Water, sewer districts complete merger

The merger between the Northwestern Water and Sewer District and Henry County Regional Water and Sewer District has been completed
Petitions for changes in both districts’ boards of trustees were approved by the Wood County Common Pleas Court and the Henry County Common Pleas Court.
“The merger between these two districts offers improved water quality, efficient and affordable long-term operations, and allows expanded economic development opportunity in Henry County,” said Jerry Greiner, president of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District.
Both districts needed to petition the courts to change their board structures.
The new district will add a 10th seat to its current nine-seat board. The 10th board member will be appointed by the Henry County Commissioners to serve a three-year term.
The Village of McClure will be added to the district’s current 13-member municipalities and Providence Township in Lucas County will be added to the district’s current 20 township members.
The municipal members jointly nominate and name three board members, as do the township members. The remaining three board members are named by the Wood County Commissioners.
The district will now serve approximately 500 additional customers, primarily in the Village of McClure.
The merger increases the district’s territory to most of Henry County plus Providence Township in Lucas County.
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District has been overseeing maintenance, operations, billing, and customer service since July upon the request of the Henry County Regional Water and Sewer District.
“This merger makes sense because The Northwestern Water and Sewer District has the resources to serve a large territory and has already improved water and sewer service for Henry County residents,” said Amy Behrman, clerk treasurer of the Henry County district.
The Northwestern Water and Sewer District delivers water and sewer services to more than 20,000 customers in Wood, Sandusky, Hancock and now Henry counties.