Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer DistrictVotes to Expand Board and Change Name

Jersey and Union townships will join the new Licking Regional Water District.

Licking County — The Southwest Licking Community Water and Sewer District (SWLCWSD) has announced significant changes in its governance structure and name. The Board of Trustees voted yesterday to expand the board to include representatives from Jersey and Union townships, a move that will strengthen the district's commitment to equitable representation across its growing service area.

In tandem with this expansion, trustees also voted to change the district’s name to Licking Regional Water District. This rebranding effort reflects the district’s evolving mandate to address the water and sewer infrastructure needs brought on by ongoing economic development throughout Licking County.

“The new direction established by our trustees reflects the district’s mission to smartly respond to our region’s development needs while continuing to improve the services and value we provide to our customers,” SWLCWSD Executive Director Jim Roberts said. “The improvements to our trustee structure and eligibility requirements demonstrate our commitment to aligning our board with the customers we serve.”

Rebranding to Licking Regional Water District underscores the district’s broader regional focus. As economic growth continues to shape the landscape of Licking County, the district aims to ensure that its name accurately represents its service area. 

In total, changes to the SWLCWSD governance structure and trustee eligibility include:

• Jersey and Union townships will join Etna and Harrison townships and the city of Pataskala as appointing authorities. 

• The district’s service area will expand to include Jersey and Union townships.

• Future trustees must reside within and be eligible to receive services from the district.

• Future trustees must not be current elected officials or employees of the appointing authorities. 

• Appointments will carry four-year terms.

• New appointment terms will be staggered, with Union Township having an initial three-year term.

• Future terms will begin on January 1. 

• Terms of existing trustees will be extended until December 31.  

The new governance structure and updated name must be approved by the Licking County Court of Common Pleas through an amendment to the district’s 1995 organizational petition. The district’s legal team is currently preparing the amendment to file before the court, which will schedule a hearing on the matter after a four-week public notice period. 

“As we move forward with these changes, our focus will be on ensuring that all future steps are collaborative, transparent, and to the benefit of all of our customers,” Roberts said. “We look forward to working with our current board members, representatives from Jersey and Union townships, and the court to complete this process.”

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