LITTLE ROCK, AR – A lawsuit filed in circuit court Tuesday claims money given by Central Arkansas Water to Pulaski County to enforce land use regulations in the Maumelle Watershed must be returned to the ratepayers.

Read the full lawsuit here

The lawsuit was filed by Bryan Sullins, Kerri Sullins, and Charles Williams on behalf of all ratepayers of CAW. In addition to CAW, Pulaski County and Judge Buddy Villines are also named as a defendants.

The suit says the Interlocal Agreement formed between the county and CAW is unlawful in part because CAW is not authorized by law to implement or enforce subdivision regulations, however, they are required to pay the county implement and enforce those regulations.

The suit also claims the agreement binds future county courts and planning administrators to “issue waivers, variances or take any action in that regard that CAW might request” and such an arrangement is against the law.

The lawsuit goes on to say that CAW’s Watershed Fee functions as a tax, and since it was not voted upon by taxpayers, it is illegal.

The suit asks money given to the county to be returned to CAW and then from CAW back to the ratepayers.