Pineville Council Raises Water, Sewer Rates

Pineville residents will see a 15-cent raise in water and sewer rates, effective March 31.

On Tuesday night, aldermen approved two ordinances on their second reading that increase the water and sewer rates.

Alderman approved Ordinance 17-01, which states the minimum charge per month for residential/commercial water customers within the city limits will be $12.85, up from $12.70. The gallons usage will change from $4.50 per 1,000 gallons to $4.65.

Outside the city limits, the minimum charge for residential/commercial customers will be $30.15. The gallons usage will change from $4.50 per 1,000 gallons to $4.65 per 1,000 gallons.

Ordinance 17-02 calls for an increase in sewer rates from $14.70 as the minimum charge to $14.85. The gallons usage rate shall change from $5.40 per 1,000 gallons to $5.55 per 1,000 gallons per month.

In other business, the Planning Commission needs to finalize artwork for welcoming signs for the city, so those plans can be sent on to the state for final approval, said Northward Alderman Scott Dennis.

Board members discussed various artwork, designs and slogans. The artwork will be featured on welcoming signs, as well as the water tower.

An open meeting to gain the public’s input will be held at 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 7, at City Hall.

The Board also heard information from the Public Works Department regarding the need for repairing three sewage lift stations. Three bids will be sought for repairing pumps, control panels and other parts. Aldermen will then approve one of the bids to move forward.

On March 13, Mayor Gregg Sweeten and several aldermen will attend a meeting at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. The EPA contacted the city, asking officials if they were interested in linking up with UA architectural students who would provide some longterm design plans, Sweeten explained.

City officials projected five projects they would like to see, and the class has been working on those designs. Tuesday, the students will unveil some of their displays.

In other action taken, the council also approved:

A bid of $387,166 for a water tower.

A body worn camera policy for police officers.

$500 for curb/guttering on Armstrong Road.

A light bar and cage partitions for patrol cars.

$24,802.55 for bill payments.