Eureka Springs City Council convened for its regular meeting on Monday, Oct. 26, continuing to examine the city’s houseless population and the city’s broader need for social services and support. Aldermen discussed the possibility of hiring a social worker to work alongside the Eureka Springs Police Department and assist with those experiencing homelessness, mental health issues, and individuals in crisis.
Police Chief Billy Floyd said that he was not opposed to the idea but questioned whether his department’s call volume would justify a full-time position. He noted that Eureka Springs has more resources than the average small town, which the department does utilize, along with state services and mandatory Crisis Intervention Training for officers.
“I can’t think of a situation, other than possibly in the wee hours in the morning, where we haven’t had the resources that we needed,” Floyd said. At those times of day however, he said the department is given one of three options: hospital, jail, or to let them go. “We’d like to fill in those gaps,” he said.
Floyd had been in communication with Alderman Steve Holifield in recent days to gain further insight and exchange expertise, drawing on Holifield’s 20 years of experience as a social worker and organizer of victim services alongside the police department in Austin, Texas.
Holifield recommended working with the University of Arkansas School of Social Work and offered to continue contacting them to explore internship opportunities. Aldermen agreed that an intern working towards a master’s degree could be a good starting point; and that more information was in order before a decision could be made.
Mayor Butch Berry gave an update on the exploratory housing committee, reporting that five members had been selected and agreed to serve including Suzie Bell, Jonathan Teigan, and Jay Fusaro. Over the next couple of months, the committee will examine whether the city should establish its own housing authority or work with an existing multi-county authority, such as Boone County.
In public comments, Timothy Waltz cited Little Rock’s Bridge to Work Initiative, where the city pays minimum wage to its houseless population to clean up the city. Waltz proposed Eureka Springs develop an event-based rapid-response crew; partner with local nonprofits or community groups and use city infrastructure. He suggested the city provide the funding and cleanup supplies while the partner organization handles the daily payroll, organizes workers, and ensures they have a hot meal.
“After a busy festival weekend, we are investing in our people. We are keeping Eureka Springs pristine, while giving our most vulnerable neighbors a direct, dignified path toward a better life,” Waltz concluded.
Also in public comments, resident Allyson Becker stated that she filed a police report after Alderman Terry McClung sent her an inappropriate photo.
Other Business
- Council revisited the proposed purchase of property associated with Queen Anne Mansion and Lovell Estate. Following concerns raised during the previous meeting, McClung met with the property owners and worked out an adjustment to the proposed boundary. The new survey adds approximately .023 acres – roughly nine feet of highway frontage to the property; improving entrance access for bicyclists and reducing potential traffic jams. The matter will return next meeting with a revised contract that includes the added acreage.
- Meyer asked that once the Queen Anne sale is completed, council suspend any land sales until a full inventory of city property was obtained. Berry informed him that an inventory had already been established through the Planning Commission and the tax assessor; and that he would provide it to council. Discussion of vacant city property use was added to next meeting’s agenda.
- Vacancies remain on Planning, CAPC, Hospital, and Cemetery Commissions.
- Resolution 918 was passed; setting a public hearing to vacate a portion of an unnamed alley in Block 2A of the Riley & Armstrong Survey, lots 6–17.
- Following a public hearing, Ordinance No. 2391, vacating and abandoning a portion of an unnamed alley between lots 1 and 4, Block 12, was approved on its third and final reading, by title only.
- Following a public hearing, Resolution 919, approving the 2026 Title VI program update for the city transit system was approved, authorizing its submission.
- A change order was approved for the paving of Oil Springs Rd. to Black Bass Dam.
- Aldermen commented on the Zombie Crawl, commending event organizers for bringing business to town and Public Works for the quick clean-up.
- Berry urged business owners to check their emails and return surveys regarding the entertainment district trial period, saying this feedback is very important. A public workshop will be held at the city Auditorium Nov. 16 at 5:30 p.m. to discuss the trial and its future.
- Public Works Director Simon Wiley reported the wastewater treatment project has been advertised for bids, with the bid opening scheduled for Nov. 17 at 2 p.m. at the mayor’s office. Wiley also reported that it took his staff four and a half hours to get all the trash cleaned up after the Zombie Crawl; and that instruments had been installed at Harmony Park.
- Minutes were approved for Oct. 12, 2026.