GARFIELD -- A few city residents attended a public forum held Tuesday, April 11, to discuss a proposed water rate increase.

Randall Ward, whose property is on Arkansas Highway 127 and whose water lines are part of the Sugar Creek extension, said that he understood that the city's ledger sheets showed a "substantial, positive balance as of 2016."

"What's changed?" Ward asked, asking how the water department balance has gone from an accrued positive balance to a predicted shortfall of $20,000 in 2017.

Ward said he did not necessarily want answers at the meeting, but had several questions he did want city officials to answer. He also asked about a discount of $3 a month given to senior citizens and why that discount will be cut in half with the water rate increase. And, thirdly, Ward asked about the funds being brought in by the customers on the Sugar Creek extension.

The Sugar Creek lines were put in about 15 years ago when a subdivision was proposed and customers were told that as additional meters were added, their base rate would decrease, Ward said. He said that is not stated in the contract, but was the understanding of the customers on that line.

"The meter price has not gone down. Sugar Creek water is $30 a month ... that's the highest rate in the county right now. My question is ... is that being applied to accelarated pay off on the grant?" Ward queried.

Mayor Gary Blackburn told Ward and members of the City Council that the city does not have an outstanding "grant," but does have a "loan we're paying off. Two years ago, we restructured that loan. We cannot accelerate payments for another eight years ...

"We paid an additional $20,000 down on the principal," Blackburn said, adding "that was the option the council chose at that time. It will not allow us to make additional principal payments."

Alderman Terry Warren asked how many customers had been added to that line. Blackburn said he would find out.

Katherine Macaluso told city officials she hoped they would ask for just what is needed and no more.

Jim Teeselink, alderman, said communication is key and that city officials must explain to the city residents.

Stanley Williams asked about the water loss. He said he had heard that it was as much as 30 percent and that money could be saved by the Water Department if the water loss percentage were decreased.

Blackburn said the water loss fluctuates from 18 to 30 percent.

"Your comments are very valid," Teeselink said to Williams. "We had a working session and the first thing we decided is to isolate the leaks and address those. Whatever is leaking the worst, we've got to address immediately."

The public forum was closed at 5:55 p.m. for the council to recess before beginning the 6 p.m. City Council meeting.