Hot Springs Board of Directors
November 19, 2024 Civic Briefing
Hot Springs Board Adopts 2025 Budget, Approves $281K Engineering Contract for Lead Line Replacement
At its November 19, 2024 meeting, the Hot Springs Board of Directors unanimously adopted the city's 2025 budget, approved a $281,250 engineering contract with Crist Engineers for lead water line planning and design, passed a new comprehensive zoning code, and acted on a full consent agenda — all 15 votes were 7-0.
The short version
- The Board adopted the 2025 city budget in a 7-0 vote after public comment from six residents; the record does not detail the budget's total figures or any amendments made at the meeting.
- The Board approved a $281,250 agreement with Crist Engineers, Inc. to plan, design, and oversee construction for the city's Lead Line Inventory and Replacement Project.
- The Board passed a new comprehensive zoning code for Hot Springs, replacing prior zoning ordinances under Title 16, Chapter 2 of the city code.
- The Board declared a structure at 120 Boaz Street a nuisance and condemned it under city code.
- Finance Director Karen Scott reported the general fund year-to-date revenues over expenditures totaled $5.875 million through September 2024, with an unrestricted fund balance of $25.76 million.
By the numbers
Money approved
| Item | Amount | Vendor | Vote | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Professional Engineering Services for Lead Line Replacement
|
$281,250 | Crist Engineers, Inc. | 7-0 | item:16 |
| Total identified spending | $281,250 | |||
Major decisions
2025 City Budget Adoption
- Item
- Adoption of the City of Hot Springs budget for the year 2025.
- Vote
- 7-0
- Cost
- The record does not specify the total budget figure in the available agenda item.
- Vendor / responsible
- City of Hot Springs
- Discussion level
- Extended Significant debate, public comment, or multiple speakers
- Resident impact
- Sets city spending and service levels for all of 2025; the specific line items, department allocations, and any changes from prior years are not detailed in the available record.
- What the Board said or did
- Six residents spoke during public comment — a resident from District 1, a resident from District 3, a resident from District 5, a representative from Pride of Peace Lutheran Church, a community member, and a second resident from District 3. The record captures that each person spoke on the budget resolution but does not summarize the substance of their remarks. The Board voted 7-0 to adopt the budget.
- What remains unclear
- The total 2025 budget figure, specific line items, any amendments considered or adopted, and the substance of public comments are not available in the record.
- Source
item:18
Waiving Competitive Bidding for Bar Screen Parts
Emergency / Ratification- Item
- Ordinance waiving competitive bidding and approving purchase of Headworks International bar screen parts from Instrument & Supply, Inc. under Arkansas Code §14-47-138.
- Vote
- 7-0
- Cost
- No cost specified in the record.
- Vendor / responsible
- Instrument & Supply, Inc.
- Discussion level
- None Approved without separate discussion
- Resident impact
- Bar screens are equipment used in wastewater treatment to remove solids; this purchase supports continued wastewater operations.
- What the Board said or did
- Approved without separate discussion.
- What remains unclear
- The cost of the parts, the reason competitive bidding was waived (beyond the statutory citation), and the urgency or condition prompting the purchase are not detailed in the available record.
- Source
item:19
Approved without separate discussion
These items passed without individual debate as part of the consent agenda.
-
Professional Engineering Services for Lead Line ReplacementVote: 7-0 · $281,250 · Crist Engineers, Inc.
item:16 -
Adoption of New Comprehensive Zoning CodeVote: 7-0 · No cost specified in the record.
item:20 -
Nuisance Declaration and Condemnation at 120 Boaz StreetVote: 7-0 · No cost specified in the record.
item:17
Locations affected
-
120 Boaz Street120 Boaz StreetStructure declared a nuisance and condemned under city code.Status: Confirmed
-
900 Whittington Avenue900 Whittington AvenueRoof purchase and installation approved via cooperative purchasing program.Status: Confirmed
-
Citywide water systemLead Line Inventory and Replacement Project engineering contract approved; specific affected areas not identified in the record.Status: Planned
-
Citywide zoningNew comprehensive zoning code adopted, replacing prior ordinances under Title 16, Chapter 2.Status: Confirmed
-
Exchange Street Parking PlazaTom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off scheduled for November 25 at 4:30 p.m.Status: Scheduled
-
Transportation DepotKen Freeman Huff Puff then Stuff 5K scheduled for November 28 at 8 a.m.Status: Scheduled
Watch list
Open follow-up issues we'll check on in future briefings.
2025 Budget Details
OpenThe 2025 budget was adopted 7-0 but the record does not detail total appropriations, department-level allocations, or any changes from the 2024 budget. The full budget document would show what services and spending levels were set for the year.
- Why it matters
- Residents should understand the city's financial priorities and how their tax dollars are allocated across departments.
- Next check
- Request full 2025 budget document from City of Hot Springs Finance Department.
New Comprehensive Zoning Code Changes
OpenThe new comprehensive zoning code was adopted but the record does not identify what changed from prior rules. Residents with property development plans or concerns about land use near them should review Title 16, Chapter 2 of the updated Hot Springs Code of Ordinances.
- Why it matters
- Zoning changes affect property values, permitted uses, and development opportunities throughout the city.
- Next check
- Review Title 16, Chapter 2 of the Hot Springs Code of Ordinances to understand substantive changes from prior zoning rules.
Lead Line Replacement Project Scope and Timeline
OpenThe lead line engineering contract covers planning and design only. The record does not show the total replacement project cost, timeline, or which parts of the city's water system are affected.
- Why it matters
- Lead in drinking water poses health risks, especially for children and pregnant women. Understanding project scope and timeline is important for affected residents.
- Next check
- Direct inquiry to the Hot Springs Water Utilities Department for project cost, timeline, and affected service areas.
Bar Screen Parts Purchase Bid Waiver
OpenThe bar screen parts purchase waived competitive bidding; the record does not state the cost or the specific reason for the waiver beyond the statutory citation.
- Why it matters
- Waived competitive bidding should be documented to ensure accountability and that the emergency or statutory exception was appropriately applied.
- Next check
- Request documentation from the city explaining the specific emergency condition or circumstance that justified the competitive bid waiver.
2024 Paving Program Completion
OpenThe 2024 paving program was reported at 62% completion as of the meeting date; no completion date was specified.
- Why it matters
- Road conditions affect traffic, emergency response, and property values. A completion timeline should be established and tracked.
- Next check
- Follow up with the city for an expected completion date for the 2024 paving program.
Source notes
This briefing is based on the public records below. Every claim above can be traced back to one or more of these sources.
- video: November 19, 2024 Regular Meeting Video
- agenda: November 19, 2024 Meeting Agenda
- minutes: November 19, 2024 Meeting Minutes
Minutes, agenda, transcript, and public comment capture all available. All 22 agenda items parsed and voted upon.
- We do not invent facts.
- We cite source records.
- We distinguish what happened from what remains unclear.
- We use neutral language.
- We correct errors when found. See corrections.