City reports clean audit, HPD chief honors Holley

The city of Henderson Board of Mayor and Aldermen held a meeting at Henderson City Hall on Thursday, Jan. 9. Aldermen Mark Barber and Michael Phelps were absent.
The city of Henderson Police Chief Gary Davidson honored his Administrative Assistant Adrienne Holley at the meeting. Holley was recognized for her work on the “Christmas with a Cop” program.
Matt Wood of ATA presented the “June 30, 2024, City and Utility Department” Audit Report. The reports from 2023-2024 found a clean audit throughout the results. He discussed how the company purchased assets this year and paid off $300,000 to $400,000 of long-term debt and stated that he expects more debt to be paid off at a later date. The unrestricted net position increased $1.5 million overall, which includes water, sewer and gas. Revenues in governmental and business-type activities exceeded expenses by $1.69 million and $1.49 million from 2023 to 2024. During the current fiscal year, the city of Henderson’s net position increased $3.18 million. The growth resulted primarily from the increase in capital assets. The expenses included public safety, public works – health, culture, welfare and recreation, industrial development, debt service, water/sewer and gas. The total expenses for 2024 were $9,480,349, and total revenue was $12,660,515 for governmental and business-type activities.
The board discussed the repairs needed to the Deanburg Water Pump Station. The city of Henderson Utility Director Darryl Green stated that they would not know if they needed to either rebuild or purchase a new part until it was taken apart. If they chose to purchase a new part, they would have to wait for it to come in, which could take a long time. The solution he gave was to purchase a new pump, take it apart to address repairs and, if not needing to replace, keep the new pump as a spare since they do not have a spare pump at this time. Half of the cost would be settled by insurance, and the pump cost would be around $7,240 or possibly less. It was approved with all voting in favor of. The next item on the agenda was the discussion of repairs needed for the Fire Department Ladder Truck. Mayor Terry Bell stated that the truck was currently in Memphis being examined for repairs. He asked the board to review this for the next meeting when the information they need would be available. The city of Henderson Fire Chief Doug Acred came before the board asking to add two part-time employees. “I would like to see a schedule first,” said Alderwoman Donna Butler. Fire Chief Acred explained that the part-time workers would be on an hourly basis for Wednesday and Saturday and that the schedule often changes. They would recruit from the volunteer firefighters they already have. He said that some of his current workers were pulling 24–32-hour shifts. The additional employees would help to relieve the others and for when workers may have to miss work. Alderwoman Butler and Alderman Keith Smith voted no. Alderman Buel Maness and Alderman Jason Rhodes voted yes. The tiebreaker was made by the city of Henderson Mayor Bell. He voted yes, approving the request. Alderwoman Butler asked to meet with the Fire Chief to go over the schedule later. Police Chief Davidson spoke to the board about how the department was able to put $2,208 in the drug fund from vehicle sales. There was $12,854 reimbursed back to the account that they had borrowed from to purchase new vehicles at $12,000. The department added interest when returning what they had borrowed. He discussed the need to update their current hand guns. This upgrade would be specifically for guns and holsters. The hand guns would have been shooting more accurately and more proficient which helps with safety concerns. It would be a trade-in and purchase to upgrade, but the department had a cost of $7,826 left. Assistant Chief of Police Tim Crowe explained how the department applied for a Cost-Sharing Grant of $12,000 that is on the way. This grant pays for any cost incurred from sending their new officers to the academy for training. The department applied and was approved. The police department’s plan was to borrow $7,826 to upgrade their pistols and holsters. When the grant arrives, they plan to put $12,000 back into the account. It was approved unanimously. Utility Director Green asked the board to make a motion for a new copy machine for the Utility Department. This machine would cost $11,000, and the money would be used for the category of “General Office Equipment.” All voted in favor of approval. The next Board of Mayor and Aldermen Meeting will be 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 13, in the upstairs council chamber of Henderson City Hall.