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Henderson City Council hears explanation of $11 million preliminary budget gap, schedules follow-up session
Summary
Council members and staff outlined that the $11 million figure represents departmental 'wish list' requests before reductions and that the proposed FY27 budget would still need about $5 million from fund balance absent new revenue; residents urged no tax increase at a public hearing.
Mayor Melissa Elliott convened the Henderson City Council on May 21 for a special called meeting and public hearing on the proposed FY27 budget amid public concern about a reported $11 million shortfall. Finance Director Joey Fuqua told the Council the $11 million number "represents the total of all departmental "wish list" budget requests before reductions, NOT the final deficit." Fuqua said the recommended budget still requires using about $5 million in fund balance without new revenue.
Councilmember Tami Walker repeatedly pressed staff for clarity about when and how the city reached the current position and whether early warnings were given. Fuqua said he began warning the Council in 2024 that fund balance depletion was becoming unsustainable and that the city needed new revenue. During public comments, residents urged the Council not to raise property taxes and demanded clear, line-by-line budget information. The Council agreed to hold another budget session; City Manager Paylor Spruill said he would review the approved budget calendar and share dates with Council.
