Henderson council approves HITCO budget after weeks of public outcry over spending and oversight

The Henderson City Council approved HITCO's June and July 2025 financials, its FY2025–26 program of work and the organization's proposed FY2025–26 budget following extensive public comment on the agency's spending and governance.

Why it matters: HITCO (the city's economic-development organization) is central to Henderson's business-attraction strategy. Public speakers raised questions about large line-item increases, use of fund balance and whether the council has been sufficiently exercising oversight; council members approved the budget at the meeting but postponed appointments to the HITCO board.

Residents and board members traded sharply different accounts about the organization. Brett Gardello, identified in public comment as HITCO's executive director, apologized for recent divisions and asked the council to approve the budget and scope of work so the organization could…