Questions about recent water bill adjustments were among the concerns raised by Cabot residents during the City Council’s November 2, 2026, work session and regular meeting, as Cabot Arkansas water bill changes in 2026 continue to draw attention.
City officials explained that the changes reflect the cost of purchasing water from Central Arkansas Water as Cabot continues its transition away from locally operated groundwater wells.
The council also addressed appointments, property liens related to code violations and a proposed ordinance restricting city spending on automated license plate reader systems.
Cabot Residents Question Water Bill Adjustments
Residents voiced concerns about changes appearing on their water bills and sought clarification about how the charges were being calculated.
City officials explained that the adjustments reflect the actual cost of water purchased from Central Arkansas Water, commonly known as CAW, rather than a separate local surcharge.
The purchased-water costs are calculated based on water consumption, with charges applied volumetrically per 1,000 gallons.
That means the amount associated with purchased water is connected to how much water a customer uses.
The explanation comes as Cabot WaterWorks continues adapting to changes in the city’s water supply system.
Why Cabot Is Purchasing Water From Central Arkansas Water
Cabot has been transitioning away from its groundwater wells following requirements associated with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission.
The transition requires the city to rely on purchased water rather than continuing to obtain its supply through local wells.
Central Arkansas Water provides the purchased water, creating expenses that must be accounted for in the city’s water system operations.
Cabot previously conducted a water rate study examining the financial impact of purchasing water, maintaining infrastructure and meeting operating expenses.
The study examined how the transition could affect water rates and long-term financial stability.
City officials emphasized during the November 2 discussions that the particular purchased-water cost adjustment being questioned was not a separate city-imposed surcharge.
However, Cabot WaterWorks also maintains an established rate schedule, which has included changes during 2026.
For customers, the distinction is between a usage-based purchased-water cost and other charges established under the utility’s overall rate structure.
Water Costs Calculated Per 1,000 Gallons
Cabot WaterWorks uses a volume-based billing structure to calculate water charges.
Under this approach, the amount of water consumed plays a role in determining the customer’s monthly bill.
Residents who use more water may see higher volumetric charges than households using less.
The November 2 discussion focused on helping residents understand the purchased-water expenses and how those costs affect their utility bills.
Residents seeking information about their particular charges can contact Cabot WaterWorks or review the utility’s published rates and policies at cabotwaterworks.com/rates-and-policies.
Council Addresses Planning Commission Appointment
In other business, the council addressed the appointment of David Hazeslip to the Cabot Planning Commission and Board of Adjustment.
The appointment was included in Ordinance 35 of 2026.
The Planning Commission reviews planning and development matters affecting the community, while the Board of Adjustment considers certain requests involving the city’s zoning requirements.
Both bodies play roles in Cabot’s planning and development process.
Property Tax Liens for Code Violations
The council also considered Ordinance 34 of 2026, concerning tax liens against properties where the city has incurred expenses related to code violations.
The proposed ordinance would create, certify and confirm liens against certain real properties for funds spent by the city on services related to those violations.
Such liens provide a mechanism for municipalities to seek reimbursement when public funds are used to address qualifying property maintenance or code enforcement problems.
The ordinance appeared on the November 2 agenda for its 1st reading.
License Plate Reader Ordinance Fails on 4-4 Vote
Another issue involved the use of city funds for automated license plate reader systems.
According to the reported meeting results, an ordinance concerning restrictions on city funding for those systems failed following a 4-4 council vote.
Ordinance 33 of 2026 proposed prohibiting the appropriation or expenditure of city funds for automated license plate reader systems.
The proposed measure also addressed municipal fiscal policy, citizen privacy, data security and existing contractual obligations.
Automated license plate readers are camera-based systems capable of recording license plate information from passing vehicles.
The technology has prompted discussions in communities about law enforcement uses, spending priorities and privacy protections.
The reported 4-4 vote meant the proposed spending restriction did not receive sufficient support to pass.
The vote does not, by itself, establish whether any separate funding proposal for the technology was approved.
Cabot City Government Continues Addressing Community Concerns
The November 2 meetings covered several issues affecting Cabot residents, ranging from utility costs and neighborhood code enforcement to planning appointments and public safety technology.
For water customers, one of the most significant discussions involved understanding how the transition to purchased water affects monthly billing.
City officials maintained that the purchased-water charges being questioned reflect the cost of obtaining water from Central Arkansas Water.
Residents can review meeting agendas and other public information through the City of Cabot’s official website.
City of Cabot: cabotar.gov
Cabot WaterWorks: cabotwaterworks.com
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