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GENERAL QUESTIONS
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Q: Is the Henderson Water Utility part of the Henderson City Government?
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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?
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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: What is the "South System"?
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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: What is the significance of the elements of the logo?
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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
01/23/2004 |
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Contact Us With A General Question or Comment