Garbage and water rates to be increased

Hendersonville city residents shouldn’t expect any increase in their property tax, but could expect to pay $2 more a month for garbage collection and a five percent increase in their water bill.

During a budget planning session Thursday morning Hendersonville City Manager Bo Ferguson told council members there was no planned property tax increase. But he did mention increases in water service and trash collection.

The City Council spent most of Thursday morning reviewing its $30 million budget for 2008-09. The city’s current tax rate remains the same at 38 cents per $100 of property valuation.

The city’s sales tax revenue will drop significantly due to a revision in the method of sales tax distribution, coupled with the national economic downturn, Ferguson said.

Ferguson’s budget also showed three new firefighter positions, the purchase of eight new police vehicles and the addition of a Government Affairs Consultant position.

Other proposed allocations included: $10,000 to the Flat Rock Playhouse, $8,000 to the rescue squad, $68,000 for public transit, $20,000 for the Boys and Girls Club, $10,000 for the Chamber of Commerce and $10,000 for the Henderson County Heritage Museum.

The position of Government Affairs Consultant is a federal lobbyist who would work for Hendersonville attempting to get grants and other help from the federal government, Ferguson said.

Ferguson and the council also discussed the Seventh Avenue District and plans on how to improve the area.

Business owners and other advocates to revitalize Seventh Avenue requested money to erect decorative lamp posts, a part-time director, an entry sign, and landscaping. The council agreed to allocate $80,000 to allow some projects including $20,000 for a part-time director.