The City of Henderson Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session Thursday, July 9, at Henderson City Hall. Alderman Jason Rhodes was absent.
The board approved amendments to the 2025-2026 Budget to account for grant projects and other line-item overruns with a unanimous roll call vote on the final reading.
Low bids were accepted on materials and paving to be used until Dec. 31, 2026. All were approved unanimously. Arrow Paving Co. Inc. had low bid for hot mix asphalt, asphalt binder, cold mix asphalt and asphalt milling. Wayne County Rock had low bid for 33C Limestone rock gravel, 57 Limestone washed rock gravel, Gabion rip-rap stone and Machine rip-rap stone. Shaw Concrete gave low bid for Screened red chert gravel and red fill sand and Southern Concrete gave low bid on 3500 PSI concrete, 4000 PSI concrete and Flowable fill concrete.
Brent Beshires, City Building and Zoning Official, presented a list of 16 structures within the city limits which are in need of repair or demolition. Beshires said letters had been sent to all property owners, and a meeting was held concerning the properties. The city has received a response from many but not all properties in question. Efforts are being made to identify the owners of the First Christian Church building at 815 White Ave., and to determine the City’s and community’s best direction for the building and property.
The following four properties (for which the city has not received a response from property owners) have been deemed “in need of demolition”: 473 A & B Barham Ave., 327 N. Franklin Ave., 343 E. Third St. and 725 Fourth. Demolition, of these four, was approved unanimously and the City will move forward with title search. Bids will be acquired on these structures and will be presented at a future meeting.
Property owners of the following six structures have responded to the city’s inquiry and have indicated plans to demolish: 500 Anderson Circle, 339 N. Franklin Ave., 466 and 498 Regina Dr., 200 Wilson School Road, 320 Laura St. and 1285 Old Jacks Creek Road. The City will give these property owners six months to complete demolition
The City has received word of property owners from this final group of properties that they plan to either repair the property or sell to someone else who will make repairs. This group includes: 262 N. Church Ave., 205 Dusty Road, 735 Hearn St., 732 White. Ave. and 425B Second St. These properties will be discussed at the January Board meeting for update on repairs or completion.
The City of Henderson Fire Department’s Engine One has been totaled by insurance after recent impact from a log truck while unoccupied on a wreck scene. The City’s settlement will be $746,499 ($750,000 minus the $500 deductible, and less $3,001 salvage value.) Fire Chief Doug Acred recommended purchase of a Fouts Commercial Pumper and extended front bumper from SunbeltFire of Alabama, for a total of $512,940.97. The purchase was approved unanimously. Delivery is expected within a couple of weeks. Engine One will be retained by the city for the salvage cost with plans to repair.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the following agenda items:
• Application for a Public Entity Partners Safety Partners Grant for employee safety with a 50% match. These funds will be used to purchase personal protective equipment for city employees.
• Replacement of the altitude valve on the east water tank was approved unanimously at a total of $13,487, through G & C Supply Co., Inc. of Atwood, with a lower total cost after consideration of freight charges and startup fee by the alternate bid.
• Appointment of Ellen Brown to the Planning Commission, filling a vacancy left by Marty Watson’s relocation from this area.
The City discussed exploration of a 4-day work week for the utility department; potential FEMA funds resulting from costs accrued during the 2026 winter ice storm; updates from Public Works Director Carter Scales regarding upcoming road work; and approved knuckle boom truck repairs; purchase of rifles for the police department; and repairs to the fire alarm/trouble alarm system at City Hall.
Praise was given to the Henderson | Chester County Chamber of Commerce’s contributions and work toward the local 250 celebration June 27, as well as all others who participated and attended.
This meeting is available to listen to online at www.chestercountyindependent.com
