In this installment of “Ask Ken,” a Hot Springs Village resident asks Hot Springs Village Public Services Director Ken Unger about recent increases in his January water bill.
Resident: We got our water bill yesterday, and I noted a +_5-7% increase from the January billing. Did the villagers get a heads-up on the increase?
Ken: Thanks for reaching out. Every year the staff develops a budget, which is then reviewed, discussed, adjusted, and then approved by the GM, Finance & Planning Committee, and Board of Directors near the end of the year for the following year.
The budget recommendation shows the rates for everything for the previous and current year. This budget recommendation is included in the Board package for review by every property owner prior to the Board approving it. These budgets can be found on our new website under Governance/Reports/Budget Reports.
As it relates to our water and sewer rates specifically, we can expect continued yearly increases similar to this year not only as required to keep up with rising operating costs but also to prepare ourselves to financially support the water and sewer improvements required to ensure our infrastructure is properly functioning and can support our future needs.
Outside of these improvements being necessary to ensure our community remains viable, they are also required as part of ACT 605, passed by the Arkansas State Legislature several years ago. ACT 605 dictates that communities must identify and then implement necessary repairs/improvements to their water and sewer systems to ensure they remain compliant with applicable laws. Hope this helps.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR HSVPOA PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR
Ken Unger
Director Public Services
Hot Springs Village
501-226-9609
Kunger@hsvpoa.org
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