Committee forwards Dead Horse Mountain sewer connection request to council, recommends annexation be considered

The Utilities Committee on May 13 considered a sewer-service request for a parcel on Dead Horse Mountain Road in a county "island" within the city's geographic area.

Tim (city staff) and other staff explained the parcel (parcel number shown as 2484 in materials) sits in an unincorporated island surrounded by city territory. City Attorney Kit Williams asked Planning staff for input; Planning's Jonathan Curran told committee members that annexation would be a sensible approach rather than extending service without incorporation.

Committee members discussed options including allowing a direct connection while pursuing annexation of the small island, requiring voluntary annexation as a condition of connection, or forwarding the item for council consideration so planning and the city attorney could provide a formal recommendation. Committee members noted the applicant, identified in materials as Brian Foster, had a house under construction and that septic installation timing may be driving the request.

The committee voted to forward the request to Fayetteville City Council for consideration and to ask the city attorney and planning staff to review annexation pathways and any needed conditions. Several members said staff should consider whether connection could be allowed contingent on voluntary annexation, while preserving the city's option to pursue broader island annexation in a separate process.

No final annexation decision was made at the committee meeting; staff said they would consult the city attorney on required legal steps and timing and would work to get a council agenda date as quickly as practicable.