A proposed utility deal in Harlan is raising concerns among local leaders, especially about how it may affect residents and billing systems.
Why the Mayor Is Concerned
Joe Meadors has spoken out against the plan for Kentucky American Water to purchase the Black Mountain Utility District (BMUD).
He called the move a “step backward” for the county. One major issue is that BMUD currently provides a single bill covering water, garbage, and sewer services. After the takeover, residents would receive three separate bills every month.
Impact on Residents and Payments
Meadors warned that this change could lead to lower payment rates, especially for garbage and sewer services. Earlier, when services were billed separately, only about 30–35% of people paid their garbage bills. Now, with a combined bill, payment rates are much higher—around 85–90%.
He also fears this could increase illegal dumping, which was more common in the past.
Challenges for Local Administration
The mayor said the change will also create more work for local officials. Instead of handling one payment from BMUD, the city may have to manage 600 to 800 individual transactions every month.
However, he added that the county could save money by not paying a third party for collections. This saving might help hire staff and upgrade systems to manage the extra workload.
Possible Solution Ahead
Meadors said he has discussed the issue with Dan Mosley. They hope to push Kentucky American Water to combine all services into a single bill again in the future.
But this change cannot happen until after the deal is completed, which may take a few months.
Financial Struggles of BMUD
Despite concerns, Meadors admitted that BMUD is in serious financial trouble. The utility district is already months behind on payments, and without this sale, it may not have survived much longer.
