March 25, 2026 - Hendersonville City Council Meeting

Hendersonville City Council Meeting Recap – March 25, 2026

On March 25, 2026, the Hendersonville City Council convened for its regular monthly meeting, addressing a broad range of topics impacting our community. The discussions centered on vital infrastructure improvements, environmental sustainability initiatives, and managing the costs associated with modernizing our billing systems. This recap provides a clear overview of what was discussed, the decisions made, and what residents can expect moving forward.

Investing in Our Future: Stormwater Infrastructure & Environmental Services

A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to planning for our city's future, particularly concerning stormwater management and environmental services. The Council unanimously approved a 20-year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) totaling $31 million, outlining key projects like the Wash Creek 06 Phase 1 and Lower Mud Creek Restoration Project. These projects are crucial for protecting our community from flooding, improving water quality, and enhancing the natural beauty of Hendersonville. To prepare for potential funding shortfalls should grant applications not be fully successful, the Council voted to consider a $1 increase in the monthly stormwater fee for residents (from $8 to $9) and businesses. This would help build a financial buffer for critical infrastructure projects. The Council also approved an increase in the annual transfer to the capital reserve fund from $150,000 to $300,000.

Discussions also revolved around the city’s five-year Environmental Services Plan, which aims to improve trash, recycling, and yard waste management. Residents can expect enhanced service levels thanks to the hiring of “floater” staff, a transition to every-other-week yard waste pickup, and efforts to prevent excessive brush piles. The city is also implementing RFID tagging for trash and recycling bins, a process that's underway but facing some delays. A potential challenge on the horizon is Henderson County’s proposed changes to their solid waste funding plan, which could impact our city's costs. The Council will continue to monitor this situation closely and explore options to minimize any negative effects on Hendersonville residents.

Modernizing Billing & Managing Costs

The Council also addressed the ongoing transition to digital billing and the rising costs of credit card processing fees. The city has made significant strides in encouraging residents to switch to electronic billing, resulting in a 46% reduction in printed bills since November 2023. However, the cost of processing credit card payments is projected to increase substantially in the coming years, potentially reaching $550,000 annually by 2030. To manage these rising costs, the Council is exploring options with Invoice Cloud and will discuss potential solutions at a future workshop meeting. They also directed staff to investigate alternative printing companies, and work to integrate SDF payments into City Works PLL.

What's Next? Key Action Items & Upcoming Discussions

Several key action items emerged from the meeting, requiring ongoing attention and future discussion:

• Stormwater Fee Review: The proposed $1 increase in the stormwater fee will be further considered during upcoming budget workshops.
• Grant Applications: The city will continue pursuing grant opportunities to fund capital projects, particularly for Wash Creek 06 Phase 1 and the Lower Mud Creek Restoration Project.
• Solid Waste Plan Monitoring: The Council will closely monitor Henderson County’s proposed solid waste funding plan and its potential impact on our city.
• Credit Card Fee Solutions: The Council will explore options for managing credit card processing fees with Invoice Cloud.
• Staffing Needs: The city will continue efforts to fill open positions within the Solid Waste Division.

The March 25th City Council meeting demonstrated a commitment to proactive planning and responsible financial management. These discussions and decisions will directly impact the quality of life for Hendersonville residents, ensuring a more resilient, sustainable, and efficient community for years to come. Residents are encouraged to stay informed about these ongoing initiatives by visiting the city's website and attending future council meetings.