Eddie Matthews and John Harris were recognized at the Aug. 13 City Board meeting for volunteer service at the city animal shelter. Matthews has completed construction and renovation projects at the shelter facilities, with the help of Harris. Mayor Terry Bell stated he felt it was appropriate to recognize people when they do good work. Pictured are, from left, Harris, Matthews, Mayor Bell, Alderwoman Donna Butler and Natalie Skeeters, shelter volunteer. Photo by Holly Roeder, Independent
The City of Henderson Board of Mayor and Aldermen met in regular session Thursday, August 13, 2026, in the Council Chamber of Henderson City Hall. Alderman Michael Phelps was absent.
The meeting began with a presentation to local volunteer Eddie Matthews. City of Henderson Mayor Terry Bell recognized Matthews – who in turn included John Harris – for volunteer service through construction and renovations completed at the city animal control facilities. Animal shelter volunteer Natalie Skeeters also attended the presentation.
In consideration of Municipal Zoning Ordinance text pertaining to the use of Mini-Storage facilities, to allow the use of storage containers with restrictions in B-1 and B-4 Business zones, the Board unanimously chose to return the proposed amendment to the Planning Commission for clarification and restructuring. According to Brent Beshires, Planning and Zoning Official, a local business owner recently questioned the possibility of renting out Conex boxes on-site as storage containers. The proposed ordinance was discussed with attention to stacking, sizes, location on property, relation to access for emergency vehicles and landscaping/drainage issues.
The Board voted unanimously to move forward with an application to TDOT to jump start the West Main Street widening project from Church Avenue to US Highway 45, to include addition of a turning lane and sidewalks, and potentially including replacement of an aged cast iron water main. The resolution was approved, making money available for the program and the City will apply to TDOT through all programs available under TDOT Statewide Partnership Program, Multi-Modal Program and/or Surface Transportation Program. Available money includes the City’s current balance of Surface Transportation Program $304,991.26, plus approximately $95,000 to be received over next two years, bringing the total just shy of $500,000. The project is not expected to begin for several years; however, City of Henderson Mayor Terry Bell said the move is preparing for the future. Each year as traffic increases, costs escalate, Bell said. “If you don’t manage the growth, it manages you.”
In other agenda and business items, the Board unanimously approved:
• Amendment to the animal control fee schedule – impoundment fee to retrieve a pet from animal control is $25 with an additional $5 per day for each day housed (if not redeemed the same day as pickup). Adoption fee increases to $60 and now includes spay/neuter as well as basic vetting.
• The City will move forward with a downtown façade improvement grant. The total potential grant amount is $300,000, to be distributed locally, with multiple businesses expressing an interest in participation. Improvement plans must be approved through downtown design review. The City plans to participate through Streetscape and Wayfinder signs, including the installation of a large clock.
• Application for a Public Entity Partners (the City’s insurance carrier) Property Conservation Grant was approved with a 50% local match and a maximum grant amount of $4,000. Funds will be used to replace/repair fencing and gates on city properties.
• The City historically pays 90% of the individual employee’s policy of the highest quality plan, which is approved at $888 for 2027. City employees’ Health insurance State plan increases by an average of 11.28%. New plans are also offered with higher deductibles and lower copays. The $888 would be contributed across the board regardless of which plan employees choose.
• City travel rates increase for mileage and meals, from the previous rate of $.55 per mile to $.70 per mile. Meals and incidentals increased to $65 per day from the previous rate of $55 per day.
• Amendments to Henderson Municipal Code Title 1, Chapter 2 “Mayor” and Chapter 3 “City Recorder,” to more accurately reflect duties currently being provided by holders of those titles, and providing written authority to perform these duties.
• Budget amendment in relation to the replacement of the Fire Engine, reflecting the insurance payout from Engine 1 and the purchase of the replacement engine. Additionally, the Board voted to accept low bid from Safe Industries in amount of $5,446.84 for aerial fire truck repairs and maintenance as well as a quote to troubleshoot other issues. Finally, the Board approved acquisition of bids to repair Engine 1.
• A Water Plant project change order will include additional control systems not in the original bid. This is in continuation of ARP projects, which must be completed by September 30. The approval was requested, and granted, providing that ARP funding is determined to still be available – a potential $120,000 remains to be spent.
• Additional parking at Gene Record Park will be created with a gravel lot due to increased traffic as more programs are held at the park and more people are using the park. Beshires later noted that due to city regulations, the gravel would have to be temporary with intention to pave.
• Approved requisition of a quote from City Signs for repair of the Henderson sign coming into the west end of town.
Regarding the practice of hanging of banners across city streets, board members discussed replacing this procedure with post mounted options in three locations on Main St. A decision was made to create guidelines for use of sign locations, to further discuss at a future date.
In other news, the City received a letter from the State Comptroller, indicating the 2026-2027 budget was received and approved.
