Communications, bridges, and buildings on the county podcast

Hannigan's Notebook

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Communications, bridges, and buildings on the county podcast

Sep 03, 2020

(Courtesy photo: County Judge Wade McKinney.)

Note: This interview was recorded in the Henderson County Courthouse Annex Wednesday, Sept. 2.

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We focused on infrastructure projects in this week’s podcast.

Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney talked about the importance of the county’s new communications system, including why Commissioners decided to buy their own rather than pay for it as a service.

Bridges and buildings have also gotten some attention recently, which McKinney explains.

The Breakdown (Quotes from Judge McKinney)

-- Commissioners approved the County Budget. (1:06)

Commissioners Court approved the new budget and tax rate. The tax rate was lowered a little more than 1.5 cents per $100 valuation. The new tax rate will be .462153.

“Our theory has always been that we be as conservative as possible and keep that rate flat.”

-- Update on the new communications system. (5:52)

The county is installing a new digital communication system that will impact first responders throughout Henderson County. The system is costing $4.5 million. The contract calls for the system to be operational in March 2021, but is ahead of schedule.

“It is a four-site, P25, digital system that will guarantee 95 percent coverage from the hip with our radio communication.”
“We’ve actually paid for this out of reserve monies so that the communications system is not an item hanging on the tax rate.”

-- Infrastructure and bridges. (14:30)

The majority of bridges in Henderson County are in Pct. 3. County bridges have been worked on every year. State bridges around Cedar Creek Lake have also seen a lot of work in recent years. Buildings are also a part of the County’s infrastructure, and Commissioners are beginning to look at the Courthouse.

“Henderson County for the last 15 years has stayed very proactive with its bridges.”
“In the upcoming budget, the county set aside money to specifically begin addressing the courthouse.”

-- Weekly COVID update. (21:20)

The COVID trends in Henderson County have remained level over the past week. Judge McKinney does not expect the Governor’s Office to relax restrictions until after seeing how the state handles Labor Day.