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Henderson Council approves five-year loans for capital equipment and to complete William and Montgomery splash park
Summary
Council approved two five-year loans—one for FY26 capital equipment and another to finish the William and Montgomery Street splash park—after staff warned failing to secure financing could jeopardize existing grant funding for the park.
The Henderson City Council voted unanimously Aug. 11 to approve two five-year loans: one to finance approved FY26 capital equipment and a second to finish the William and Montgomery Street splash park.
Finance Director Joey Fuqua presented Resolution 25-29 for a short-term five-year loan to cover equipment purchases across departments. Councilmember Tami Walker moved approval, the motion was seconded by Councilmember Sara M. Coffey and the resolution passed with all members voting yes.
Manager Hassan T. Kingsberry and Recreation and Parks Director Kendrick Vann told council members that completing the William and Montgomery Park will require borrowing about $1.7 million to preserve prior grant funding; the PARTF reimbursement balance remaining is $282,000. Vann said the department had secured additional smaller grants (noted in the minutes as $7,500, $15,000 and $14,000 from various sources) and was pursuing quotes for a prefabricated pavilion with a target completion by December.
Mayor Melissa Elliott and Council discussed seeking roughly $659,000 from Vance County to cover its customary 45% share of park costs; Councilmembers were encouraged to speak with county commissioners. The Council approved Resolution 25-30 to secure a five-year loan for the splash park with a unanimous vote.
Why it matters: Staff warned that failing to secure the loan could endanger earlier grant commitments and slow downtown park development; the Council authorized short-term debt to move projects forward.
Next steps: Staff will obtain loan documents and proceed with procurement and construction planning; the minutes indicate staff will continue to pursue county contributions and finalize pavilion specifications.
