Harmony, a city staff member, told the Hot Springs Board of Directors during an agenda review that Jason Bennett, doing business as JJ Pedicabs, has operated under a nonexclusive franchise agreement since 2016 and asked the city to amend his operator rate schedule from $2 per person per three city blocks to $5 per person per three city blocks. Harmony said the current franchise rate “has not increased since 2016.”

The item is listed as a resolution to amend resolution number 10336, exhibit A, and staff said Bennett’s franchise agreement expires at the end of 2025 and will return to the board in full at that time. Harmony said she is “under the impression” the operator posts rates on his pedicab and that Bennett planned to attend the Aug. 5 meeting to answer questions.

The request prompted board members to ask how patrons are notified of fares and whether the proposed rate is comparable to other specialty permits. Harmony told the board staff would include comparative rates for other specialty-permit holders in the meeting packet. No formal action was taken at the agenda meeting; the amendment resolution is scheduled for consideration at the board’s Aug. 5 meeting.

Why it matters: the franchise amendment would change the fare structure for a public-facing, permitted specialty transit operator and could affect pricing visible to visitors and residents in downtown areas. The board will decide whether to approve an immediate rate change or leave rates until full franchise renewal later in the year.

Additional context: the staff presentation noted the franchise began in 2016, the operator requested the increase be effective immediately, and the franchise agreement will be brought back in full at year-end for review and renewal if applicable.