Carothers Receives Public Utilities Award

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A multi-state organization of municipal utilities has honored Clarence City Administrator Dennie Carothers with its Paul Jensen Individual Achievement Award.

The award, presented by the Missouri Public Utility Alliance (MPUA), recognizes an employee of an MPUA member who has been an active participant in the Alliance for at least five years, and who has accomplished special achievements for their utility.

“Dennie Carothers’ career of dedication to the citizens of Clarence mirrors the commitment he has shown to the entire public utility industry,” said John Twitty, President and CEO of MPUA.  “Dennie’s leadership has given success to Clarence, and also to all of MPUA’s hometown utilities.”

Dennie Carothers has been the City Administrator for the City of Clarence since 2016, having previously  served as its City Superintendent from 2007 to 2016. During his leadership at Clarence, the city completed a $3.9 million sewer collection system project that began in 2007. The project included more than 18,000 feet of new sewer main, and 16,000 feet of existing sewer that was mainlined, 75% of which was funded by grants. The city is also nearing completion of long-term upgrades for much of Clarence’s natural gas distribution system.

In 2010, Carothers oversaw major water main upgrades for the city. After a 15-year program of leak locations, water meter testing and meter change-outs, the city’s annual water losses dropped from 44% to about  5%. An annual gas loss that was over 10% is now about ½%.

Dennie has also focused on economic development, affordable housing, and broadband access. Under his leadership, the city successfully won grants that have funded public safety equipment, electric upgrades, and street work. A renewed safety focus for the city has reduced claims and lowered insurance premiums.

In leadership roles for MPUA, Carothers is beginning his 14th consecutive year as the chair of the Missouri Gas Commission, serving as the Commission’s chair since 2011. He has served on the MPUA board since 2007 and on its executive committee since 2009.

Carothers has previously been honored with MPUA’s Dan A. Watkins-Gary L. Whorton Personal Service Award in 2020, and the Special Mention Award in 2010.

The annual Alliance Awards are made in recognition of achievement and distinction among MPUA member hometown utilities.