Helena-West Helena, Arkansas Development News

Sanitation Fleet Crisis and Water System Upgrades Highlighted in Council Meeting

The City Council discussed the dire state of the sanitation department's fleet, highlighting severe maintenance issues, aging vehicles, and the impact on service delivery. Representatives from the sanitation department presented concerns about staffing and equipment, detailing a significant portion of the fleet being out of service. Options such as leasing, purchasing new or used trucks, and outsourcing services were debated, with a focus on finding a financially viable solution to ensure consistent trash pickup. The council also reviewed water department invoices for pump station repair, sewer line replacement, and leak repairs, and discussed the challenges and progress in addressing water system issues, including a new well and a consent order from the Department of Environmental Quality. Additionally, a significant congressionally directed spending request of $4.5 million for water system repairs was presented, with a resolution proposed to waive the local match requirement to maximize the funding available.