From Staff Reports

HENDERSONVILLE — The communications team for the City of Hendersonville “found a unique way to disclose information on the city’s proposed 2026 budget by posting a video on social media,” Asheville television station WLOS (News 13) reported on May 20.

To that end, on May 20, the Hendersonville NC City Government’s Facebook page “featured a video of city leaders dancing that essentially broke down the proposed budget for 2026,” News 13 stated.

“While some rates were unchanged, including no increase to tax rates, there were some increases in fees proposed, including a water rate increase of 8 percent.

“The video also said that “due to an unfunded federal mandate, there will be a $15 increase in vehicle registration renewal. This increase was added to ‘fund street and sidewalk repair and maintenance.’”

Other takeaways in the budget video were as follows:

• A wastewater rate increase of 9 percent.

• A stormwater rate increase of 1 percent.

• No change to the tax rate ($0.52 per $100 value)

• A $7 environmental services increase

• No change to the Main Street and Seventh Avenue tax rates ($0.21 per $100 value)

• No change in downtown parking fees

Next, Hendersonville City Council will hold a public hearing on the proposed budget at its next meeting — at 5:45 p.m. June 5 — in the 2nd Floor Meeting Room inside City Hall, located at 160 6th Avenue East in downtown Hendersonville.