The City of Hendersonville has released a statement expressing its disappointment in the recent action taken by the Henderson County Board of Commissioners regarding the water line extensions for Nicholas Bowman and Sen Asheville 1, LLC.
The city’s full statement is included below.
The placement of conditions on a request to extend public water service to projects that have been previously approved by Henderson County, because of philosophical differences over the management of the utility, is unfortunate for these property owners. These conditions will limit the public’s access to safe reliable drinking water, reduce access to fire protection, and increase insurance rates for County residents and businesses. Business expansions, affordable housing developments, and new higher-paying manufacturing jobs will also experience negative repercussions due to costly utility extensions and fewer viable industrial sites. We strongly believe this action is shortsighted and unnecessary.
The City of Hendersonville has attempted to work with Henderson County to improve the county-wide utility system. The following is a list of actions that have been taken by the City over the past seven years:
- The City Council adopted a resolution of intent to follow the water and sewer rate schedule through 2030. This rate schedule details the equalization of rates over ten years while still covering the costs of upcoming loans for infrastructure improvement projects. In the FY20-21 budget, City Council set the rate differential at 145% for water service bringing inside and outside rates closer according to the phased plan.
- The City Council amended the rate schedule in 2016 to charge all public schools in Henderson County the inside water and sewer rates.
- The City Council hired an independent facilitator to interview representatives from Henderson County, local municipalities, economic development agencies, and State representatives to gain an understanding of concerns regarding the operation of the Hendersonville Utility System. As a result, the City reinstated the Water and Sewer Advisory Council to allow for continuous input from all stakeholders. This Advisory Council continues to meet quarterly.
- The City invited Henderson County to participate in the development of countywide water and sewer master plans. However, Henderson County chose not to participate.
- The City has completed several water line extension projects to serve economic development projects throughout Henderson County. The projects have been completed in partnership with AgHC, HCPED, and Henderson County.
The City of Hendersonville is committed to working with Henderson County and other stakeholders as evidenced by the actions that have been taken. City Council continues to prioritize providing customers with high-quality drinking water, encouraging new development, and operating the utility in an efficient, reliable, and sustainable manner. We hope the Henderson County Board of Commissioners will reconsider their position on water system extensions.
Prepared by the City of Hendersonville.