Interim City Manager Bill Burrough announced the selection of Monty Ledbetter, current Public Works Director for the City of Bryant, Arkansas, as Hot Springs’ new Utilities Director, beginning December 14.
Ledbetter has 28 years’ experience in the water and wastewater field, 25 of those in management. He currently oversees the water, wastewater and stormwater utilities and street department at the City of Bryant, a position he has held since 2011. From 2006 to 2011, he served as general manager over water and wastewater. While with the City of Bryant, he negotiated a 15 MGD future water allocation from Lake Degray; worked with Central Arkansas Water to increase the city’s water contract allocation; collaborated with engineers to develop a 20-year master plan for water and wastewater; oversaw major utilities improvement projects to satisfy requirements of an ADEQ-issued 2005 Consent Administrative Order (CAO), increase treatment capacity and extend water lines to unserved areas; and worked with engineers to develop a master streets plan and updated construction standards.
For 18 years, Ledbetter worked for the Malvern Water and Sewer Commission and Malvern Water Works, where he served as superintendent and was then promoted to general manager. While there, he helped plan and design a new wastewater treatment plant to satisfy CAO requirements. His efforts helped to eventually remove Malvern from its wastewater CAO. He also worked with the city council, engineers, bond counsel and Arkansas Natural Resources to finance and construct a new water intake/treatment plant, elevated water storage tank and other system improvements.
At both Arkansas cities, Ledbetter oversaw projects that resulted in lowered ISO ratings, and participated in long-range master planning for water and wastewater. He holds Arkansas licenses in water treatment, water distribution, wastewater treatment and industrial wastewater treatment. His experience also includes developing rate review and rate structures for utilities, as well as updating and enforcing standards for the construction of city utilities, streets and stormwater facilities.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Mr. Ledbetter’s experience and background join our team,” Burrough said in an email to city employees. “Please join me in welcoming Monty to the City of Hot Springs family when you have an opportunity.”