1. Protect Your Bottom Line
If the sales tax passes, the City's current $50 per month Inflow & Infiltration (I&I) charge will be eliminated immediately. That's a direct savings of $600 per year PER METER for many businesses.
2. Share the Cost with Visitors
McClelland Engineering has identified:
• $18,275,000 in Water Infrastructure that has exceeded its replacement Date
• $44,848,250 in Sewer needs or current Infrastructure that has exceeded its replacement Date
These improvements are necessary and, in many cases, state-mandated. The question facing Eureka Springs is not whether they will be made, but how they will be funded.
A 1% sales tax allows the million+ visitors who shop, dine, stay, and enjoy Eureka Springs each year to help pay for these essential improvements. Without that shared investment, the financial responsibility falls much more heavily on the approximately 2,100 water and sewer customers—the local residents and businesses who call Eureka Springs home.
View the water rate study
View the waste water rate study
3. Avoid More Utility Rate Increases
The State completes a Rate Survey and by law mandates rates. Our current survey has required already significant water and sewer rate increases, however without change additional increases are forthcoming and scheduled. A YES on the tax can trigger a new Rate Survey and and a different outcome
Current planned increases include:
- Water MANDATED INCREASE :
- 8% in 2027
- 8% in 2028
- 8% in 2029
- Sewer MANDATED INCREASE:
- 10% in 2027
- 5% in 2028
- 5% in 2029
4. Dedicated to Water & Sewer
This proposed 1% sales tax is restricted exclusively to water and sewer infrastructure. By law, the revenue cannot be redirected to fund other City operations, departments, or unrelated projects. Every dollar collected must be used for the purpose approved by voters.
NOTE: Failing City infrastructure currently sees 50% of $669,500 in water purchased from the Carrol Boone water system lost to leak prior to reaching customer meters. Water line repair ensures reduced water leaks and saves the city money that can be passed on to customers
5. Reliable Infrastructure Supports Business
Today, business expansion and planned progress is much to the discretion of water and sewer access and capacity. Every business depends on dependable water; many in our city are still without sewer service. Extending service means greater opportunities for land use, housing development and a significant reduction in the use of septic systems. Investing in critical infrastructure today helps prevent costly failures, supports future growth, protects public health, and ensures Eureka Springs remains a community where businesses can continue to thrive.
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