Arkadelphia directors OK purchase of 2 new tornado sirens

By JOE MAY | The Southern Standard

The city of Arkadelphia will continue to use outdoor tornado sirens as a severe weather alert system.

Mayor Scott Byrd told members of the city board on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, that after asking the public’s preference regarding continuing to use sirens versus other means of storm warnings he had “heard the message loud and clear. Fifty to 75% are in favor of keeping or replacing the sirens.”

He and other directors joked about the sometimes irate responses Byrd received to his question regarding the sirens with the mayor saying, “I did not devise a plan to get rid of the sirens.”

City Manager Gary Brinkley said that, at Byrd’s request, Fire Chief Andy Neel met with Mobile Communications America, a North Little Rock company, about the condition of the city’s three sirens. The siren at Station 1 on Caddo Street is still good, but the sirens at Station 2 on 26th Street and on Country Club Road would cost $45,000 to repair. New sirens would cost $69,068.04, he said, recommending that the board approve that amount to replace the warning sirens.

The amount also includes a five-year warranty on the new sirens, Brinkley added. Director Chris Porter asked what other storm warning systems were available, to which Brinkley replied that the city and county both have digital storm warnings to which the public can subscribe, free of charge. In addition, the National Weather Service has its own alert system, and some residents have storm radios.

“At some point, the storm sirens will be passé, but we’re not there yet,” Brinkley remarked. “Obviously, the citizens have expressed the desire to have the sirens.”

Director Robin Jones asked if the new sirens would be louder. She also asked about the range of the current sirens. Brinkley replied that the there sirens were previously “strategically placed” to be able to be heard all over the city. Since the system had been “vetted” several years prior when the current sirens were installed, he explained that the city is simply going to replace the two failing sirens.

“We’re probably a generation away from replacing outdoor sirens,” Director Jason Jones agreed. At the motion of Jason Jones and Porter, the board approved the replacement of the sirens.

Byrd said those wishing to sign up for the city’s digital alert system, which also lets the public know of road closures and construction, can text “Arkadelphia” to 91896. The service is free.

Arkadelphia directors on board with 20-year growth plan

The board then turned its approval to the city’s Comprehensive Plan 2025, which is an outline that the city plans to formulate with the help of Halff & Associates that will guide in municipal growth for the next 20 years. Brinkley said the plan will be a living document subject to change. 

Project manager Austin Thomas, who was available for questions, said the plan should take about 12 months to put together for a total cost of $219,000. The city had budgeted $250,000 for the project, Brinkley said.

“This is basically a blueprint for the future of the city,” Byrd noted. Porter agreed, and citing the city’s growth, said, “I’m glad we have a reason to do this.”

The purpose of the plan is to provide guidelines for the growth and development of the city and help leaders to identify what makes the city unique while providing a vision of the future. The plan’s core concepts include land use, transportation, community facilities, housing, economic development, natural resources and other related topics.

Once complete, the plan will encompass two volumes, the first titled “Arkadelphia Today” and will provide an overview of the existing conditions, market realities and resident preferences. The second volume, “Arkadelphia Tomorrow”, will include recommendations and strategies to guide city growth over the next 20 years. 

At the motion of Robin Jones and Jason Jones, the motion carried unanimously.

Chaney steps down from Ward 1 spot

It was then announced that Ward 1 Director Taylor Chaney, who has served for 10 years on the board, has tendered his resignation as he is moving out of the area. 

At the motion of Porter and Director Robert Davis, the board accepted Chaney’s resignation. They then, at the motion of Jason Jones and Robin Jones, declared a vacancy in the position and called for applicants.

The board will take applications for the slot until April 21. Brinkley noted that candidates should be at least 21 years old, a qualified elector and have resided in Ward 1 for at least six months. Applications should be sent to the City Clerk, The board will meet on May 6 to interview and possibly select a replacement.