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Henderson County Fiscal Court gives first reading to $39.96 million 2026–27 budget
Summary
The Fiscal Court held a first reading of the proposed $39,955,332 2026–27 budget, discussed lower-than-expected coal-severance receipts and approved annual standing orders; the measure will return for subsequent readings if adjustments are needed.
County Treasurer Brenda Rider presented a proposed 2026–27 budget totaling $39,955,332.00 during the Henderson County Fiscal Court meeting on May 26.
Rider broke the package down by fund: General Fund $12,917,231; Road Fund $5,754,062; Jail Fund $10,016,388; LGEA Fund $3,646,498; State Grants $1,633,319; Federal Grants $2,500,000; Health Insurance $3,150,000; Opioid Settlement Fund $162,834; and smaller allocations including $100,000 for economic development and $45,000 for clerk permanent storage. Rider said the standing orders pre-approve monthly items such as payroll, utilities and insurance premiums.
Judge/Executive Brad Schneider told the court he and the treasurer are investigating why a quarterly coal-severance payment was smaller than expected but allowed the first reading to proceed so the county can meet procedural timelines. "We can move forward with the first reading but remain cognizant in case later adjustments need to be made," Schneider said.
Magistrate Puttman moved to approve the first reading of the budget and the standing orders; Magistrate Southard seconded. A roll-call vote was taken with Magistrates Berry, Starks, Tompkins, Puttman and Southard and Judge Schneider voting aye.
The ordinance (Ord. #26-5) will return for second reading and final adoption at a later Court meeting; officials said any modification necessitated by the coal-severance review will be considered before final passage.
