New water rates approved for Perla
Central Arkansas Water’s board of commissioners on Thursday voted to establish new water and wastewater rates for the town of Perla.
Since December 2021, Central Arkansas Water has overseen the water and wastewater system of the small Hot Spring County community as its court-appointed receiver.
Commissioners at the Little Rock-based water utility initially adopted rates for Perla in December 2022.
Among other changes, customers on a five-eighths-inch-diameter meter will be subject to a new $29 water availability charge every month starting Jan. 1, 2025.
Likewise, customers on the same size of meter will be assessed a new monthly $20 wastewater availability charge that will take effect on the same date.
Additionally, the resolution establishes a pair of monthly water debt surcharges to finance improvements to the system and pay off outstanding debts.
Starting in January, the surcharge for long-term improvements in Perla will be $1.55 per month while the surcharge for outstanding debts is not to exceed $15.39 per month.
A separate resolution approved on Thursday authorizes Central Arkansas Water to issue water and sewer revenue bonds tied to the Perla system with a maximum aggregate principal amount of $315,000. The purpose is to finance the cost of new water meters that have been purchased and installed in Perla, according to board documents.
Utility board OKs $22.3M in bonds
Central Arkansas Water’s board of commissioners on Thursday agreed to issue approximately $22.3 million of capital-improvement water revenue bonds.
Bond proceeds will be used to pursue projects that include the planned renovations to the utility’s Little Rock headquarters, the expansion of a warehouse at the Clearwater complex, the rehabilitation of intake gates at Lake Maumelle and Lake Winona and various pipeline projects, Cynthia Edwards, the utility’s director of finance, told commissioners.
Commissioner gets thanks for service
Central Arkansas Water’s board of commissioners recognized the service of outgoing commissioner Anthony Kendall during a meeting Thursday.
Kendall, one of the board’s three North Little Rock representatives, has served on the seven-member panel since 2004. He previously served as the vice president of human resources for Baptist Health.
Carmen Smith, the chair of the water utility’s board, thanked Kendall for his contributions to the utility and said she appreciated his collegiality. She noted that Thursday’s session marked Kendall’s 242nd regular board meeting.
Commissioners recently selected Melanie Hoggard to fill the remainder of Kendall’s term, which runs through June 30, 2028.
Hoggard’s appointment must be approved by the Little Rock Board of Directors and the North Little Rock City Council.
Senator endorses Tierney campaign
Blake Tierney, who is running against at-large Little Rock City Director Joan Adcock in the Nov. 5 general election, has been endorsed by state Sen. Linda Chesterfield, D-Little Rock, according to a recent news release from Tierney’s campaign.
“While I respect longevity of service, I believe it’s time for a change in those who hold at-large positions in Little Rock city government,” Chesterfield said in a statement included with the news release. “That is why I’m betting on Blake Tierney for Little Rock City Director, Position 10. I’m supporting someone who will work with Mayor Scott and the other city directors as they move Little Rock forward.”
In a statement, Tierney called Chesterfield “a true example of what public leadership should be — caring, dedicated, and capable.”
Last year, Chesterfield said she would not seek reelection to the Senate District 12 seat during the 2024 election. The district includes communities in Pulaski County on both sides of the Arkansas River.
The news release from Tierney’s campaign that shared Chesterfield’s endorsement also publicized the release of the campaign’s first video ad.
The winner of the Position 10 contest between Tierney and Adcock will be inaugurated for a four-year term that begins Jan. 1, 2025.
Riffle named foundation’s chief growth officer
Sarah Snyder Riffle has joined the Women’s Foundation of Arkansas in the newly created role of chief growth officer, according to a recent news release.
Riffle previously served as the chief development officer for the Arkansas Foodbank. She is a graduate of the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.
“The addition of Sarah to the WFA team signals an exciting new chapter in our organization’s history — one that will be marked by growth and increased impact for women and girls in all corners of the state,” Anna Beth Gorman, the foundation’s chief executive officer, said in a statement. “Sarah’s extensive experience in development, marketing and community engagement makes her the ideal candidate to take on this pivotal role, and her leadership will be essential as we continue to grow and expand our reach in Arkansas.”
Fine Arts Museum appoints 3 trustees
Three new members have been appointed to the board of trustees of the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, according to a recent news release issued by the museum.
The newly appointed trustees are Natalie Ghidotti, chief executive officer of the public-relations and marketing agency Ghidotti; George Makris III, executive vice president, general counsel, and corporate secretary for Simmons First National Corporation and Simmons Bank; and Michelle Wiles, vice chancellor and chief people and culture officer for the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.
“AMFA appreciates the commitment of all our board members, past and present,” Victoria Ramirez, the museum’s executive director, said in a statement included with the news release. “Their dedication and hard work to advancing the museum’s mission continues to allow AMFA to inspire and build community through the arts.”
Outgoing trustees are Van Tilbury, Diane Gilleland, LaRand Thomas and Laurence Alexander, according to the news release.
Callison takes post at visitors bureau
Ryan Callison has been named the vice president of marketing and communications for the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
A graduate of Lubbock Christian University, Callison has worked in destination and travel marketing in Arkansas, Arizona and Texas, according to a news release issued by the visitors bureau.
“It’s an honor to join the Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau and work with a city that has so much to offer,” Callison said in a statement included with the news release. “Helping people find joy and unique experiences through traveling is a lifelong passion for me. I look forward to helping share Little Rock’s vibrant culture and community by connecting Arkansans and visitors from around the country with this thriving capital city.”
“Throughout his career, Ryan has been a standout in the field of destination and travel marketing,” Gina Gemberling, the president and chief executive officer of the visitors bureau, said in a statement. “Both the city and the LRCVB are lucky to have him. With the help of his expertise and skill set, we’ll continue to build Little Rock’s status as a top-tier travel destination.”