Resources
Welcome to Bull Shoals, a community where crystal-clear waters meet the serene beauty of the Ozark Mountains. Strategically positioned on a peninsula bordered by Bull Shoals Lake and the world-famous White River, our city is the quintessential hub for outdoor adventure, peaceful retirement, and a vibrant local life.

Bull Shoals offers a unique quality of life, blending the best of small-town safety and affordability with unparalleled access to world-class recreation. Whether you are seeking a place to launch a business, find a tranquil setting for your family, or embrace an active retirement, you will find everything you desire right here.
Water and Sewer
The City of Bull Shoals provides essential water, wastewater (sewer), and contracted trash services to residents and businesses within city limits.
Starting and Maintaining Service
- Service Application: To initiate water service, a deposit is required. This deposit is held to ensure payment and is only refunded when the water meter is disconnected and all outstanding balances have been settled.
- Billing Cycle: Bills are based on meter readings taken around the 20th day of the month and are delivered to customers by the second week of the following month. Payment is due by the 20th day of the month to avoid a 12% late charge.
Payment Options
We offer several convenient methods for paying your utility bill:
- In-Person or Drop Box: Payments by cash, check, or money order are accepted at City Hall, 706 C.S. Woods Blvd during business hours (Monday–Thursday, 8:00 AM–5:30 PM; Friday, 8:00 AM–10:00 AM). A secure night drop box is also available for after-hours payments.
- Mail: Mail your payment to: City of Bull Shoals P.O. Box 390 Bull Shoals, AR 72619
- Online/Phone with Credit/Debit Card: Payments using Visa or Mastercard can be made online or by phone.
- Online: http://pay.softtelpay.com
- Phone (Toll-Free): 855-4TELPAY (855-483-5729)
- Identification Code: 7261911 (You will need your account number.)
- Automatic Bank Draft: For a hassle-free option, enroll in automatic bank drafts by inquiring at the Water Department. Drafts are processed on the 20th of each month (or the next business day).
- Third-Party Location: First Security Bank also accepts water bill payments.
Disconnection and Reconnection
- Non-Payment: If a bill remains unpaid, service will be disconnected without further notice after the last day of the month.
- Restoration of Service: To restore service after disconnection, the full past-due bill plus a $50.00 re-connection fee must be paid in full. Payments made after 3:00 PM will result in service restoration the following business day.
Trash Service
The city contracts with Waste Connections/Methvin for residential trash collection, which is billed on your water statement.
- Pickup: Residential trash is picked up every Tuesday and must be placed outside by 6:00 AM.
- Containers: Only the Roll-Out trash container provided by the contractor should be used, and all trash must be secured in plastic bags.
- Special Needs: For extra containers or bag pickups, residents must contact Waste Connections/Methvin directly at (870) 481-8600.
- Seasonal Cleanup: Watch local newspapers and the City Hall website for dates regarding the annual Spring and Fall cleanup events for residents.
Bull Shoals Recycling Program
Recycling is picked up curbside monthly every 3rd Tuesday. List of recyclable items is below.
Blue recycling bags can be picked up at City Hall.
The City also has an area to deposit these items at the Public Works Building:
- Plastics
- Aluminum Cans
- Newspaper/Copy Paper
- Cardboard
Public Works Building:
1509 Red Bud Ave.
870-445-4788
General Water Utility Guidelines
- Customer Responsibility: It is the customer's responsibility to maintain all service lines from the meter to the point of use. Customers must also notify the Utility of any change in occupancy to formally transfer service.
- Right to Access: Utility representatives have the right to enter customer property during reasonable hours to read meters, inspect piping, and perform necessary maintenance.
- Meter Maintenance: The Utility owns and maintains all meters. A $5.00 maintenance fee is added to each monthly bill. Tampering or damage to the meter/meter box may result in a charge to the customer.
- For further assistance with your utility account, please call the Water Department at (870) 445-4775 and use Extension 1.
Local Utility Companies
Electric:
Entergy
1-800-ENTERGY (368-3749)
https://www.entergy-arkansas.com
Propane Gas:
AmeriGas
(870) 425-5141
https://www.blackhillsenergy.com
Telephone/Internet:
Natco
870-453-8800

Optimum
1-866-950-3278
City Registrations, Licenses, Taxes & Permits
Pet Registration:
Pets must be registered with the city if you live inside the city limits.
Fees are $5 for a lifetime pet license.
You must provide current copy of rabies vaccination every year to renew your tag number.
You may only have a combination of 3 dogs/cats inside the city limits.
Business Occupation License Fee:
A Business Occupation License is required for operating a business or service within Bull Shoals city limits. Please visit 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 in January.
Business License fee is $15.00 due at the time of opening a business or before January 31 of every calendar year, after which there will be a $15.00 late charge.
Property Taxes:
Bull Shoals real estate and personal property taxes are billed and collected by Marion County. The bills are sent out the first of February and are due and payable October 10.
Sales Tax:
The sales tax rate (combined state, county and city sales tax rates) is 10.25%. The City of Bull Shoals currently has a 2% sales tax rate.
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Permit Applications:
All permit applications are available at Bull Shoals City Hall (706 C.S. Woods)
Building Permits:
A building permit shall be required on all new construction or remodeling projects that will result in the change of the outside structural dimensions.
- $0.50 per square foot of structure - New Residential and additions for single family, multifamily and manufactured homes. Based on exterior square foot of all floor space including garages, attics, basements, living space and decks.
- $0.75 per square foot of structure - New commercial structures and additions. Based on exterior square foot of all floor space Including garages, attics, basements, living space and decks.
- $74.00 per 80 square foot of structure plus $0.34 per square foot extra - Outbuildings or Sheds/Detached Garages/Workshops.
- $121.00 - Mechanical inspection fee per unit, such as heating and air conditioning.
- $75.00 - Fence or Carport (Cannot have solid walls, otherwise it is an outbuilding.)
Electrical Permits (Frequently Purchased):
An electrical permit shall be required for:
- New construction, building additions, building upgrades(Max 3 inspections) - $121.00 plus $5.28 per circut breaker.
- Temporary Loop - $75.00
- Trailer Connection - $97.00
- Meter Inspections - $47.00
- Reinspection - $50.00
Plumbing Permits:
- Water line - $47.00
- Sewer line - $47.00
- Multi-user line - $75.00
- Single Family Dwelling - $121.00 (plus line charges set out above)
- Multi-Family Dwelling - $121.00 (plus $75.00 per unit)
- Plumbing for Churches and Commercial Structures - 1% of plumbing costs bid
- Additions/Remodels - $74.00
Bull Shoals Businesses
We welcome you to join the Bull Shoals Lake White River Chamber of Commerce as a business or individual supporter. Browse the list of local businesses in the directory to find all the area has to offer.
Starting a Business in Bull Shoals, Arkansas:
The City of Bull Shoals welcomes new business owners and strives to support and promote its businesses. The Mayor would love to meet you!
There are buildings available that may be a perfect fit for your business! Contact the Mayor 870-445-4775 or a local Real Estate Agent (http://marioncountypartners.com/real-estate.html) for possibilities.
To operate a business within the Bull Shoals City Limits, please apply for your Business Occupation License at City Hall and renew each January.
The County also has business services and requirements. The Marion County Assessors Office assesses each business within the County annually. Arkansas law requires all business owners to assess all personal property used in the course of that business. Assessments are sent out annually in January and due back to the Assessor by May 31st. New businesses should visit the Assessor's Office for their initial form or click - HERE. The Marion County Clerk's Office will help you register your "Doing Business As" name, if necessary.
You may wish to use these handy links below from the State of Arkansas, U.S. Small Business Administration and Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center. "Dream It Do It Arkansas" is an excellent step-by-step tool for starting a new business.
School District
Bull Shoals Residents have the option to attend Flippin School District (busses run in Bull Shoals) or another local school district through the School Choice Program.
Flippin School District has preschool, elementary, middle school and high school buildings. The high school also works closely with ASU-Mountain Home for continuing education for its students. Find out about enrollment, upcoming events, sports, lunch menus, employment opportunities and more on the Flippin School District website through the button below.
Marion County Resources
The county seat is in Yellville, Arkansas for Marion County. Government contacts can be found via the County website. County-wide businesses, services, calendar and resources can also be found on the Marion County Partners website.
Local Airports
Marion County Regional Airport features a 5000 foot runway, fuel, pilot services and flight instructions.
Location: 954 Airport Road, Flippin, AR 72634
Phone: (870) 453-2241
Email: airport@marioncounty.com
Gaston's White River Resort Airstrip
Location: 1777 River Road, Lakeview, AR 72642
Phone: 870-431-5202
- Latitude 36 20’55’N | Longitude 92 33′ 25’W
- Bermuda Grass Turf Surface -3,200 feet long
- Field Elevation is 479 msl
- Unicom 122.8
- Kansas City Chart | 3M0 | Airport Identifier
- No Tie-Down Fees | 100LL Fuel Available
Little League Sports
Bull Shoals children have the opportunity to be involved in the Tri-City Youth Baseball/Softball League in Marion County.
- T-Ball (4-6 yrs.)
- Coach Pitch (7-9 yrs.)
- Player Pitch (10-12 yrs.)
In addition to players, coaches, referees and sponsors are also needed.
The South Shore Soccer Association provides soccer for all children in the area ages 4-15 years old.