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Council flags water and sewer upgrades as priority amid proposed FY20 spending
Summary
Council reviewed regional water reserves, planned CIP for water distribution and raised alarm about sewer inflow/infiltration and Sandy Creek pump station needs; engineering staff estimated up to $40 million could be required for system upgrades over time.
During the May work sessions the Henderson City Council spent substantial time on water and sewer enterprise funds, focusing on near-term capital needs and the long-term condition of the sanitary sewer system.
City Manager Frank Frazier described the Kerr Lake Regional Water (KLRW) fund items including $15,600 for lab equipment, contingency of $12,700 and $385,720 in reserves earmarked for the Nutbush Road project and a possible water‑plant expansion, plus a $1,650,000 transfer to the CIP. Frazier recommended a $5,060,000 budget for KLRW in FY20 and noted debt service included $48,500 for a high-service pump.
On the City’s Water Fund, Frazier identified a $282,100 CIP that would support projects such as the Beckford Drive loop and a second feed for the hospital; the water budget recommendation was $8,218,770 and Frazier said the city’s purchase-for-resale from Regional Water was projected at $3,835,300. He said a 2.5% rate increase was included to offset costs related to the regional water upgrades and estimated the household impact at $5.88 per year (inside) and $14.76 per year (outside).
Engineering Director Clark Thomas and Henderson Water Reclamation Facility Manager Lamont Allen highlighted sewer system concerns. Allen said a new generator for the HWRF has been ordered but will not arrive for about 12 weeks; a temporary unit will be used meanwhile. Thomas said the city is systematically identifying inflow and infiltration (I&I) problems and estimated that addressing the aging system could ultimately require roughly $40 million in upgrades. Frazier told council staff will explore State Revolving Fund (SRF) and other funding opportunities.
Council members pressed for scope and timing details: Council Member Sara M. Coffey asked about grease-removal enforcement and fines; Lamont Allen and Frazier described inspection practices and enforcement tools but could not state detailed fine totals. Council also discussed the Nutbush/Satterwhite permitting process; Frazier said a Corps of Engineers permit will be required and KLRW Director Christy Lipscomb said the project is under design with no Corps timing yet.
Next steps identified by council include pursuing grant and SRF funding, refining project cost estimates and returning with more detailed schedules and funding options before any rate adjustments are finalized.
