Tag Archive for: #cityofhenderson

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City of Henderson Announces Bypass of 14,700 Gallons of Untreated Water

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 14,700 gallons of untreated water on May 21, 2020, due to inflow/infiltration from the heavy rain. The overflow occurred at Neatherly Street, E. Rockspring Street, and the intersection of Pinkston Street and Farrar Avenue.

Approximately 5,250 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Sandy Creek and 9,450 gallons were contained on the ground.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.

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Town Talk 05/19/20: Henderson Manager, Mayor Address Proposed City Budget

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Henderson City Manager Terrell Blackmon and Mayor Eddie Ellington appeared on WIZS Town Talk Tuesday at 11 a.m.

Blackmon discussed the $18,992,950 proposed Fiscal Year 2020-2021 City of Henderson Budget as presented to the Henderson City Council at the May 18, 2020, meeting.

The recommended budget for the new fiscal year to begin July 1 is an increase of 7% over the current year’s budget.

A public hearing to receive citizens’ comments on the proposed budget will be held on Tuesday, May 26 at 6 p.m.

Presenting his first budget as Henderson City Manager, Blackmon, who took over the position from retired manager Frank Frazier earlier this year, said this year’s budget was “unique” as considerations were made around COVID-19.

According to Blackmon, city residents may be pleased to hear that the proposed budget does not recommend tax increases or water/sewer fee increases for the new fiscal year.

“The Council and I were very impressed and thankful that they were able to put together a budget with no tax or fee increases while still maintaining the same level of services,” Ellington responded.

The proposed budget also includes an appropriation of $1,500,000 to the City’s Fund Balance, an increase from the $1,066,720 that was approved for the current fiscal year. Blackmon said the City’s fund balance remains well above the minimum requirements as set by the Local Government Commission.

“For the last four or five years, in order to balance our budget, we’ve had to utilize some of our fund balance. Because there isn’t a recommended tax or fee increase this year, we are budgeting a little more fund balance,” explained Blackmon.

Despite initial concerns on the effect COVID-19 would have on sales tax, Blackmon said the City is doing well on that front. “Much to our surprise, we’re actually trending slightly ahead of last year. There was a lot of shopping going on during the months of March and April, so we didn’t see a decline in our sales tax.”

While Blackmon said the new fiscal year’s budget remains “relatively flat,” some increases are expected in electric utilities and employee health insurance costs.

Addressing the on-going mission to reduce the number of job vacancies and employee turnover, Blackmon reported that less than 10 percent of the City’s positions are currently vacant.

The proposed FY 2020-2021 budget is available for viewing in its entirety on the City of Henderson’s website, under the Finance Department tab (click here).

To hear the interview with Blackmon and Ellington in its entirety, go to WIZS.com and click on Town Talk.

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City of Henderson: Notice of Bypassed Untreated Wastewater

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

In accordance with NCGS 143-215.1C, the owner or operator of any wastewater collection or treatment works must issue a press release when untreated wastewater discharge of 1,000 gallons or more reaches surface waters.

The City of Henderson experienced heavy rains on April 30, 2020, that caused flooding throughout the area. The City discharged an estimated 29,400 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road and the release was discharged into Sandy Creek stream basin. The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event and is reviewing the matter.

For more information, please contact the Henderson Water Reclamation Facility Director Lamont Allen, at 252-431-6080.

Vance County NC

No Curfew Currently Planned for Vance County, City of Henderson

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According to Vance County and City of Henderson officials, there is no immediate plan to enact a curfew for the duration of Governor Cooper’s Stay at Home Order, which is currently in effect through April 29, 2020.

Neighboring counties, including Warren and Franklin, have enacted curfews from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. through the remainder of the order’s effective dates. Travel is allowed for tasks deemed as essential, including seeking medical assistance, grocery shopping and traveling to and from essential jobs.

“The answer today is no [curfew], but this virus has left us all guessing as to what tomorrow may have in store for us,” Henderson Police Chief Marcus Barrow told WIZS News.

“With the early establishment of a local State of Emergency, Mayor Ellington positioned us, as a unified governmental entity, to be able to make those decisions as the needs of our community change. We are in continuous conversation about the overall well-being of our citizens, and I believe the majority of our community has responded tremendously to the National and State Orders. If nothing else, you can always tag or describe our city as resilient.”

Vance County Sheriff Curtis Brame and Henderson Vance Emergency Management Director Brian Short confirmed with WIZS that they have not heard plans for a curfew at this time.

“Right now, there is not a curfew as long as the people are complying with the guidelines and are mindful of the State of Emergency,” Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington stated. “I would consult with our police chief, city manager, sheriff, as well as the district attorney before we would move on a curfew. We all want to be unified and make the right decision on behalf of our citizens and business community.”

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Henderson’s Sewer Collection System Bypasses 10,800 Gallons of Untreated Water

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 10,800 gallons of untreated water on April 5, 2020, due to debris being placed in the sewer manhole.

The overflow occurred in the Fox Pond outfall. Approximately 6,000 gallons of untreated water entered a tributary to Rowland Pond and 4,800 gallons were contained on the ground.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Works ORC Joey Long, Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.

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Henderson Residents Still Responsible for Water Bill During Disconnect Suspension

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-Information courtesy The City of Henderson

In response to the expanding COVID-19 public health emergency, the City of Henderson will suspend all water account disconnects due to non-payment of utility bills.

During this time, we want to ensure that all Henderson customers have access to clean drinking water and wastewater services. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health agencies and provide updates on this policy moving forward.

Payment of your account balance is still your responsibility and your account will continue to be billed as normal.

Even though the water will not be disconnected for non-payment during the next 30 days, you are still responsible for your account balance and any water used during this suspension time.

We encourage all customers to avoid paying bills in person and to utilize alternate payment methods, including by mail, our online portal, drop box, or by calling 866-270-5612.

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Mayor Addresses Coronavirus; City Temporarily Suspends Water Disconnections

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-Press Release, Office of Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington

As communities begin to feel the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19), the City of Henderson would like to share with you the steps we are taking to help protect the health and safety of our citizens and employees, which is always our top priority.

We are closely monitoring local and national reports on the evolving impact of COVID-19. Based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), the Vance County Department of Health and Human Services and other applicable public health agencies, we are taking the proper recommended precautions.

In all City facilities, we have added extra sanitation measures. We are encouraging frequent hand washing. We are considering social distancing policies and employee travel bans aimed at protecting the health and well-being of our teammates and the public. We are canceling all advisory boards and commissions meetings for the next thirty days.

We realize that you depend on us, and we are committed to serving our citizens. The City’s mission is simple, yet powerful: provide quality services to protect the health, safety and welfare of our citizens.

We feel deeply for those who have been affected already. The City of Henderson is here to help in any way possible.  Again, the health and safety of our citizens and employees is our top priority, and we are committed to doing our part to keep Henderson safe.

To that end, the City of Henderson will temporarily suspend water disconnections.

During this time, we want to ensure all Henderson Water customers have access to clean drinking water and wastewater services. We will continue to monitor guidance from public health agencies and provide updates on this policy moving forward.

We encourage all customers to avoid paying bills in person and to utilize alternate payment methods, including by mail, drop box, online or by calling 866-270-5612.

Please reach out to the City Manager (252) 430-5701 if you have any questions or concerns.

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City of Henderson Reports Nearly 300,000 Gallons of Bypassed Wastewater

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson’s Sewer Collection System bypassed approximately 299,350 gallons of untreated water on February 6, 2020, and February 7, 2020, due to heavy rain. The areas that ran over were Red Bud outfall, Alexander Ave., Beckford Dr. outfall, Neatherly St., Pinkston St., Farrar Ave., and Willow Ln.

North Carolina General Statutes Article 21 Chapter 143.215.1c requires a press release for all bypasses of 1,000 gallons or more that enter surface waters.

Questions concerning this matter should be directed to the Public Services ORC Joey Long, Jr. at 252-226-4492 or Andy Perkinson at 252-431-6117.

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Untreated Wastewater Bypassed at Sandy Creek, Redbud Pump Stations

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-Press Release, City of Henderson

NOTICE OF BYPASS OF UNTREATED WASTEWATER

The City of Henderson experienced heavy rains on February 6 and 7, 2020, that caused flooding throughout the area. The City had two discharges of untreated wastewater.

The first discharge of an estimated 36,000 gallons at the Sandy Creek Pump Station, located at 482 Rock Mill Road, was discharged into Sandy Creek. The second discharge of an estimated 14,850 gallons at Redbud Pump Station located at 51 Vance Academy Road was discharged into Redbud Stream. Both are part of the Tar Pamlico River Basin.

The Division of Water Resources was notified of the event on February 7, 2020, and is reviewing the matter. For more information, contact the City of Henderson Water Reclamation Facility at (252) 431-6080.

McGregor Hall

McGregor Hall Performing Arts Center Requests City, County Funding

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Mark Hopper, chair of the Embassy Cultural Center Foundation, provided WIZS News with additional information regarding Wednesday’s story on McGregor Hall’s funding request to local government:

McGregor Hall did not list a monetary amount in its funding request. We are hoping to have help with our debt service on the building, of which $18 million has already been paid privately ($12 million for construction of Perry Library and $6 million for construction of McGregor Hall). $2.9 million in debt remains and is financed through a low-interest USDA loan.

Letters and information packets were sent to both Jordan McMillen, County Manager, and Frank Frazier, City Manager in the first days of this year. Each letter was accompanied by the results of the study of McGregor Hall’s economic impact on Henderson and Vance County as prepared by the Municipal Research Lab at NC State University for the 12-month period preceding April 2019.

Important items:

  • McGregor Hall intentionally waited to submit this kind of funding request to the city and county until we could do so responsibly with proof that we are achieving our stated primary purpose of economic revitalization in downtown Henderson and Vance County. According to the Economic Impact Study:
    • McGregor Hall is directly responsible for injecting $2.4 million into the Henderson economy (scope of the study was limited to the City for manageability) during the 12 months in question.
    • McGregor Hall is directly responsible for 5.5% of all economic growth in Vance County over the past three years.
    • Of all of McGregor Hall’s direct revenue, over 39% comes from nonresident patrons and purchases, proving McGregor Hall’s status as a primary tourist magnet.
    • Major event days at McGregor create massive upticks in restaurant and hotel traffic.
  • McGregor Hall is the only performing arts center in the state we’ve identified with over 750 seats (McGregor is 1,000 seats) not connected with an educational institution that does not receive any kind of municipal or county funding.  We currently operate with one full-time employee (Technical Director) and three part-time employees with a combined 20 hours per week (two box office staff and janitor).  Our annual budget in 2018 was $491,839.
    • The Paramount Theater in Goldsboro has two full-time employees and 25 part-time employees.  The room seats 400. The City of Goldsboro handled all construction costs and is responsible for all debt service. Additionally, they receive $180,000 annually in combined city/county funding for operations to help fund their $480,000 annual budget.
    • The Theater at the Arts Center in Fuquay-Varina has two full-time employees and 14 part-time employees. The room seats 300. The facility’s construction costs were funded by the city. All of the facility’s upkeep and the entire annual budget of $725,000 is funded by the city.
    • The High Point Theater has six full-time employees and three part-time. It seats 750. The city funded its original construction in 1975 and has funded several additional renovations since. 100% of their $1.3 million annual budget is provided by the City of High Point, offset by an average of $800,000 in annual ticket sales.

There are many other examples, but these are representative of the norms.

There is no comparable model for what we are accomplishing with this facility through the sacrificial work of passionate volunteers and donors. We are defying the odds, writing a new playbook, and making Henderson way more than a punchline for the jokes of people in the Triangle. We are making life better for citizens in Vance County and helping to create and sustain businesses and their accompanying jobs.

What other current economic revitalization project in our town and county can prove that it’s making this kind of difference? What would happen if 5.5% of our economic growth in Vance County suddenly disappeared?

At the end of the day, we are a group of citizens trying to make where we live a better place, and asking nothing in return for it except help in achieving our goal.