County wants fair treatment

Dear editor:

In reference to Kay Watkins’ comments in her letter to the editor Sunday, some background information is in order. The citizens of our community, those inside the city and in the unincorporated area serviced by Hot Springs Municipal Utilities (HSMU), entrusted HSMU to look out for their best interests, and this included planning for development inside the city and outside unincorporated area they chose to serve when service was extended beyond the city limit. The city violated this trust when they implemented water policies stifling unincorporated area development. The city stated their reason is a water crisis and then stated they could no longer allow businesses to locate in the unincorporated area and rob the city of revenue. This begs the question: “Is there a water crisis or the action simply an effort to force increase city sales tax revenue?”

Judge Davis is the chief executive of the county and, along with the quorum court, is responsible to be certain unincorporated residents and businesses are treated fairly and equitably. They became involved only after city officials stated there is plenty of water for new businesses and residents wanting to locate inside the city, and essentially none for unincorporated area development. There is greater demand in the unincorporated area for development. The tax structure is also more favorable in the unincorporated area, making it more attractive to prospective residents and businesses (particularly with city staff proposing ad valorem taxes in the city). The statement by city officials saying there is plenty of water to support construction in the city and at the same time a shortage if the same projects would be built in the unincorporated area was nonsensical, as it is the same water.

The city’s actions have resulted in citizens of our community becoming distrustful of city officials. Judge Davis has the right and responsibility to question any and all in city and state government or CAWA or Army Corps of Engineers, etc., if he suspects wrongdoing or simply to seek information and assistance for our community. It is part of his job to protect all the citizens of our community served at the mercy of Hot Springs Municipal Utilities for water service.

Judge Davis, Interim City Manager Bill Burrough and others are working to find ways to develop additional water sources for our community. With city growth minimal and county unincorporated growth essentially at zero as a result of the city’s water policies, it is clear something must be done. I applaud the actions of Judge Davis and the quorum court to become involved in this matter.

The city’s water policy appears be the result of an ill-fated effort increase sales tax revenue. George Pritchett

Hot Springs to to