1950
The current Searcy Board of Public Utilities was created by Ordinance #305, passed by the City Council of Searcy, Arkansas, on September 13, 1948. The original Board members were E.P. Pyeatt, Hubert Smith, E.O. Yancey, Cal Aclin, and R.G. Deener. Throughout the years, the following individuals have served on the Board:
Under Ordinance #305, the Searcy Board of Public Utilities was granted the powers authorized by the laws of the State of Arkansas regarding the operation of a waterworks and sewage system. The Ordinance also authorized the purchase of the Searcy waterworks system from the White County Water Company, Inc. Since then, the Board has been operating the water and sewer system as the Searcy Water and Sewer System.
Before the city purchased of the White County Water Company Inc., the system faced challenges in meeting the water demands of the community. However, the Board took immediate action and embarked on a systematic upgrade of the system to accommodate growth and prepare for the future. In 1949, the first major upgrade included the addition of a 12" water line, two new filters, and a settling basin. This marked the beginning of a progressive attitude that continues to this day.
The Board and Utility Management have always consisted of civic-minded individuals with a commitment to providing excellent service to our customers while proactively planning for future growth and development in our community. In 1949, the system had 1,505 water customers and assets totaling $738,184.66. As of June 30, 2011, the system serves approximately 10,150 active water customers, with assets totaling $62,140,613.00.
The Searcy Water system now provides drinking water to the majority of White County either directly or indirectly through wholesalers. In 1949, there was one wholesaler, White County Pipeline Company, Inc. Currently, Searcy Water sells to North White County Water Assn., Four Mile Hill Water Assn., Southeast White County Water Assn., Southwest White County Water Assn., Kensett Water System, Judsonia Water System, and Northeast White County Water Public Facilities Board.
The treatment plant capacity is currently around 15 million gallons per day, with a large expansion project underway to increase capacity to 19 million gallons per day. The wastewater treatment plant has also undergone several expansions and changes over the years, including a location change. Originally situated near Hayes Street, it was replaced by a lagoon system in the early 1960s and then by a treatment plant in 1986 at its current location. The current plant has undergone retrofits and upgrades and is currently rated at 5.0 million gallons per day.
1950
