Study Indicates Water Rates Need Increases

The Mountain View City Council has received the long-awaited rate study required by state law and now has a year to implement the recommended water and sewer rates, along with wholesale rates charged at the water treatment plant.

Rate studies are required every five years to assure that water systems have rates adequate to maintain Refurbishment and Replacement Accounts at a minimum of five percent of gross operating revenue.

Mountain View’s water department has been operating at a deficit. The last rate adjustment was in 2025 to raise the minimum rate for the first 1,000 gallons to $9.03 inside the city limits, and $13.56 outside. Rate study documents prepared by Arkansas Rural Water Association show that Mountain View has three additional rate levels for additional gallons used, and the recommendation is to eliminate all but one, charging the same rate ($7.50 per thousand gallons) for all usage beyond the minimum. The minimum charge would remain unchanged.

Acccording to the rate study, the average usage for the city’s 2,359 residential customers is 4,331 gallons per month. The cost for 4,000 gallons currently is $21.83 per month inside the city limits. Under the proposed rate structure, the cost would be $31.53. Outside the city limits, the rate for 4,000 gallons would go from $32.76 to $36.06.

The two water extension projects with separate rates would be as follows for the 4,000 gallon usage: Herpel Road – current $44.58 and proposed $44.73; Highway 86 – current $41.65 and proposed $43.99.

According to the rate study, the city’s sewer rate of $12.46 minimum and $2.36 per thousand gallons for all over 1,000 gallons is adequate to generate surplus revenue and no rate adjustment is recommended.

However, it is recommended that the city adjust both water and sewer rates annually by 3 percent.

For the water treatment plant – where the City of Mountain View is a customer along with four rural water associations and the City of Fifty Six – the current rate is $2.12 per thousand gallons. The recommended rate is $2.60 for all above 1,000 gallons, leaving the $2.12 in place for the first thousand gallons. The treatment plant treats and sells more than 523 million gallons of water per year.

City officials requested the rate study three year ago to meet requirements of Act 605 of 2021.
In other business, council members approved the purchase of a snorkel truck for the fire department if it meets approval upon visual inspection. Jeremy Beaudin, who serves on both the police department and as fire chief, said the city’s 1976 model snorkel truck has a large hydraullic leak and has been costly to maintain in recent years. The proposed truck is a 2005 model with a shorter boom that would still be adequate to reach structures such as the courthouse or hospital, Beaudin said. The current truck has a 75-foot reach, versus 55-foot on the newer truck.

The truck for sale is located in Illinois. Council members agreed to pay $600 for an inspection by mechanic the department has worked with previously, and to purchase the truck for $35,000 if it received his approval.

Also at the meeting, at the request of William Stroud, the city agreed to allow the posting of banners honoring veterans on the new light poles along the Highway 66 sidewalk. Stroud said he had seen an example in Nebraska and wanted to offer them here. He suggested veterans’ families fund the cost of the banners and brackets, which would run about $100 for each veteran. The banner would include a photo, the branch of service, rank, and years served.

Council member Jessica Sterlin, who serves as the county’s veterans service officer, said the program could be run through her office. Stroud, who previously served as veterans service officer and who still volunteers at the office, told the Leader that anyone interested may contact him by e-mail at williamstroud1943@gmail.com or by phone at 870-214-1901.

In other business:

• The council approved selling a truck used by the mayor’s office to the water department for $5,000 to replace one with mechanical issues, and to purchase a new truck for use by the mayor. Officials have gather bids for the council to consider at a special meeting this week.

• The council agreed to work on several sections of streets to resolve issues and to repair a section of sidewalk along Washington Street.

•The council agreed to contact the highway department regarding the need for a crosswalk on West Main Street near the Special Services Center. See related story.

• The council greed to assist with the construction of batting cages for the ballpark by providing concrete pads. The volunteer group coordinating youth sports will be responsible for constructing the structure.

• The council presented a proclamation to Greg Peters of Mountain View Chevrolet commending the dealership and other sponsors of the C10s in the Mountains truck show for their outstanding contribution to the City of Mountain View. Peters said the event is something they do to give back to the community, and they have been amazed at the growth of the event over five years, going from 118 trucks the first year to more than 380 this year. The C/10 Club of Arkansas initiated it, and Randy’s Hot Rod Shop serves as a co-sponsor. The event benefits the Stone County Humane Society.

Council member Dana Woods, who prompted action on the commendation, said he did not want the council’s appreciation to go unnoticed.

• Police Chief George Bethell recognized Sgt. Rick Crome who retired in May after 13 years of service to Mountain View. Crome was active in both the police and fire departments, and Bethell said Crome was instrumental in helping him when he took the position of police chief. Crome received his service revolver engraved with his service dates.

• The council agreed to pay a final pay request from Queen and I construction for the Highway 66 sidewalk project despite there being minor issues that need to be addressed. Mayor Roger Gardner said the project engineer recommended the payment of $96,161.62 and said the issues remaining could be paid by drawing against the construction performance bond if necessary.

• The council agreed to enter into a membership and advertising contract with Ozark Gateway Tourist Council for 2027 in the amount of $2,980.

• The council approved $500 in funding for the Hometown Health Planning Coalition, an organization that conducts a health fair among its activities each year. It was announced the group also is in need of volunteers.

• Alderman Finis Brewer announced there would be a fundraiser event Sept. 20 at the senior center to benefit manager Sandra DeWeese for her medical expenses. The pie auction and spaghetti dinner will begin at 5 p.m.