During the Helena-West Helena City Council meeting on October 29, 2024, a significant decision was made regarding the city's sewer billing practices. Council members voted to amend an existing ordinance to eliminate a $15 billing fee associated with sewer services. This change aims to alleviate financial burdens on residents, reflecting the council's commitment to addressing community concerns about utility costs.

The motion to remove the fee was presented and unanimously approved by the council, indicating strong support for the measure. Council members emphasized the importance of making sewer services more affordable for residents, particularly in light of ongoing economic challenges.

In addition to the fee amendment, discussions also centered around the city's sewer ordinance, which differs from the water ordinance in that any increase in sewer rates will require a public hearing. This requirement ensures that residents have a voice in decisions that directly affect their utility costs. The council is considering aligning the sewer ordinance with the water ordinance to maintain consistency in how rate increases are handled.

The council's actions reflect a broader commitment to transparency and community engagement, as they seek to involve residents in discussions about utility rates. The next steps will include preparing the amended ordinance for formal adoption, ensuring that the changes are implemented effectively.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the council's proactive approach to addressing community needs and fostering a more equitable utility billing system for Helena-West Helena residents.