Board approves higher landfill and collection fees despite public concerns about affordability
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Summary
Directors approved an ordinance amending landfill and collection fees after public comment warned the increases could hurt low‑income renters and households; staff said assistance options exist via Central Arkansas Water and Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority.
The Little Rock City Board of Directors approved an ordinance Dec. 16 to amend landfill and collection fees (Chapter 28, sections 28‑25 and 28‑28) following three readings and public comment.
Public commenters warned the board that higher water, sewer and garbage charges could worsen affordability and cited rising eviction filings. Regan Gerard of the Arkansas Community Organization said the increases would “hurt them a lot” and urged the board to consider alternatives or phased implementation. A separate commenter, Seeley, said Pulaski County had seen more than 423 eviction filings in circuit court and asked whether the city could stretch fee increases over a longer period.
Board members and staff discussed assistance programs and payment plans that Central Arkansas Water and Little Rock Water Reclamation Authority make available. Staff and the mayor noted that the city does not directly bill customers for all components of the water/waste bill — Central Arkansas Water and other authorities bill and then remit specified shares to the city and authorities — complicating public communication about what portion funds the city.
After the Q&A, the board approved the ordinance by roll call; the clerk recorded a 6–2 tally after Director Miller changed his vote. Directors asked staff to post information about payment-plan and assistance options on the city website; the mayor directed staff to have that information online by the following day.
