# Bryant City Council Budget Workshop 10/6/26


**Body:** Bryant, Arkansas
**Date:** October 05, 2026
**Jurisdiction:** SLED

**Tags:** Construction & Infrastructure, Energy & Utilities, Physical Infrastructure, Grants & Funding


Bryant City Council held a budget workshop on October 6, 2026, to review the first draft of the city’s 2027 budget; staff said it will be refined before adoption in December. Public Works reviewed capital plans and funding, including a secured $1.9 million grant for Spring Hill Road improvements and a proposed South Plain water tower bond project, with bond representatives expected to return in October. The draft also includes water and wastewater infrastructure work, equipment needs, and easements. Staff described a state water and sewer grant application for the wastewater force main, offering up to $5 million with a 60% award and 30% city match; an award decision was expected in November. The force main was estimated at about $7.2 million, the Lift Station 5 project at about $8.6 million, and engineering for the overall project was previously funded with $1.1 million in AR funds. Other planned work includes lift station repairs, water-line improvements, SCADA upgrades, and stormwater drainage projects. Staff noted that the street fund showed a projected $725,000 shortfall and that stormwater has not been self-sufficient. The 2027 budget figures do not yet include the water-tower bond amounts.

The workshop included no votes or contract awards. Council members asked questions about staffing vacancies, capital costs, grant funding, and budget presentation; staff offered to provide additional project details. Officials also discussed revising the major vendor list and purchasing policy to distinguish sole-source procurements from items available only from an exclusive manufacturer, including clearer labels and descriptions. This was an initial review of a draft budget, not approval of spending or procurement actions.

**Source:** Bryant, Arkansas