Monette, AR — (JonesboroRightNow.com) — June 13, 2025 — Site prep work has begun for the new fire department station in Monette, AR. The station was announced in 2024 after the city purchased 4-acres on Drew Ave. The land was purchased as a result of a 1 percent sales tax increase that was passed by voters.
The City of Monette initially announced the new facility in spring of 2024 and has seen delays since. According to Monette Mayor Bob Blakenship, the building is running about three months behind. With site work underway, the station is expected to be complete by the early part of summer next year. “The weather has been the biggest hold up in getting the site prep,” said Blakenship. “Somewhere around June or July of next year, we’re hoping to be in it. A little progress is beginning to show.”
The approximately 19,000 square foot facility is multipurpose and will include five drive-through bays, offices, a kitchen, bathrooms with showers, training rooms, storage rooms and a safe room. The new fire department will enable the fire crew to do prep and clean work inside, in a controlled climate, so weather isn’t a factor. “We can use it when we have disasters,” Blakenship added. “It’ll be multipurpose.”
This facility is one of three projects funded through the sales tax increase. The first to be completed was a ballpark update and, following the completion of the fire station project, the increase will fund a community center. “The plans for the community building are at the architect right now,” said Blakenship. He added that the fire department is being funded within budget and covered by the sales tax increase.
The purpose of these facilities, according to Blakenship is growth. He explained, “Monette is growing. We’ve got new homes being constructed every day and they’re selling about as fast as they’re getting build. We’ve grown several hundred people since the census we had in 2020. Building for the future is what we’re doing.”