Water, and particularly sewer customers, in Mountain Home will soon see an increase in their bills following action by the Mountain Home City Council Thursday night. The council passed an ordinance to increase the rates after hearing a presentation at their last meeting.
The biggest increase will be for sewer customers who will see a 21.7% increase due to legislation passed last year. Arkansas Act 605 of 2023 requires each city’s water and sewer systems to support itself by the summer of 2026 or face consequences from the state. Many municipalities, like Mountain Home, have used water department revenue to help offset losses in their sewer departments. The city of Mountain Home has seen a 15-30% deficit for decades in the sewer department.
The city generally increases its water and sewer rates according to the Consumer Price Index to reflect inflation, but this year the sewer rate is increasing more due to the new legislation. Water rates will go up this year 3.7%.
For the average residential customer who uses 2,000 gallons or less per month, they will see a $5.41 increase in their bill. For those who use 4,500 gallons per month, the monthly increase will be $7.91.
Also Thursday night, the council approved the purchase of a building at 650 South Street that is currently being used by the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission that has also housed several former banks. The purchase is contingent on Game and Fish purchasing the Mountain Home Police Department building on 7th Street.
The move would give the police department around 3,000 more square feet. Renovations would have to be done to the building.
Game and Fish met again Thursday but an official offer has not yet been submitted to the city.
The city took no action on a resolution of condemnation on a property near the Arkansas State University-Mountain Home Technical Center where the city is planning on installing a sewer line to the building. Easements have been obtained from all but one property owner.
The owner, Tink Albright, addressed the council. The parties agreed the city will start work next to her land while her attorney looks at the latest offer from the city.
Even though the city can legally condemn the property, Mountain Home City Attorney Roger Morgan advised the council it would be better if the council can work with Albright instead going through the condemnation process.
After much discussion, Albright told the council she is all for anything to help the college, and as long as the work doesn’t harm her or her neighbor’s land, and her attorney is good with the paperwork, the work can continue.
Mayor Hillrey Adams also gave his State of the City Address at the end of the council meeting, highlighting the events of the past year. The text version of the address is below.
2024 Mountain Home State of the City by heatherlink on Scribd
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