City officials warn that without the bond, utility rate increases could become necessary.
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Voters in Fayetteville are weighing a major infrastructure proposal aimed at improving the city’s aging water and sewer systems as part of a broader bond package on the March ballot.
City leaders said deteriorating pipes and previous water main breaks highlight the need for upgrades across the city.
In total, nine bond proposals worth more than $320 million have been presented. The largest portion of that funding falls under the Water and Sewer Improvement Bond Issue, also known as Bond Question Number 2.
The bond question is a $150,000 investment to maintain and upgrade the city of Fayetteville’s water and sewer pipes, pumps, tanks, and treatment systems.
According to the city’s website, the bond would also extend the city’s one-cent tax that has been used to fund projects over the last 25 years.
Officials warned that without the bond, utility rate increases could become necessary.
“If we don’t have this as an option, we will most likely have to increase rates. There has been an estimation we would have to double… hard for our residents who struggle to pay utilities,” council member Sarah Moore said.
For residents concerned about taxes, city leaders say the proposal would not raise the current one-cent sales tax already in place.
“We have had a sales tax bond in place… across visitors that come to our city,” Moore said.
Leaders are also encouraging residents to stay engaged and ask questions as they review the proposals ahead of the vote.
“These are good questions to be asking… ask those questions to the mayor’s office and city council,” Moore added.
City officials say the goal is to ensure Fayetteville’s water and sewer systems remain reliable as the city continues to grow.