The Batesville City Council moved closer to installing a Safe Haven Baby Box in the community following its meeting on Tuesday. Fire Chief Mark McCollum presented an agreement to lease and maintain the device, which the council approved.
The initiative, spearheaded by Sulphur Rock EAST students under teacher Jenine Ottaway, began several years ago with fundraising efforts. The baby box allows parents to anonymously surrender infants up to 30 days old, as allowed under Arkansas's Safe Haven law. Once placed inside, the box triggers an alarm to notify on-site staff for immediate response. McCollum emphasized that the exterior of the box is camera-free to protect anonymity, though it remains internally monitored at all times.
White River Health has agreed to cover the $600 annual maintenance fee, while FARCO will handle installation and associated costs. Lorey Willett, a Knights of Columbus member, noted the organization’s support of multiple baby box installations as part of its community service efforts.
In fire department updates, McCollum requested approval to purchase new reporting software called First Due. Describing it as a comprehensive system used by fire departments nationwide, McCollum highlighted its ability to streamline data on fire hydrants, pre-plans for businesses, and fire run reports. The software will cost $11,400 in its first year, including data migration services, and $9,500 annually thereafter. Possible funding sources include Act 833 turnback funds or the county sales tax designated for fire departments.
Regarding fire activity statistics for September, McCollum reported five structure fires, eight grass or woods fires, and one gas leak, while vehicle fires and motor vehicle accidents were notably absent. The department also conducted training, inspections, and plan reviews while responding to Freedom of Information Act requests. A structure fire on River Street from late September remains under investigation.
In other council business, complaints regarding Animal Control were brought forward by residents. Dakota Franks, a Meadowlark Street resident, criticized Animal Control Officer LaRoss Nelson after reporting a loose dog in his neighborhood. Franks claimed Nelson later initiated an investigation into his own dog, though he disputes the claims made against him, citing a lack of evidence.
Corey Benton, a North State Street resident, raised concerns about chickens roaming loose in the Westside neighborhood, emphasizing sanitation issues. Benton noted multiple messages with photographic evidence sent to city officials and urged enforcement of existing ordinances on fowl containment. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh acknowledged the complaints, stating efforts were underway to address similar animal concerns across the city.
The council also passed a resolution in support of Issue 3 on the November 3 ballot, which would allow municipalities to offer economic incentives to retail businesses. Currently, Arkansas and Arizona are the only states lacking such provisions. Alderman Robb Roberts and Mayor Elumbaugh stressed the measure's importance to attract retail development and prevent businesses from opening in neighboring states.
Additional actions included appointing Karen Coltharp to the Historic District Commission, filling a vacancy left by Nelson Barnett. Coltharp, a downtown resident and business owner, will serve through January 2029. The council also approved a millage levy for real and personal property taxes for 2026, maintaining the same rates as the previous year. Aldermen Scott Fredricks and Lackey Moody were absent from the meeting.