PRESCOTT, Ark. — The Prescott City Council convened its regular monthly meeting Monday evening, May 18th, at City Hall, with Mayor Oliver presiding and all council members present. The meeting opened with an invocation by council member Satarra Williams, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. Council members unanimously approved the minutes from the April meeting and the financial reports for March and April after a roll call vote.
Valarie Cobb, director of the Prescott/Nevada County Chamber of Commerce, reported on a wide range of recent chamber activities and community engagement efforts. She noted that a community coffee was held at Hamilton Haven, along with an open house at Farmer’s Bank and Trust. Two revitalization meetings were also held, with the most recent at the Prescott/Nevada County Library and Educational Facility drawing strong participation and valuable community input. Cobb said a tour of sites in need of revitalization was conducted after the meeting and expressed optimism that revitalization efforts are “moving forward in the right direction.” She also highlighted two local authors, including Fantasia Barmore, who held book signings for their recently published works. The annual Chamber banquet was described as a success that exceeded expectations. The Crawfish Boil was also deemed successful, thanks in large part to volunteers who assisted with what Cobb said was her first time organizing and hosting the event. Cobb also discussed the “Get Real” program, an interactive initiative designed to give students a hands-on understanding of poverty and economic decision-making. The program included 12 stations focusing on budgeting constraints and financial realities, producing mixed outcomes as participants worked through scenarios ranging from frugal living to challenging debt-to-income situations. Looking ahead, Cobb announced that the next community coffee is scheduled for Wednesday, May 20, 2026, from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. She also noted that the city’s new electronic sign is now operational, currently displaying a welcome message, date, and temperature, with additional announcements planned.
Residents were reminded of the city’s guidelines for public participation, including a three-minute time limit per speaker and the requirement to complete a request card before addressing the council. Officials noted that concerns raised during the public comment period may be referred to city staff for review and possible action at a future meeting.
In citizen comments, Jessica Box-Marshall shared an invitation from the Ward Chapel AME Church and the Prescott Health Alliance to participate in and attend the upcoming Juneteenth Day Celebration on Friday, June 19, 2026. Among concerns raised during the meeting was an ongoing complaint regarding barking dogs within the city, an issue resident Linda Jackson indicated continues to be a nuisance. It was also announced that Curry’s Community Outreach Ministry will host its monthly Community Feed on Saturday, May 23, 2026, at its location on Greenlawn Street in Prescott. In addition to the Community Feed scheduled for May 23, Curry’s Community Outreach Ministry is also expected to host a youth-focused activity later that afternoon, continuing its emphasis on engaging young people through faith-based programs and service opportunities. The Prescott City Council will hold its next regular meeting on June 15, 2026, at 6:30 p.m
