Fayetteville considers increased compensation for sewer line breaks

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark (KNWA/KFTA) — The city of Fayetteville may increase how much it’s paying after water and sewage line breaks.

In response to a concern from some members of the city’s Water, Sewer and Solid Waste Committee over the amount of compensation for homeowners affected by water and sewage line damages, the committee approved the idea of raising the maximum compensation amount to $100,000.

The proposal will now be presented to the full city council for consideration at its next meeting next month.

City council member Mike Wiederkehr explained that the decision to explore an increase in compensation came after the committee recognized that the existing $50,000 claim maximum was insufficient.

The proposed amount aims to better address the financial burdens faced by residents dealing with water or sewer line breaks on public property.

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The committee emphasized that the increased compensation would specifically apply to damages occurring on public property.

Any breaks or damages on private property would continue to be the responsibility of the homeowner or business owner.

Wiederkehr stated that the majority of sewer line breaks are because of tree roots invading the sewer lines.

He emphasized that the city only dispatches crews to check sewer lines in emergencies, and residents are encouraged to hire local companies to address the problem proactively, especially for older properties.

“The decision to raise the maximum compensation is a response to recent incidents, including a 36-inch water main burst in 2021 that caused significant damage,” Wiederkehr stated.

He clarified that the committee believes the proposed increase is essential to better assist residents facing such challenges.

The committee is set to discuss this idea with the full council in March.

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