Pedersen appointed Marion water operator of record

West Memphis utility director taking on new responsibilities

By JOHN RECH

news@theeveningtimes.com

Marion resident and West Memphis Utility General Manager Todd Pedersen took on responsibilities overseeing the city of Marion waterworks. Pedersen announced during his November meeting with West Memphis utilities commissioners his new part-time temporary responsibilities for the Marion water department.

“I wanted you all to know I’ve picked up this additional responsibility before you heard about it on the streets,” said Pedersen.

Pedersen holds all the proper state required oversight credentials. New Marion Water Department Jerry Kelley continued training and testing to gain all the required certificates to run the facilities on a permanent basis. Pedersen accepted the assignment after advisement from City Attorney Mike Stephenson and consent of Mayor Marco McClendon.

“The Marion operator retired,” said Pedersen. “I will be the operator of record. It’s temporary. The state set a definite timeline, a deadline. I’m going to be helping a neighboring community out. We have done this before and helped other communities.”

Pedersen said Marion had personnel capable of running the water and waste water system.

“I’ll just be there looking over their shoulder,” said Pedersen. “They do not have that licensed person since the retirement. I hope the licensing requirements are satisfied quickly. It’s a gesture of good will between the communities. We all have to work together to keep things going.”

Pedersen was set to draw a part-time salary from the city of Marion for his oversight expertise.

PEDERSON