Hendersonville's City Council Meeting: Navigating Community Needs and Financial Challenges - TribPapers
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Hendersonville’s City Council Meeting: Navigating Community Needs and Financial Challenges

City Council Members heard from several presenters during the January 8th session. Screenshot.

Hendersonville – The City of Hendersonville’s recent council meeting highlighted pressing community issues and financial concerns, reflecting the city’s commitment to transparency and engagement. With a focus on recreational facilities, recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene, and fiscal responsibility, the discussions underscored the importance of collaboration among stakeholders.

Addressing Local Needs

Public comments at the meeting set the tone for discussions, with residents voicing their concerns about various local issues. Joshua Lardy, Chief Compliance Officer for Apotheca, emphasized the need for regulatory frameworks in the hemp industry, stating, “We want what’s best for our customers and to make sure that the rest of the industry does as well; this was achieved through strict rules and regulations which we’ve demanded from our legislators and have not received currently.” His remarks highlighted the importance of accountability in emerging industries.

Katie Breimer, chair of Support Our Swimmers (SOS), passionately advocated for a year-round indoor swimming complex, noting, “Our community is sorely lacking in swim facilities, especially one that is open to our richly diverse population.” This call for action reflects a growing demand for inclusive recreational spaces that cater to all community members.

Breimer further articulated the broader implications of such facilities, stating, “We can and should do better for our citizens; recreation is just one category that a year-round pool provides.” Her vision emphasizes the role of local government in prioritizing public health and wellness through accessible recreational options.

Omar Zafra addressed the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, urging municipal support for debris cleanup. He expressed hope for collective healing, saying, “I hope the city can help our community by finding a solution on the debris cleanup so we can start the healing process.” This plea underscores the emotional and physical toll on residents following the disaster.

Ron Davis from Love & Respect Community for Recovery & Wellness discussed community recovery efforts post-Hurricane Helene. He emphasized a collaborative approach to recovery, stating, “We believe that we support not help; help is to do it for you, support is to do it alongside of you.” This perspective highlights the importance of empowering individuals while providing necessary assistance.

Davis also reinforced the idea that recovery is achievable, asserting, “Recovery is possible; we play well with others, we don’t have an ‘S’ on our chest trying to do everything personally.” His message inspires confidence in collective action and shared responsibility within the community.

The meeting also addressed ongoing challenges faced by vulnerable populations. Davis noted, “We’re connecting with entire families, some folks still living in tents where their houses are unlivable,” emphasizing the need for continued outreach and support services.

Financial Oversight: Ensuring Accountability

The fiscal year 2024 audit presentation by Travis Keber from Gold Killian CPA firm revealed critical insights into the city’s financial health. Keber emphasized the independence of auditors in ensuring accountability, stating, “Your auditors work for you; they do not work for staff.” This statement reinforces the importance of transparency in municipal finances.

Keber also warned about fund balance levels, saying, “We need more fund balance to stay above the 25% threshold; this is a risk that we cannot ignore.” His remarks highlight potential vulnerabilities in city finances and underscore the necessity of proactive measures to ensure financial stability.

The council’s commitment to addressing financial concerns was evident as they discussed re-establishing utility late fees and disconnections effective March 1, 2025. The proposal aims to encourage timely payments and reduce delinquent accounts while providing residents with adequate notice to address outstanding balances.

In response to community feedback regarding infrastructure needs, the council discussed submitting a RAISE grant application for the Above the Mud project. This initiative aims to improve infrastructure and connectivity while addressing flooding issues. The council’s proactive approach reflects a commitment to enhancing public services and fostering community engagement.

As part of their legislative priorities resolution, council members reviewed proposed goals for the upcoming session. Mayor V was appointed as the voting delegate for these priorities at the North Carolina League of Municipalities. The council’s focus on infrastructure funding and housing development incentives demonstrates their commitment to addressing local governance challenges through legislative action.