Politics
Little Rock City Council Passes Stormwater Fee Ordinance, Raising Bills for 68,000 Properties
The July 7 vote sets new rates starting in September that will add an average of $4.50 monthly to single-family utility accounts and bring Little Rock's structure in line with charges already used in North Little Rock and Conway.
How we reported this
The Little Rock City Council approved Ordinance 2026-45 on a 7-4 vote during its regular meeting on July 7, changing how stormwater utility fees are calculated for all properties inside city limits. The measure bases charges on measured impervious surface rather than a flat rate and takes effect with the September billing cycle.
City records show the change responds to a 2025 engineering study that documented $18 million in unfunded drainage repairs after heavy spring rains. The ordinance directs fee revenue into the existing stormwater enterprise fund without increasing the general fund.
Effects on Daily Household Costs
Under the new schedule, a typical 1,800-square-foot home on a standard lot will see its monthly stormwater line item rise from $6.75 to $11.25. Residents in the Hillcrest and Heights neighborhoods, where many properties have larger driveways and roofs, face increases up to $7.80. Apartment complexes will receive prorated bills based on total paved area, which management companies are expected to pass through to tenants at renewal.
The legislation exempts properties already enrolled in the city's rain-garden rebate program and offers a one-time 25 percent credit for installation of approved pervious pavement. Applications for the credit must be filed by December 31 with the Public Works Department.
How Little Rock Stands Against Nearby Cities
North Little Rock has used an impervious-surface formula since 2022 and currently charges an average of $12.40 per month for the same home size. Conway adopted a similar tiered system in 2024 with rates averaging $10.90. Little Rock's new average of $11.25 therefore sits between the two, according to the city's comparison table presented at the meeting.
City staff stated that the adjusted fees are projected to generate $2.3 million in additional annual revenue, all of which must be spent on drainage projects listed in the 2026 capital improvement plan. The next step is a 30-day public comment period before final rate tables are printed on utility statements.