Resources

Welcome to Cotter, Arkansas—a relaxing river town where life flows a little easier. Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and support for small businesses, Cotter offers a comfortable place to live, work, and visit. Our city resources are here to help you stay connected and informed about local services.

The resource list below is a handy reference for residents and those wanting to relocate to Cotter. If you have questions beyond what is available on this page, please contact the staff at City Hall at 870-435-6326.

Utilities

Permits

Big Spring Park

Farmers Market

Water and Sewer

REPORT A WATER LEAK AFTER HOURS:

(870)-421-6227 OR (870)-435-7020

Pay Water Bills Online

➡ Residential Water Rates:

$20.86 for the first 2000 gallons

$17.61 per 1000 gallons after or portion thereof

Wate Rates increase annually 4% on January 1st each year

➡ Residential Sewer Rates:

$7.01 per gallon of Water used.

TO START NEW WATER SERVICE IN THE CITY OF COTTER:

Meter deposit: Please visit or call City Hall to begin the process. Deposit fee is $100.00 for owner of property and $150.00 for Renters. We take cash, check or money order only. No online payments for meter deposits.

You will need your driver's license, Social Security number, and telephone number to begin service. Provide proof of Ownership (Closing Agreement) or Proof of Rental Agreement.

Water bills are due on the 15th of each month. Late Fees apply if not paid by the 20th of the same month.

Minimum Service: Water/Sewer/Trash bill is $49.49 per month whether you use service or not as required by City Ordinance 2024-04.

You may pay via cash, check, money order by mail or in person at City Hall. To pay online, click the link below or

call 1-855-483-5729. You will need your account number and the ID code 726211. cotter.water.viewmybill.net

Water Meter Fees

Water Customer Deposits

Annual Water Quality Report

Trash Service

Trash Day: Mondays*

Please have your trash receptacles out early morning on Monday or Sunday night, and remove them off the street no later than Tuesday morning.

*If your trash does not get picked up on Monday, please call Waste Connections.

Cost: $17.48/per month (as off July 2025) Paid with the water and sewer bill.

Company: Waste Connections of Arkansas 870-481-8600 www.wasteconnections.com

City Wide Cleanup Day is in the Spring. During these dates, large items will be collected with no additional fees through the regular trash service within city limits. Announcements on dates and acceptable item lists will be posted on this site and on the City's Facebook page.

Local Utility Companies

Electric:

Entergy

1-800-ENTERGY (368-3749)

https://www.entergy-arkansas.com

Natural Gas:

Black Hills Energy

1-888-890-5554

https://www.blackhillsenergy.com

Telephone/Internet:

Yelcot Communications

(870) 435-6111

https://www.yelcot.com/

Optimum

1-866-950-3278

https://www.optimum.com

City Registrations, Licenses, Taxes & Permits

Pet Registration:

Pets must be registered with the city if you live inside the city limits.

Fees are $10 for non-spayed or neutered and $5 for spayed or neutered.

You must provide current copy of rabies vaccination.

You may only have a combination of 3 dogs/cats and no more than 6 poultry inside the city limits.

Business Occupation License Fee:

Business Occupation License is required for operating a business or service within Cotter city limits. Please visit

Cotter City Hall to apply for your License, pay and receive a copy of your license annually. Business Occupation Licenses

are good for the calendar year. Please renew by July 1st.

The occupational license fees shall be based on the number of employees working for a person, firm, or corporation.

Following is list of occupation license fee costs:

1-2 Employees = $25.00

3-5 Employees = $ 50.00

6-10 Employees = $75.00

11-15 Employees = $100.00

16-20 Employees = $125.00

21+ Employees = $150.00

Business License Application

Short-term Rental (Vacation Rental) Occupational License:

The City of Cotter requires short-term and vacation rental operators to hold a valid occupational license to legally host guests. To apply or renew, click the link below.

Short-Term Rental License Application

Property Taxes:

Cotter real estate and personal property taxes are billed and collected by Baxter County. The bills are sent out the first of February and are due and payable October 10.

Property assessments are due by May 31st.

Sales Tax:

The sales tax rate (combined state, county and city sales tax rates) are 9.75%. The City of Cotter currently has a 2% sales tax rate for a total of 11.75%.

Electrical Permits:

An electrical permit shall be required at such time as a temporary pole is issued. The permit fee is $45 for new electrical construction or upgrade. (To add a circuit or change out a box, plus $2 per circuit.)

Building Permits:

Click the links below for information on Building or Demolition Permits in Cotter, and the Application.

For building permits outside city limits, contact the BaxterCounty Assessor's Office.

Building Permits Ordinance

Building Permit Application

Demolition Permit

Animal Control

Please contact Baxter County Animal Control for Animal Control Issues: (870) 481-5822

Dog Ordinances

COTTER School District

GO WARRORS! Cotter Public Schools is located in beautiful and historic Cotter, Arkansas near the White River. We currently have 806 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. All of our schools are located on one campus which creates a very personal experience for our students. Teachers and staff support our students throughout their entire education at Cotter Public Schools.

Students receive instruction from highly qualified teachers in a small class setting. Instruction is personalized to meet the needs of each student. Relationships are built and maintained as students move throughout the district to ensure student’s success. We offer numerous extra-curricular activities including Baseball, Basketball (boys/girls), Golf, Shooting Sports, Softball, Track & Field (boys/girls), and Volleyball. Other activities include Band, Choir, Cheerleading, FFA, FBLA, Quiz Bowl, Chess, Interact, and more! Cotter Public Schools is a place for you.

Cotter School District