Merger of Hendersonville, Laurel Park water systems approved
Four years of negotiations led to the approvals.
Low water pressure will be improved for Laurel Park customers in the Fleetwood and Hebron pressure zones of the town. Hendersonville will spend $1 million on improvements within 18 months in the Fleetwood zone, with one six-month construction extension allowed.
All customers will save at least $100 a year, possibly up to $120, officials said.
The merger is scheduled to close April 1, with construction slated to follow in the spring.
Laurel Park will handle billing through Sept. 1 until new water meters are installed.
Laurel Park customers who are in good standing will experience a smooth transition and won t be required to pay a deposit, Town Manager Christopher Todd said.
City Manager John Connet announced his decision today. Myhand will begin in Hendersonville on Feb. 15.
The search for a chief to replace Herbert Blake began in August. There were 62 applicants; none of which were current employees of the city s police department. The search was advertised twice to get a “significant applicant pool,” Connet said. We knew that this was going to be a difficult recruitment period, he said. One of the toughest jobs, or responsibilities, in our country right now is being a chief of police.
Myhand and Gerald Childress, the other finalist for the job, faced internal investigations while on the job. Childress was later demoted. Myhand was placed on administrative leave in November amid the investigation, which is ongoing, and very little detail has been provided about it.