The City of Little Rock's Board of Directors convened for a special called meeting on December 26, 2024, to discuss the proposed budget for 2025 and address ongoing negotiations with the fire department. The meeting began with a focus on the potential impact of overtime costs within the police and fire budgets, highlighting concerns that unexpected absences could strain financial resources.

Director Hines proposed an amendment to the budget, which included creating a line item for a security detail and reallocating funds from several high-level positions to support homeless outreach and code enforcement. However, this motion faced opposition and ultimately failed to pass.

As the meeting progressed, members of the fire department leadership, including Mr. Stallings and Mr. Shepherd, voiced their concerns regarding the budget and the adequacy of resources allocated to public safety. Stallings emphasized the urgency of addressing safety issues related to equipment and staffing, arguing that the current budget process did not prioritize the needs of firefighters, which could compromise public safety.

Mr. Shepherd noted the importance of unity among firefighters and highlighted the need for the board to consider diverse opinions within the department, particularly from the Little Rock Black Firefighters Organization. He expressed gratitude for the progress made in negotiations but urged the board to ensure that all voices were heard in future discussions.

Several community members also spoke during the public comment period, with some expressing frustration over the inefficiencies in the budget process and the need for better communication among board members. They called for a more collaborative approach to governance to avoid similar issues in the future.

The meeting concluded with a call for consensus on the importance of adequately funding public safety services, underscoring the essential role of police and firefighters in the community. The board's discussions highlighted the ongoing challenges in balancing budgetary constraints with the critical needs of public safety personnel.