Hendersonville Public Safety Committee 6/9/2026

The Hendersonville Public Safety Committee met on June 9, 2026, to discuss several public safety issues including traffic calming measures near construction zones, tornado shelter options for trailer park residents, and concerns about pay grade changes within the fire department. A key procurement-related discussion involved the approval of ordinance 20268, which proposed adjusting pay grades for assistant police and fire chiefs to start at a higher step, with an estimated budget impact of approximately $20,250. The committee confirmed that funds were available within current department budgets to cover this adjustment. Additionally, the committee approved applying for a FEMA Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) to replace aging fire nozzles and purchase a $100,000 training simulator, with the city’s share estimated at $13,500. The meeting also addressed regulatory and enforcement challenges related to electric bikes and scooters, focusing on safety education rather than new ordinances. The committee discussed the implications of pay grade reclassifications on various fire department positions, emphasizing the need for equitable compensation aligned with responsibilities and market data. Motions to accept the agenda and approve the ordinance passed, with plans to seek waiver of the usual two-reading rule for timely implementation.