MINUTES PUBLIC HEARING 21 FEBRUARY, 2023

CITY OF GASSVILLE, ARKANSAS
MINUTES FOR PUBLIC HEARING ON WATER AND SEWER RATES
FEBRUARY 21, 2023       

     The City Council of the City of Gassville, Arkansas conducted a special called public hearing on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 pursuant to prior public notice being duly given.  The purpose of the public hearing was to allow public comments concerning proposed increases in the water and sewer rates. 

     The public hearing was called to order at 6:00 PM by Mayor Jeff Braim, Presiding Officer.  Council Members in attendance were Tim McFarland, Anita Seaman, Naomi Lassen, and Kenneth Smith.  Recorder-Treasurer Jeff Lewis also attended.

     A complete sign-in roster of all persons who were in attendance is attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. 

     Mayor Braim gave a brief opening statement as to the purpose of the public hearing.  The Arkansas General Assembly passed legislation in 2021, Act 605, that requires all locally owned water and sewer systems to obtain a rate study, and the recommendations from those studies must be implemented.  Although the City of Gassville does not technically fall under the mandates of Arkansas Legislative Act 605 of 2021 until 2025, a new water and sewer rate study had nonetheless been requested and was conducted by the Arkansas Rural Water Association, which has recommended increases in rates charges for water and sewer service.  The City of Gassville currently has 850 customers. 

     Each person present was provided with a hand-out that gave a comparison of the existing rates and the proposed increases, which would be a 3% increase now, followed by an automatic yearly 3% increase until the next rate study is made in 2028. 

     Those persons who wished to speak for or against the proposal were given the opportunity to do so, and Council Members also asked questions.

     The public hearing was then adjourned at 6:25 PM upon motion of Council Member McFarland, seconded by Council Member Seaman, with all members voting in favor.  The City Council then moved on to its regularly scheduled monthly meeting.

Submitted By:        /s/ Jeffrey Lewis,
                              Recorder-Treasurer

Approved By:         /s/ Jeff Braim,
                                    Mayor