Development News for Henderson, Texas

Henderson City Council Approves Main Street Board Reappointments and New Members

The city council reviewed item number five concerning the reappointment of Main Street Board members. Ben Patterson, Lisa McConnell, and Kelly Baumgartner were recommended for reappointment to two-year terms. Two new appointments were recommended: Donovan Dixon for a two-year term and Bunny Hayes for a one-year term to fill vacancies. The council discussed the process for attracting more volunteers and ensuring diverse participation on committees. New bylaws approved in January limit board members to three two-year terms (six years maximum) before requiring a one-year hiatus. The council approved the recommended reappointments and new appointments.

Henderson City Council Reviews 30-Year Franchise Agreement Renewal with SWEPCO

The Henderson City Council considered the first reading of Ordinance 2026-05-02, which grants Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO) a 30-year non-exclusive right and franchise. The existing 30-year ordinance has expired. SWEPCO pays a franchise fee based on a rate multiplied by kilowatt usage within the city. This fee generates approximately $400,000 annually for the city, with 50% allocated to the general fund and 50% to the street and drainage fund. The rate remains the same as the previous agreement, which was last doubled per legislation around 2007. This fee is essentially a pass-through to ratepayers. The ordinance is a first reading, with no action taken. The second reading and adoption are scheduled for the next meeting.

Henderson Approves Performance Agreement for New Home Construction in Scout Crossing

The City Council considered item number seven regarding a new performance agreement between HEDCO and Brasso Development LLC for the construction of a new single-family home on lot 20 of the Scout Crossing subdivision. The agreement stipulates that the home must be offered for sale at not less than $250,000. The estimated construction cost is between $300,000 and $310,000. Brasso Development must present plans and specifications to HEDCO before construction begins. This agreement is the only performance agreement currently in place for Brasso Development, though future lots could be offered if this project is fulfilled successfully. Concerns were raised about ensuring the quality of construction to justify the minimum sale price, leading to an amendment to reference construction details and quality standards as an exhibit to the agreement. The council approved the agreement with these amendments.

Henderson City Council Approves Resolution for Downtown Revitalization Grant Application Support

The Henderson City Council considered approving Resolution 2026-05-01 for administrative services related to an application for the 2026 Downtown Revitalization Program CDBG grant. The grant application was not successful in making the top three, but the city is close enough to potentially be awarded funding if one of the top applicants fails to submit required documentation or meet deadlines. The council also resolved to pursue funding through the 2027 revitalization plan if this year's application does not result in an award. The resolution was approved to ensure preparedness should the city be bumped up in the funding list.