When I first became mayor, I knew I was inheriting many responsibilities. One of them stood above the rest. Our aging water and sewer system. And how to fund the repairs, replacement and add service to unserved areas.
Over the years, each administration has repaired what it could, responded to emergencies when they arose, and stretched every available dollar as far as possible. Those efforts kept our system operating, but they could never fully solve a problem that has been growing for generations.
After years of working with engineers and exploring funding options, we have developed a practical plan for moving ahead and a realistic way to accomplish it.
The three questions on this November’s ballot were designed to work together to solve the problem.
The Water Bond and Sewer Bond would provide the funds needed to begin the work immediately. The dedicated one-cent Sales and Use Tax would provide the means to repay those bonds over time. One without the others simply does not solve the problem. Together, they provide a complete and responsive solution.
Each year, hundreds of thousands of people visit our community. While they are here, they also rely on the same water and sewer system that serves every resident.
This proposal allows those visitors to help pay for maintaining and improving the infrastructure they use, rather than placing the entire financial burden on our approximately 2,000 full-time residents. I believe that is both practical and fair.
I am never excited about asking voters to approve a tax increase. But I also know that doing nothing is not a solution. I believe these three ballot measures provide the clearest path to addressing the infrastructure challenges that have faced Eureka Springs for generations. Delaying these investments will only make the challenges—and the costs—greater for those who come after us.
Whatever your decision in November, I encourage you to take the time to learn about these issues, ask questions, and make an informed choice. These measures represent one of the most important decisions our community has faced in many years.
Please visit Protect Eureka Springs/Facebook to learn more about the 1% Sales and Use Tax and the Water and Sewer Bonds. If you have questions, please contact me or any of the city council representatives.
Thank you for allowing me the privilege of serving as your mayor.
Robert “Butch” Berry