Petition Statement:

We, the undersigned residents, business owners, and community members of Bentonville, Arkansas, call on the Bentonville City Council to immediately reverse the recent decision to double the water rates for homes, businesses, and irrigation systems, effective April 1, 2025. This drastic increase is unfair, unreasonable, and harmful to our community.

Background:

On March 11, 2025, the Bentonville City Council voted 5-3 to approve a water rate hike that will drastically increase the cost of water for residents and businesses in our community. The new rates will double the current charges for both the monthly service fee and the usage rates, including a substantial increase in the cost per 1,000 gallons of water.

As a result, Bentonville residents will face the following impacts:

A 100% increase in the monthly service charge for standard meter sizes (from $7.72 to $15.42 for a 5/8-inch meter).
A sharp rise in the usage rate for residential customers, now $7.74 for the first 4,000 gallons, with even higher rates for larger consumption.
A similar increase for businesses and irrigation systems, which will now be charged up to $10.04 per 1,000 gallons.
The new rates are scheduled to go into effect on April 1, 2025, with no gradual phase-in or consideration for the economic strain this sudden increase will cause.

According to the Bentonville Municipal Code, Section 98-356, the water rates are outlined as follows:

Service Charges: These are based on customer classification and meter size (See Schedule A of the code).
Usage Rates: These are determined by the amount of water consumed each month (See Schedule B of the code).
The current code (prior to the change) establishes reasonable, tiered rates for water consumption, with lower charges for smaller usage and graduated increases for larger consumption. The sudden increase, especially in the context of residential and business rates, goes against the spirit of these provisions by disproportionately raising the cost for all customers without adequate notice or phased implementation.

 

 

 

Why We Oppose This Increase:

 

Unfair and Extreme: Doubling water rates overnight is an extreme and unfair decision that will put unnecessary financial strain on families, businesses, and local agriculture. Many residents and local businesses are struggling to make ends meet, and this sudden hike is a burden that could lead to economic hardship.
Lack of Justification: The increase has been presented without sufficient justification. A 100% increase in one year is unheard of and not justified by any reasonable explanation of the city’s financial situation. Incremental increases over time would have allowed residents and businesses to better prepare for necessary adjustments.
Harm to Local Economy: Local businesses, especially small businesses, will be disproportionately affected by this rate increase. With higher operating costs, businesses may be forced to raise prices or, worse, cut jobs. This could harm Bentonville’s already fragile economic recovery.
Inequitable Impact on Low-Income Families: For families already struggling with the cost of living, an increase in essential utilities like water can push many to the brink. The rate increase disproportionately affects those with limited financial flexibility and could leave some residents unable to afford basic water services.

 

 

What We Are Asking For:

1. We demand that the Bentonville City Council revert the recent water rate increase and return to the more manageable, prior rate structure outlined in Bentonville Municipal Code Sec 98-356.
2. 
   We request a more thoughtful approach to rate changes, including gradual increases or exploring alternative methods of addressing the city’s water system funding needs.
3. 
   We call on the City Council to engage in transparent dialogue with residents, businesses, and other stakeholders before implementing any further utility rate changes.

Bentonville City Council Votes:

For rate increase: Beckie Seba, Gayatri Agnew, Chris Sooter, Aubrey Patterson, Bill Burckart

Against rate increase: Cindy Acree, Octavio Sanchez, Holly Hook

Conclusion:

Bentonville is a growing and vibrant community, but this rate hike threatens the affordability and quality of life for everyone who lives and works here. Let’s come together to protect the economic wellbeing of Bentonville and ensure that the City Council hears the voice of the people.

We respectfully ask that the Bentonville City Council reconsider their decision and choose a path that does not burden its citizens with such an extreme, overnight rate increase.