Henderson Council approves CARES Act spending plan with split votes over McGregor Hall and downtown Wi‑Fi

Henderson City Council approved a Use of Funds schedule for CARES Act grant money on Oct. 12, 2020, approving allocations totaling $459,733 after discussion about priorities and oversight.

City Manager Edward T. Blackmon presented the proposed allocation and explained that an ordinance to accept the CARES funds had been approved on Aug. 10; the resolution on Oct. 12 sets how those funds would be used. The proposed breakdown: up-fit public facilities $389,733; McGregor Hall financial assistance $30,000; downtown Wi‑Fi $10,000; virtual meeting/technology improvements $25,000; personal protective equipment $5,000 (total $459,733). Blackmon emphasized that CARES funds cannot be used for utility-bill assistance.

Council members debated the allocations. Council Member Marion B. Williams and others supported downtown Wi‑Fi to help students and residents without home internet access; Police Chief Marcus Barrow warned officials that library Wi‑Fi previously drew large numbers of children and raised considerations about security and off‑duty officer costs. Council Member Melissa Elliott questioned whether McGregor Hall’s $30,000 request was the best use of limited one-time funds and suggested splitting the $30,000 request into a smaller direct grant plus funds for policing or other supports.

Blackmon said the County has indicated it would contribute $50,000 to McGregor Hall and that a separate $900,000 grant, if awarded, could extend downtown Wi‑Fi for an additional one to two years. Council did not direct a specific follow-up plan on Wi‑Fi monitoring at the meeting; the minutes note several members voted yes reluctantly. The resolution passed with five yes votes (Daeke, Thorpe‑Cooper, Spriggs, Williams, Burnette) and one no (Elliott).