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General Questions Q&A:
 


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General Questions:
 

Q: Is the Henderson Water Utility part of the Henderson City Government?
 
Q: Why does the City of Henderson appoint a Commission to manage the Henderson Water Utility rather than manage it as a part of City government, like the Gas Department?
 
Q: Is there an increase in water, wastewater, or stormwater fees on the horizon?
 
Q: What is the "South System"?
 
Q: Where do I make my water utility payment?
 
Q: Where do I go to arrange for a new connection to the water or wastewater system (pay a water and/or sewer tap)?
 
Q: What is the significance of the elements of the logo?
 

 

GENERAL QUESTIONS
 

Q: Is the Henderson Water Utility part of the Henderson City Government?
 
A: The Henderson Water Utility is owned by the City of Henderson, a second class city in Kentucky. By City Ordinance the Utility is managed by the Henderson Water and Sewer Commission which is appointed by the Mayor and ratified by the City Commission. The Mayor, City Manager, and City Commission have no management authority over the Utility except through the appointment of the Water and Sewer Commission members, the authorizing of debt to be incurred by the Utility, the adoption of new facilities into the City system and the setting of the rates charged by the Utility. The budget of the Utility is adopted as part of the City of Henderson budget. The Utility can only sue or be sued through the City Commission. The Water and Sewer Commission is authorized to employ a General Manager to assist in the management of the Utility.
 
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Q: Why does the City of Henderson appoint a Commission to manage the Henderson Water Utility rather than manage it as a part of City government, like the Gas Department?
 
A: The original Water and Sewer Commission was appointed in the 1950's. This was done to establish favor with the companies that provided the bonds to finance improvements to the system. In essence, the bonding companies wanted the "politics" taken out of the local utilities to insure there was a stable financial base to repay the principal and interest on the bonds. Many such Commissions were established in Kentucky during this time period. The practical significance of remaining with this form of management is the Utility is financially self sufficient and receives no tax revenue for its operation. All revenues of the Utility come from user fees. In essence, the Utility is operated like a business and is somewhat separated from the politics of City Government, especially as it relates to financial matters.
 
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Q: Is there an increase in water, wastewater, or stormwater fees on the horizon?
 
A: There was a cost increase for retail water and wastewater customers in 2002.  As part of the wholesale contracts with Henderson County Water Department and the City of Corydon, increases in cost are passed through each year.
 
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Q: What is the "South System"?
 
A: The "South System" is comprised of a 4.0 million-gallon per day water treatment facility and a 4.0 million-gallon per day wastewater treatment facility located in southern Henderson County just north of Sebree, Kentucky. These facilities provide water supply and wastewater treatment services to industries in that area, primarily Tyson Foods and West Kentucky Energy. The facilities also wholesale potable water to the Henderson County Water District, Sebree, Kentucky and Beech Grove, Kentucky. Wholesale wastewater services are provided to Sebree. Potable water and wastewater services will be provided to the 4 Star Industrial Park by the "South System".
 
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Q: Where do I make my water utility payment?
 
A: Payments for water utilities are received on the first floor of the Henderson Municipal City Building located on the corner of First and Elm Streets in Downtown Henderson.
 
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Q: Where do I go to arrange for a new connection to the water or wastewater system (pay a water and/or sewer tap)?
 
A: All water and sewer taps are paid on the first floor of the Henderson Municipal City Building located on the corner of First and Elm Streets in Downtown Henderson. The tap fees are listed in the rate schedule.
 
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Q: What is the significance of the elements of the logo?
 
A: The three water drops represent the 3 primary focuses of the Henderson Water Utility - potable water treatment and distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and stormwater. The faucet is a representation of the working faucet which sits in front of our Administration Building and has become a sort of landmark for local residents and for the tours given to visitors from Riverboats which dock at the Henderson Riverfront.
 
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This page was last updated on 11/06/2010


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