Henderson City Council adopts FY 2020-21 budget, clears demolition order and approves water and facility measures

Henderson City Council on June 8 adopted the Fiscal Year 2020-21 budget and approved a series of measures affecting public works, code enforcement and regional water planning during a virtual meeting.

City Manager Edward T. Blackmon summarized the budget process and told the council there would be no utility rate increases and no change to property tax or sanitation fees under the adopted plan. Blackmon said health insurance was adjusted and the budget includes a $1,500 bonus for each full-time staff member. Finance Director Joey Fuqua told the council taxable valuations had risen to $829 million from $805 million a year earlier, and Council approved Ordinance 20-21 by recorded vote.

Council also authorized demolition of a long-vacant structure at 224 Zene Street after Development Services Director Corey Williams described code compliance efforts dating to 2019. Williams said the rear roof was compromised, estimated demolition at about $8,000 and said the tax value is approximately $11,000. Council approved Ordinance 20-22 to authorize demolition; the minutes note the owner was informed and had an opportunity to participate remotely.

A proposed amendment to the sanitation ordinance that would have limited curbside collection to 10 bags per stop was discussed but tabled. Public Works Director Andy Perkinson said frequent use of prohibited black bags slows collection because crews must inspect contents; council members said residents should be notified and outreach conducted before implementing a fee or limit, and they voted to table Ordinance 20-23 for further review.

On regional water planning, Blackmon said partners in the Kerr Lake Regional Water System asked to delay implementation of a new financial model developed by Stantec until late 2021 to allow Warren County and Oxford time to budget. Council approved Resolution 20-40 to defer the new rate structure for 12 months.

City Engineer Clark Thomas described a needed change at the Henderson Water Reclamation Facility after unsuitable fill material was discovered at the anaerobic digesters. Thomas said an engineer recommended adding wicking drains; the city agreed to cover engineering costs and move $3,187 from contingency to fund the work as a long-term solution, and Council approved Change Order #1 under Ordinance 20-25.

The consent agenda included acceptance of a 2020 Bureau of Justice Assistance Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Funding grant for the Police Department to purchase protective equipment and supplies, plus tax releases and routine items; Council approved the consent agenda with several items removed for separate consideration.

Two written public comments were read on demolition-related matters. Claude Simmons requested a 60-day delay related to a notice he said he received late; Zulu Nwankwo and his mother, Rosemary, said they had met requirements for renovations at 726 S. College Street. City Attorney D. Rix Edwards said the Zoom meeting had been compromised, asked IT to remove inappropriate content and noted owners can seek a temporary restraining order if they dispute Council action.

Mayor Eddie Ellington and City Manager Blackmon also confirmed the city had received $200,000 from the county for COVID-19–related activities and outlined plans to consider limited reopening of facilities after July 4 if safety protocols allow. The meeting adjourned at 7:04 p.m.