Henderson City Council adopts FY 2023–24 budget on 3–2 vote
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Summary
The Henderson City Council approved Ordinance 23-14 adopting the FY 2023–24 budget after deliberations and budget work sessions; the measure passed 3–2 with Councilmembers Rainey and Daeke voting no. The budget includes a $1,500 employee bonus in lieu of a COLA and maintains full city-paid health insurance.
The Henderson City Council adopted the city’s fiscal year 2023–24 budget on June 12, approving Ordinance 23-14 by a 3–2 vote.
City Manager Edward T. Blackmon told the council the body had met in budget work sessions on May 15, 18 and 23 and held a required budget public hearing on May 30. He said employees would not receive cost-of-living (COLA) raises this year and described a $1,500 one-time bonus as a means of providing some compensation.
The budget maintains the city’s policy of covering 100% of employee health insurance; Blackmon said the city typically budgets a 10–20% increase for health insurance costs in a new fiscal year. Councilmember Garry D. Daeke raised a question specifically about the $1,500 bonus during deliberations; Councilmember D. Michael Rainey asked about the health-insurance assumptions.
After debate, Councilmember Lamont Noel moved approval of the ordinance, with Councilmember Ola Thorpe-Cooper seconding. The ordinance passed with Councilmembers Noel, Thorpe-Cooper and Jason A. Spriggs voting yes; Councilmembers Rainey and Daeke voted no. Councilmembers Marion B. Williams, Sara M. Coffey and Melissa Elliott were absent.
Ordinance 23-14 was filed in the Ordinance Book (Book 10) at the meeting. The council did not adopt additional compensation changes beyond the approved one-time bonus; the budget and any implementing administrative actions will take effect in accordance with the City’s normal procedures.