The Batesville City Council addressed several key city updates during its regular meeting on Tuesday, including improvements to water billing systems, infrastructure maintenance, and police department accreditation efforts.
Utility Manager Clint Crain provided an update on Batesville’s Water Administration Office, detailing cost-saving measures and customer service improvements. Crain explained that the city adopted new payment software in June, switching to a company called Invoice Cloud. The system, he noted, has already attracted nearly 3,700 participants to its paperless billing option. He added that credit card processing fees, now charged directly to customers at a reduced rate of 2.6%, instead of the previous 3.5% absorbed by the city, are contributing to operational savings.
Crain also highlighted the city's plans to address aging water meters, some nearly 18 years old. Upgraded meters will allow remote readings, eliminating the need for manual checks. "It’s expensive every time we roll a truck," Crain said, adding that the new system will improve billing efficiency and enable faster leak detection. Final recommendations on the replacement system are expected before year’s end, after site visits to nearby towns.
The council inquired about issues with the Cushman water system, which purchases water from Batesville but experiences major infrastructure-related loss. Crain confirmed he routinely reports data to city officials on Cushman’s water usage.
David Justice, Batesville’s Water Utility Construction Superintendent, outlined the work of his department, emphasizing its role in maintaining and expanding the city’s water distribution and wastewater systems. Justice reported the repair of 39 major water main leaks this year, along with smaller maintenance efforts. His department has also installed 61 new water services for residential and commercial growth, coordinated fire hydrant repairs to improve Insurance Services Office (ISO) ratings, and partnered with Insituform for the rehabilitation of 10,000 feet of sewer main lines and related infrastructure.
The department, consisting of 16 full-time employees with an average of over a decade of experience each, also supports development projects, including utility work for Riverside Park and a new water treatment plant. Justice noted, "That level of knowledge and experience is invaluable for what we do."
Police Chief John Scarbrough presented three funding requests totaling nearly $14,000 to meet Elite accreditation standards, which emphasize accountability and evidence integrity. The expenses include securing the ammunition storage room, purchasing a specialized firearms rack for evidence, and applying for accreditation itself. Scarbrough stressed the importance of maintaining these standards to protect the integrity of evidence and minimize liability for the department. The council approved the requests, designating funds from alcohol and no-insurance revenue sources.
In other business, the council passed an ordinance authorizing electronic funds transfers and online banking, citing delays in delivering checks to contractors working on the city’s new water treatment plant. Mayor Rick Elumbaugh reminded residents that Batesville public schools will start the new year on August 11 and urged caution around traffic and pedestrians as streets grow busier. The council also approved approximately $8,000 to replace the platform for the community center’s diving board.
All council members were present for the session.