She proposed three options for the city council to choose from, then asked for and received a resolution from the council to proceed with leading the effort. When the process, which involves the city council passing an ordinance on a 2/3 vote in three meetings, is completed, the election would occur in March of 2026.

The three options Allen has landed on after a consultation with Arkansas Geographic Information Services included: 

1)     annexation of lands contiguous to Emmet’s city limits along the western right-of-way of Highway 67 without splitting any tax parcels but represents the lowest population growth of the three options

2)     annexation of land contiguous to Emmet on both sides of Highway 67 which does split on tax parcel of land but represents a higher amount of population growth than option one.

3)     annexation of land contiguous to Emmet on both ides of Highway 67 which splits two tax parcels of land but represents the highest population growth and the highest proportion of low to moderate income households.  

Of all the options, the third one would be the most likely, Allen said, to reduce the findings of the most recent census, that found 21 percent of Emmet’s households were low to moderate income.  Being above 19 percent in that measure rules Emmet out of eligibility for grants.

Among the questions asked by the council was whether after the annexation is voted in by Emmet and the proposed annexation residents, residents on land contiguous to Emmet’s borders can still petition for annexation and pay for the process privately.  Allen said this still can happen.

Allen also provided a report on the costs that would likely need to be met by the city.  These totalled $5,000. The election, to take place in March of 2026, would cost $2,500, according to a quote Allen got from Nevada County Clerk Tammie Rose.  A survey of the lands involved would cost $2,000 if it proves necessary. About $500 is the cost estimated to have an attorney look over the ordinance, which will be written using a template provided by the Arkansas Municipal League.

If the voting eligible citizens of Emmet and the residents in the property to be annexed approve of the plan, the annexed residents will begin paying a 5 mill property tax that includes assessments on cars, autos trucks and ATVs. But they will also be entitled to run for city offices and receive city services including trash pickup, water and sewer.

Allen added that the annexation may also increase the tax turnback which is funding returned to municipalities from the state the amount of which is based on the population of the cities included.  “That’s why gaining a population base is so vital,” Allen said.

City Councilman Grant Cox asked Allen what she was told by residents who did not want to be annexed.  “They didn’t want to be told what to do with their properties,” she answered.  She named as an example one resident who has a shooting range.  

Allen also assured Cox that if the annexation is successful, the city would not have to pay for a new annexation if individual residents who found their properties were now contiguous to the city’s limits now wanted to be annexed.

Allen asked for authorization by the city council to continue to the next step, which will involve consulting an attorney about the correctness of the annexation ordinance and then having the council pass the ordinance with a 2/3rd vote at three successive meetings. After the meeting, Allen said she would be pursuing the third of the three options presented.

In her capacity representing the Emmet Vision Association, Allen reported the Fourth of July Celebration at Fireman’s Park and Pavilion had been successful.  While some had complained of the comparative reduction in the duration of the fireworks show this year, this was a result of tariff expenses impacting what could be purchased with the budget.  She also thanked city staff and city council members for contributing to the labor necessary to set the event up and then clean up afterward.   The next event will be the Emmet Trunk and Treat on October 31st.

For use at the children’s playground at the former Arkla Village site, timbers have arrived, purchased with the grant received from Transit Energy.  With funds left after the purchase and a grant the city might win from Union Pacific Railroad, Allen said, playground equipment may be bought that is more appropriate for children of toddler age.

EVA’s Farmers Market manager Dee Clark said there has been a reduction in the number of vendors coming on Thursday mornings, but as fall vegetables are harvested, the number will return to normal.  She asked to see bank statements from the market’s account so she can double check before spending money on a needed sunshade.

EVA’s Joann Muldrew reported on a conversation with landscape architect Steve Elliot who said he will be available if grant funding is won for the design of a proposed walking trail. 

The resident who appeared in the July meeting about vicious dogs allowed to run loose asked what progress had been made.  Mayor Dale Booker said owners had been told about the problem and follow-up on this would be proceeding.

The council also voted in favor of putting a ceiling in the Fireman’s Park Pavilion, setting a budget for the project of $2,000.  It also decided by consensus to allow Booker to place an old fire truck up for sale on an auction website and then if it is not sold in six months, to buy ads to sell it.  

The motor was said to be in good shape, and the truck could be used as a tanker if modified but would likely not pass certification requirements to be in a fire department fleet, according to City Councilman and Emmet Fire Chief Grant Cox.