City invites public to water rate meeting

Submitted by James Looney

The City of Mena invites its citizens and other interested persons to a public hearing Tuesday, June 13, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. at Mena City Hall located at 520 Mena St. in Mena

On the date and at the approximate time mentioned above, the Mena City Council will hold a public hearing as part of the Mena City Council Meeting prior to the consideration and possible adoption of the 2023 water rate increase ordinance. The public will also be able to comment during the public comment portion during consideration of the rate ordinance prior to its final consideration and vote by the Mena City Council.

If adopted, the proposed new rates would take effect on July 1, 2023, (first step) and January 1, 2025, (second step) with up to 6% increases annually thereafter.

All persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard on the matter. A second water cost of service study was conducted by Arkansas Rural Development pursuant to Mena City Council Resolution Numbers 1424 and State Law to perform a cost analysis to determine if costs allocations are fair and equitable among customer classes and to review the existing rate structure and design proposed rates that provide adequate revenues to operate and maintain the utilities and ensure sufficient funds will be available for necessary capital expansions.

The rate study was conducted following the industry standard methodology from the American Water Works Association (Ml Principles of Water Rates, Fees, and Charges).

The proposed water rate changes below are necessary for the City of Mena to continue to provide safe and reliable water services to its citizens and other customers because extensive new capital needs are required now and will be required in the future and operating costs have increased and will continue to increase above the revenue increases that the City current has in place.

For those unable to attend the meeting, you may phone 479-394-3141. Written comments may be submitted to City of Mena, 520 Mena Street, Mena, AR 71953.