City Council approves Buc-ee’s development
Data center ordinance also approved
By DONALD WILBURN
donaldfwilburn@gmail.com
In a special meeting held Tuesday, October 29, the West Memphis City Council moved forward with significant projects set to bring economic growth to the city. Chaired by Mayor Marco McClendon, the council addressed bids, resolutions, and ordinances, ultimately approving the development of a Buc-ee’s travel center and a large-scale data center.
Approval of minutes and resolutions
The council approved the minutes from the October 17 meeting without objection. In new business, Councilor Tracy Catt motioned for resolutions R-1 and R-2 and ordinances O-1 and O-2 to be read by title only, which was unanimously approved.
RESOLUTION R-1: The council first approved a resolution changing the trustee for the West Memphis Municipal Airport Refunding and Improvement Bonds from Cadence to Bank OZK. The resolution, assigned No. 2305, passed without dissent.
Buc-ee’s development agreement and economic impact
Attorney Michelle Allgood of Mitchell Williams law firm, representing Buc-ee’s, presented details of a proposed Buc-ee’s travel center development in West Memphis. The council reviewed the economic impact and potential benefits of the project, which the Advertising and Promotion Commission previously discussed.
The proposed deal includes the Advertising and Promotion Commission purchasing a development site and transferring it to Buc-ee’s, which will fund and lead critical infrastructure improvements. The city’s incentive includes partial reimbursement for these infrastructure costs, structured through a Community Development Incentive Agreement.
Council approved Resolution R-2, which confirmed the city’s intent to issue bonds supporting tourist facilities,
See COUNCIL, page A3 COUNCIL
From page A1
specifically Buc-ee’s West Memphis. The resolution passed unanimously and was assigned No. 2306.
Ordinances to support Buc-ee’s and data center projects
ORDINANCE O-1: The council passed a Community Development Incentive Agreement, further supporting Buc-ee’s development. The ordinance was read three times and, with an emergency clause, was unanimously adopted as Ordinance No. 2684.
ORDINANCE O-2: The council also approved a memorandum of understanding for a large data center development in the city. Utility Manager Bob Atkins explained the center’s infrastructure and environmental impacts, noting that it will utilize treated gray water for cooling servers. The data center is expected to create 50 high-tech jobs and attract substantial investment. This ordinance was similarly passed with an emergency clause and was assigned No. 2685.
Community benefits and job creation
The Buc-ee’s travel center is expected to open a 74,000-square-foot facility, creating approximately 200 jobs with an estimated $9 million payroll. Project Manager Angela Yannick provided background on the Buc-ee’s brand, emphasizing its family- oriented business model and its appeal as a travel stop destination.
Councilor Wayne Croom inquired about the company’s local hiring plans, to which Yannick responded that they plan to employ a minimum of 175, with the goal of hiring up to 200 employees from the area. Buc-ee’s expects to finalize the property purchase by December, with construction to begin pending approval from the Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT).
Mayor McClendon expressed his excitement for Buc-ee’s arrival, noting the economic boost and job creation it will bring to West Memphis. “This has been a long time coming, and it’s going to be great for the city,” he stated.
