In a decisive move to address the rising costs associated with providing water services, the Bald Knob City Council has passed an ordinance that will immediately raise water rates for residents and implement scheduled increases in the years to come. The ordinance, passed on August 5, 2024, underscores the city’s commitment to maintaining essential services while protecting public health, safety, and welfare.
Immediate Rate Increase and Future Adjustments
Effective immediately, the standard water rate for Bald Knob residents will see a three percent (3%) increase. This adjustment reflects the escalating costs of water provision, which have made it necessary to increase rates to sustain the city’s water infrastructure and service quality.
Beginning in January 2025, the water rate will undergo an additional three percent (3%) increase annually. This annual adjustment will continue each year unless a future ordinance or amendment changes the terms. The city has emphasized that these incremental increases are essential to keep up with inflation and other rising operational costs.
In addition to the standard rate hike, the ordinance specifically adjusts the water rate for usage exceeding one thousand gallons. The new rate is set at $14.10, a change aimed at encouraging water conservation while ensuring the city can cover the costs of high-volume usage.
Safeguarding Public Health and Welfare
The ordinance was enacted with the clear intention of safeguarding public health and welfare. City officials highlighted the importance of ensuring that Bald Knob’s water system remains robust and capable of meeting the needs of all residents. Mayor Gary Looney stated, “This ordinance is a proactive step to ensure that our water system continues to provide safe and reliable water to every household and business in Bald Knob. These adjustments are necessary to maintain the high standards our community expects and deserves.”
Legal Provisions and Emergency Declaration
The ordinance includes several key legal provisions. It repeals any conflicting ordinances to avoid legal ambiguities and declares the provisions of the new ordinance to be severable. This means that if any section or phrase is found to be invalid, the rest of the ordinance remains in effect.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, the City Council also declared an emergency, allowing the ordinance to take effect immediately. This emergency declaration reflects the critical need to address the financial challenges facing the city’s water services without delay.
Moving Forward
The City Council’s decision marks a significant step in securing the future of Bald Knob’s water infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about the changes and to participate in upcoming discussions about the city’s plans for water service improvements.
For more information or to voice concerns, residents can contact the City Clerk’s office or attend the next City Council meeting. The city remains committed to transparency and community involvement as it navigates these necessary adjustments.
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