Batesville, AR – September 23, 2025
The Batesville City Council convened Tuesday evening at 5:30 p.m., addressing a range of pressing issues including a new water utility agreement with Cushman, ordinances for council member affiliations, community center upgrades, and a key appointment.
Water Agreement with Cushman Approved
The council greenlit a resolution allowing the Batesville Water Utility (BWU) to formalize a water utility agreement with the City of Cushman. Since March 2021, BWU has supplied all of Cushman’s water, but the neighboring city’s aging infrastructure results in a staggering 80% loss, with thousands of gallons seeping into the soil. This inefficiency has left Cushman unable to pay its full monthly bill, accruing a debt of approximately $960,000 to BWU.
Under the new agreement, Cushman will continue paying a flat rate of $11,500 monthly, acknowledging the current deficit while setting future expectations. Cushman is working to repair its infrastructure, aiming to reduce losses to 20% or less, based on prior years’ averages. The deal also allows for increased payments if financially feasible, though the minimum $11,500 will persist even as usage bills decrease. Should the debt hit $1.5 million, the contract may terminate after 30 days’ notice, unless renegotiated by both parties.
Ordinances for Council Members Introduced
Two ordinances were introduced to permit the city to conduct business with entities employing council members. The first involves Alderwoman Julie Hinkle, Vice President of the Batesville branch of Bank of Cave City, which provides financial services to Batesville. The second concerns Alderman and Public Works Commission member Robb Roberts, Senior Vice President for Commercial Lending at First Community Bank, also serving the city. State law mandates council approval for such arrangements. With two council members absent and Hinkle and Roberts abstaining, the ordinances were placed on the agenda for a second reading at the October 14 meeting.
Community Center Upgrade and Appointment
Mayor Rick Elumbaugh highlighted plans to upgrade the community center with exterior outlets for holiday lighting, shifting most of the city’s Christmas displays there. Richardson’s Electrical submitted the lowest bid at $7,500, approved for payment from the center’s perpetual maintenance fund. The council also appointed Pete Roulier to the Airport Commission, with his term set to expire in 2029.
Council Praises Text System
During comments, Roberts commended the city’s text system, citing a recent debris cleanup handled promptly after a text to 870-512-5155. He encouraged citizens to use the service for reporting issues or receiving alerts, noting it “works well” despite occasional limitations.
No citizen comments were offered during the meeting, which adjourned after addressing all agenda items.
