Flora J. Simon announces her run for a second term as Mayor for the City of Dumas. Mayor Simon served as a member of the city council before seeking the position as Mayor. She began serving her first term in 2019. She says the important things she has learned as mayor are that “a municipal position is challenging, requires fast learning and legal assistance, emotional stability, accountability, and a true desire to serve the community as a whole.”
During her current time as mayor, she has completed applications, and secured from the Arkansas Clean Water State Program funding for three water and sewer projects in the amount of $8,418,948.00: (1) funding in the amount of $3,975,000.00 as a principal forgiveness loan for a Dumas sewer project to connect Michellville to Dumas. $975,000 of this loan is designated to upgrade Dumas’ infrastructure. This Construction Contract has been award to KJ Parker Construction Company of Palestine, AR. (2) Funding in the amount of $376,995.00 to run a waterline providing wholesale water to Pickens; (3) Funding in the amount of $4,066,953.00 of which $1,626,781.00 of the principal will be forgiven. These funds will be used to extend Dumas Sewer line to Mitchellville by the construction of pump stations and non-existent sewer infrastructures.
For Dumas Park Renovations, $350,000.00 has been received from Parks, Heritage and Tourism Outdoor Recreation Grants 50/50 Program to provide improvements to Memorial Park. These improvements include restrooms, resurfacing and widening the walking trail, additional playground equipment, Foot Bridge to connect the south and north end of the park, paved parking, and other park amenities. All additions will meet ADA requirements.
Also, $100,000.00 of city funds were approved for park equipment that was purchased in November for Magnolia Street Park in West Dumas, and the Armory Park on East Choctaw Street. Renovations for all city parks are being considered.
Mayor Simon also submitted an application for a Community Development Block Grant through the Economic Development District to correct drainage problems on Belmont and Robinwood Drive. Funding was approved for $275,793.00. GarNet Engineering of Benton was awarded this contract in Oct 2021.
Under Simon’s administration, the Dumas City Council has agreed to fund several projects: (1) A new maintenance building that will soon be under construction by Smith Steel of Dumas to be located on the Hwy 54 West. The building will be partially funded by a low interest loan from Communities Unlimited that Mayor Simon applied for and money from the city funds. (2) Funding has been provided to have the old Dollar General Warehouse Property cleaned. (3) Paving of Pistachio, and East Choctaw Streets and others streets are under consideration. (4) Approved funds from the American Rescue Funds to bring the Bowles Street Pump above ground. (5) Approved raises in 2020 for all employees not only to meet minimum wage requirements but to bring equity to the city’s salary schedule. (6) In 2021, approved salary increases for the Dumas Police Department to bring about equity with the surrounding areas, and approved purchases of defense equipment, and etc. (7) In 2021, to improve citizens’ safety and protection we purchased Sky Cop Cameras for 10 locations in Dumas. These cameras were installed on February 10, 2022. (8) General jail improvements have been made and are continuing. (9) In 2021, provided over $200,000 to city employees as COVID-19 pay from the American Rescue Funds. (10) Co-sponsored a citywide COVID-19 vaccination and booster clinic. (11) Purchased a One-Call Emergency Communication System Plan for quick alerts to citizens.
There has been continuous handling of several smaller and daily developments and tasks to keep the city business sound and effective.
In addition to the above activities and important to the development of the city, committees with citizen participation have been formed to assist with the determining and providing of services for the community.
For a complete listing of accomplishments in three years and future plans, come to Dumas City Council meeting on March 8th at 6:00 pm to hear Mayor Simon’s Annual “State of the City” or read it in the Dumas Clarion Newspaper.
