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Bentonville council tables proposed water-rate increase after public concern, directs more outreach
Summary
The Bentonville City Council voted to postpone action on an ordinance to amend water rates after multiple public comments and council members asked for more public information and a committee briefing; staff and consultants will hold a committee-of-the-whole meeting to present data and answer questions before the next council meeting.
The Bentonville City Council voted to table action on an ordinance that would amend Section 98-356 of the Bentonville Municipal Code to raise water rates, after residents and several council members said the proposal felt sudden and asked for more outreach and data.
The ordinance was the most contested item at the meeting. Council members heard five public comments and several council speakers press staff and consultants for clearer, publicly available data on the size of the proposed increase, how the revenue would be used, and alternatives to rate increases. After discussion the council voted to postpone the item to the next regular meeting and requested a public committee-of-the-whole presentation beforehand.
Why it matters: The ordinance would change both the fixed (meter/facility) charge and the volume (usage) charge. Council members and members of the public said the change would be substantial for some households and asked for clearer, accessible explanation of the city’s water-loss figures, project list and funding options.
Public comment and council concerns
Several…
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