiced their support and encouraged Floyd to take advantage of the opportunity.

In his financial report, Mayor Dunaway said city sales tax revenues were down $7,143 compared to May 2025. However, county sales tax collections increased by $70,694 over the same period last year.