John P. Hayes, chairman of the Beebe Water and Sewer Commission told the council members Monday night, Sept. 28th, that Beebe is a member of the Lonoke White Public Water Authority, owning 7% of the assets. “We are committed to buy 100,000 gal. mo. (10%) at $15,000,” said Chairman Hayes. The project to run water from Greers Ferry to central Arkansas will cost $45 million. Members of the Lonoke White are: Beebe, Cabot, Jacksonville, Grand Prairie, and  Bayou II. Construction is not set to begin for about one year. An additional $5.00 per water meter will be charged when the project is complete - which should be about two years from now, according to Hayes.
Another option which is being looked at is partnering with Searcy SOWCO - using water from the Little Red River.  Their water would cost $1.75/1,000 gal. vs. 75-cents/1,000 with Lonoke White. “If we go with Searcy, we will have no control but we don’t have to do anything for 5-10 years,” Hayes said. “If we go with Lonoke-White, we have to do something within 6-months but we would have one vote- as all members will.” Hayes said the Lonoke-White project is non-binding currently until financing is obtained. He also said that either of the projects will keep the water department from having to add another well at about 3/4 million dollars and updating the water treatment plant at about $1.5 million dollars.
According to the police activity reports, so far this year, as of Sept., there were: 6,675 calls for service; 1,512 traffice stops; 700 citations; 2,400 warnings; 24 felony arrests; 234 misdemeanor warrants; 25 felony warrants; 10 DWI alcohol; 8 DWI drugs; 88,224 security checks; 122 accidents; 228 alarm calls and 155,256 mileage totals.