Henderson mayor says city to pay for neighborhood's water repairs

After residents of a Henderson subdivision believed they would be forced to relocate due to issues with their homes’ water distribution system, Henderson mayor Michelle Romero announced the city would front the repair costs. 

Romero said today during a press conference the city would pay the full costs to update Somerset Park’s water system, which is not currently in compliance with state requirements.

Previously, residents of Somerset Park were informed by the City of Henderson their Homeowner’s Association had until Sept. 10 to make repairs before their water would be shut off, as the almost 40-year-old system was causing damage to roads and structures in the area. 

“Short-term patches are inadequate and would cost more money in the long run,” Romero said. 

Water damage caused by the out-of-date lines is weathering asphalt and other key infrastructure, and the Henderson mayor said the city estimated repairs could cost up to $600,000. Officials had not yet decided which fund it would draw the money from. 

Residents will not have to relocate as repairs are made, Romero said, as crews will work to update the distribution system to state code. While the city is paying out the initial costs of repairs, Romero said residents “will absolutely have to pay” for the repairs long-term through a tax-lien, which officials estimated would add up to $200 a month. 

The city is still giving CAMCO Homeowners Association, the current property manager, until Sept. 10 to potentially correct the issue, however Romero expressed skepticism they would do so. The former HOA is also under criminal investigation, according to Romero. 

“The city would accept that, assuming they were following all of our ordinances and rules for that type of work, we would absolutely work with them to do that,” Romero said. “To date, they haven't been able to come up with that, and we won't accept a patchwork proposal that doesn't fix the problem.” 

The mayor’s office has also been in contact with Gov. Joe Lombardo since the city was made aware of the problems with the water lines, and had several meetings including one on Tuesday to help navigate legal challenges and solutions. 

Romero said the city will work to address situations like the outdated water lines “proactively, rather than reactively” in the future to prevent similar situations. City officials are also working on a state bill draft aimed at addressing issues like the water lines through the creation of a Neighborhood Improvement District.