Texarkana, Ark. – A proposed water‑sale agreement involving Millwood Lake and the neighboring cities of Ashdown, Hope and Ogden has sparked a call for greater openness and accountability. State Senator Jimmy Hickey Jr., a longtime representative of the area, has publicly opposed the deal until the public receives a full accounting of the terms, the parties involved, and the potential impact on the community’s finances and environment.
Key concerns raised
Critics point to several unanswered questions. Who will benefit from the sale? What are the long‑term financial implications for Texarkana residents, especially given the city’s special state income‑tax exemption that helps keep local taxes low? And how will the withdrawal of water from Millwood Lake affect water levels, quality and downstream ecosystems?
Proposed safeguards
Local advocates have outlined eight specific protections they believe should be built into any final contract:
- Separate revenue account: All proceeds from the water sale would be deposited into a dedicated account that the public can monitor. Initial priorities would include lowering water bills and paying down existing water‑service debt.
- Equitable infrastructure spending: Revenue would be allocated fairly among the city’s wards, with residents and ward representatives deciding which streets, sidewalks, drainage projects and curbs receive upgrades.
- Independent environmental impact study: A comprehensive, third‑party analysis would examine how water withdrawals could affect lake levels, water quality and long‑term ecological health.
- Stronger opt‑out provisions: Each participating municipality would retain the right to withdraw from the agreement without needing unanimous consent from all four cities.
- Four‑week public disclosure: All contracts and supporting documents would be posted at least four weeks before any vote, accompanied by two town‑hall meetings—one in the afternoon and one after 5 p.m.—to accommodate varied work schedules.
- Financial‑conflict safeguards: Any potential conflicts of interest among officials, consultants or negotiating parties would be fully disclosed.
- Guaranteed financial benefits: The agreement must spell out measurable benefits such as water‑bill relief, infrastructure improvements and debt reduction, with annual independent audits to verify delivery.
- Salary protection clause: For the first 25 years, water‑sale revenues could not be used for employee salaries, bonuses or other compensation, ensuring the money goes directly to community needs.
Political backdrop
Senator Hickey’s opposition centers on the projected $16 million to $20 million in annual revenue. While the figure appears attractive, he warns that it could jeopardize the city’s unique tax‑exemption arrangement, which was designed to keep Texarkana competitive with its Texas counterpart, where residents pay no state income tax.
“We must not sacrifice long‑term fiscal responsibility for short‑term gain,” Hickey said in a recent statement. “Our citizens deserve to see exactly how any new money will be used, and we must protect the tax benefits that make our community thrive.”
Next steps
The city council is expected to schedule a public hearing on the proposal within the next month. Advocates plan to attend and push for the eight safeguards, emphasizing that any agreement should be transparent, environmentally sound and financially responsible.
Should the council move forward, local leaders intend to take the issue to the Arkansas General Assembly, seeking statewide legislation that would codify the proposed protections for Texarkana and the other participating municipalities.
Why it matters to residents
Beyond the potential revenue, the water‑sale discussion touches core concerns for families: lower water bills, safer streets, and the preservation of a reliable water supply for future generations. By demanding full disclosure and robust safeguards, community leaders aim to ensure that the deal, if approved, truly serves the best interests of Texarkana’s citizens.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
