Oliver announces plans for 2022

By John Miller, 01/4/22 6:36 PM

PRESCOTT – Mayor Terry Oliver has a lot of plans for 2022, not the least being working on the cost of electricity.

Oliver said the electrical operations team is looking at several options to combat the higher cost of power expected in 2022. He added, the Southwest Electric Power Co. has sent word to expect another  increase as it has been hit with an unexpected bill  from its provider to the tune  of millions.

However, he also had some good news. Oliver said the Hwy. 67 North sidewalk project should begin this spring as all easements have been signed and approved by the Arkansas Highway Department. This project will provide new sidewalks down  Hwy. 67.

In addition, the state aid street committee met and approved $300,000 for an overlay and surfacing to include some of West Greenlawn, West Olive and Whiteside streets. Drainage improvements will continue on the northeast part of town, with the city looking for grants  to help offset the cost of these repairs.

The  cleaning  and leveling of monuments at DeAnn Cemetery will continue as well, with some trees shaped and trimmed.

With the new  year beginning, the newly appointed Planning and Zoning Commission will begin working to help clean up the  community and make important decisions about what kind of buildings and housing  can be located where.

Oliver said the city has been working with a number of companies for years to  get better internet service for the people of Prescott. The Arkansas Department of Commerce Broadband Office will be offering grants and funding to help get broadband in rural areas.

He continued saying the city will auction some its old cars and trucks off this year and the city’s street shop will get some much-needed work done on the building. Additionally, the city will be working with Firestone on some capital improvements.

Holcim, Firestone’s parent company, is leasing a building at the old Potlatch site, and the city has formed a partnership with No-Way Pulpwood to use part of the facility. The city will continue working to clean up the Potlatch property as well.

“Prescott will offer a lifestyle that people enjoy,” Oliver said. “In 20222, we will keep improving our small-town lifestyle. Our appreciation of simple, everyday moments, with  more outdoors and more  connection with our neighborhoods and more community spirit will continue to make us happy  and lead people back to our lifestyle. This can help bring happiness that people are definitely without a doubt looking for in 2022.

“As it says on the t-shirt, ‘My hometown may be itty bitty but it’s way  more fun than the big ol’ city’.”