Rosston Council Approves Student Grants, Cleanup Hiring, Finalizes Water Rate Letters, and Shares Spring Event Dates

Rosston, Ark. – The Rosston City Council met on March 9th with Mayor Samuel Quarles calling the meeting to order and leading the Pledge of Allegiance. Secretary and recorder Tia Blakely offered the invocation. Because several community guests were present, the mayor read the previous month’s minutes aloud, and the council approved an amendment correcting an earlier misprinted date. The minutes reflected discussion of the monthly budget report, additional staffing during winter weather, repayment agreements for overdue water bills, notices to water customers regarding rate increases, and mandated adjustments from state and rural water authorities. The council also revisited an earlier discussion regarding repairs to the mayor’s personal vehicle, which had been damaged in a weather-related incident while he was performing city duties.

During the new business, the council noted an increase in city revenue from the previous month. Members approved $1,000 in grants, designating $800 for Nevada School District softball uniforms and $200 for the FFA to assist with meals for students traveling to the Career Development Events at Southern Arkansas University on March 17, 2026. Mayor Quarles presented the check to Assistant Fire Chief Randi Jensen and Coach Jason Barton.

The council finalized customer letters outlining upcoming water rate increases and completed documentation for the natural disaster repayment agreement. Approval was also given to hire approximately six day laborers at a rate of $100 per day to assist with community cleanup efforts.

The council received notice that CAT Z reimbursements for 2023 had been issued, and the delayed payment resulted in the dismissal of related debt while serving as an audit correction.

Estimates for repairs to the mayor’s personal vehicle, already completed at his own expense, were accepted for reimbursement.

The city announced the transition to new official email addresses ending in .gov, replacing previous accounts to ensure statewide uniformity at the request of the municipal league.

Before adjournment, the council returned to questions about water rates and the disaster repayment agreement after a guest raised concerns regarding billing and collections.

The Rosston community Easter Egg Hunt is scheduled for April 4, 2026, and will take place in the field between the city building and the fire station. The Rosston Fire Department, located at 4465 US Highway 371, will host its Fundraiser & Dinner on April 11, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., inviting the community to enjoy a meal and family activities while supporting local firefighters.