Civic Issues
Topics getting the most attention in Hendersonville public meetings, ranked by how frequently they are discussed.
10 issues with critical priority
Stop 30 and Drakes Creek Road Widening Construction Staging
Ward 6 aldermen have fielded complaints about Drakes Creek Road congestion; the city is deploying temporary traffic-count cameras it can move around the city. The Drakes Creek/Stop 30 intersection project is waiting on TDOT paperwork, with approval hoped for by early December.
Regional Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) Projects
TDOT is replacing the aging bridge on Gallatin Pike over Mansker Creek, and the city is formalizing its cooperation agreement.
Bradford-Berry House Restoration and Preservation Partnership
The city is partnering with the Bradford-Berry Preservation Society and adding informational signs to help residents learn more about the historic home behind Jim 'N Nicks.
Emergency Notification System Transition
Aldermen raised urgent concerns about repeated failures of the CodeRED severe weather notification system during recent storms. Leaders discussed exploring alternative platforms or bringing emergency alerting in-house.
City Drainage Issues and Engineering Compliance
Residents from Trucord Drive and Vulco Drive spoke about severe flooding and requested city help to clear blocked drainage ditches. Public Works staff agreed to inspect the area and report back.
Fiscal Year 2026-2027 City Budget and Tax Rate
City leaders reviewed the preliminary operating budget, which keeps property taxes flat but faces a budget squeeze due to higher state pension contribution requirements.
Winter Storm Cleanup and Infrastructure Recovery
City officials reported that cleanup costs from Winter Storm Fern have reached nearly $2 million, with over 95,000 cubic yards of debris collected. Contractors are expected to finish debris pickup within a week, and other infrastructure projects like LED streetlight conversions are underway.
Personnel Rules and Regulations Overhaul
The city updated its municipal personnel code to ensure compliance with state laws and standardize employment procedures. Aldermen debated several amendments regarding administrative authority, disciplinary rules, and educational pay incentives before passing the policy on second reading.
Establishment of Residential Impact Fees
The city adopted residential impact fees for roads and parks at $6,000 for single-family homes and $5,500 for multifamily units to help fund infrastructure growth. Developers and builders voiced concerns over housing affordability, while supporters argued new development should help cover its impact on public infrastructure.
Municipal Development Impact Fees
City staff and BOMA introduced a comprehensive impact fee study to help fund future infrastructure. Commissioners debated whether fees should apply to commercial and residential projects alike without pricing buyers out or hurting business recruitment.