El Dorado Water Utilities announced yesterday that the company will resume non-payment disconnections and late charges starting May 1.
Additionally, a planned rate increase will also go into effect on May 1. The increase includes a 2% water rate increase and a 12% sewer rate increase, which will reflect an increase of about 7% on the average EWU customer’s monthly bill.
The rate increase will partially fund improvements to the city’s aging water and wastewater infrastructure. It was originally supposed to be implemented starting April 1, but was postponed due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health crisis.
Robert Edmonds, Public Works director for the City of El Dorado, did not return a News-Times reporter’s call for more information about the decision to resume disconnections and late charges.
The Salvation Army provides some utility assistance. The organization is currently only accepting clients on a by-appointment basis. They can be reached at 870-863-4830.