Rison Renews Contract With Sheriff’s Department

The Rison City Council unanimously renewed its annual contract with the Cleveland County Sheriff’s Department to provide police protection, increasing the cost by about $600 to roughly $140,000. Sheriff Jack Rodgers said two deputies are assigned to cover the city as part of the agreement. Utilities Director Joe Freyer reported steady progress on upgrades to the city’s wastewater treatment plant and water system, including new headworks equipment, ultraviolet disinfection, and the Hickory Street well coming online. Contractors are about 40% finished with new water lines and 65% done refurbishing water tanks. The council also discussed audit updates and demolition plans for the old Cash Grocery building.