By JEFFREY SMITH
Leader staff writer
A $3 million bond issue for improving Beebe’s water service was approved by aldermen during Monday’s city council meeting.
The 20-year bond will fund two projects. Engineer Don Beavers with B and F Engineering of Hot Springs told the council one project will connect the city to the Lonoke-White Public Water Authority’s water main from Greers Ferry Lake by the end of the year.
“Beebe will get 10 percent of its water supply, about 600,000 to 700,000 gallons a day, from Greers Ferry,” Beavers said.
The water will be mixed at the city’s water treatment plant with water from Beebe’s six wells.
The second project will replace the city’s galvanized and cast-iron water main lines. All but three water mains are planned for replacement.
Water rates will not be raised to fund the two projects.
J. Shepherd Russell III, managing partner with the law firm of Friday, Eldredge and Clark of Little Rock, said the Arkansas Development Finance Authority will purchase the bond at an interest rate of 2.25 percent.
Mayor Mike Robertson informed the council that earlier in the month the Beebe VFW Post 7769 presented a $1,000 donation to the city’s animal shelter. The money is designated to pay for the sterilization costs of dogs adopted from the shelter by residents who cannot afford to pay to spay and neuter their pet.
Beebe will hold a spring cleanup during April. Residents can use the dumpsters at 209 W. Idaho St. for free all month. Hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Dumping shingles, tires or car batteries is not allowed.
