The City of Hendersonville is comporting itself honorably. Unlike other jurisdictions, Hendersonville proceeded with its scheduled revaluation, even though the lower property values would help citizens, and not government, with cashflow. If the current economic recovery continues its current trajectory, Hendersonville revenues could be 10% lower next year. Sales tax revenues are expected to decline, while costs of operations and payroll should escalate.

To his laudable credit, City Manager Bo Ferguson remarked:

Staff has spent several years cutting the budget and building efficiencies, and now the low-hanging fruit is gone. We will need to have a conversation about services.

Please note, he didn’t say partnering, cost-sharing, raising fees, asking for a new tax, identifying new revenue streams, or any of their nefarious sidekicks.