Arkoma faces 300 sewer rate increase

Fort Smith city directors rejected two proposed sewer rate options for Arkoma, putting the town's residents at risk of facing a more than 300% increase in their sewer bills. If no action is taken, rates will escalate to $8. 75 per CCF, causing an estimated $100 monthly hike for Arkoma's 600 customers. Vice Mayor Bobby Weatherford highlighted the financial burden on families, suggesting that average bills could exceed $270, with larger families potentially facing bills of up to $350. The town has limited options for cost-cutting, employing only one utility worker and one clerk, which restricts their ability to reduce expenses.

Weatherford expressed concern that residents may not be able to afford the increased rates, stating that even if asked, many would struggle to pay. All options under consideration also included a 3. 5% annual sewer rate increase for the next five years. Arkoma has historically depended on Fort Smith for water and wastewater treatment, making this decision critical to its residents. The failure to approve the proposed rate options could have long-lasting effects on the community's financial health.