School board approves 0.8-cent tax increase
The Henderson County Board of Education approved a 0.8-cent increase for its property tax rate for the 2025-26 school year, according to a release from Henderson County Schools.
The new rate is now 68.2 cents per $100 of assessed valuation, said the release. It’s a 1.1% increase, said HCS.
The release also said the decision came after a recommendation from HCS Superintendent Dr. Bob Lawson.
“I greatly appreciate our board members for working together and always keeping students and staff at the center of their decision-making,” Lawson said in a prepared statement. “Their leadership ensures we continue to provide the best extraordinary educational opportunities while managing the rising costs that impact our schools.”
HCS Chief Financial Officer David Stokes said the cost of maintaining school facilities, utilities and transportation has steadily increased.
“Over the past 10 years, bus costs alone have doubled,” Stokes said. “These increases require us to be proactive in ensuring we can sustain the level of excellence our community expects for our students.”
School Board Chair Mike Waller said the board prioritizes resources that directly benefit students.
“This decision reflects our ongoing commitment to allocate the best resources and assets for our students,” Waller said.
Clay Street bridge is open
After months of work, the Clay Street bridge is open, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet announced on Wednesday.
The bridge was closed for more that two months in the summer of 2024 after a routine inspection found significant deterioration in its steel support structure. KYTC engineers quickly designed and implemented a temporary repair plan that encased the existing supports in concrete to stabilize the structure and allow for the safe reopening of the bridge in July 2024, said a release from KYTC.
The bridge had been closed for a full replacement since March.