Monitor Photo/Denise York
Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney updates chamber members on county accomplishments.

Monitor Photo/Denise York
The Monitor’s Director of Sales Janice Grubbs-Vincik (right) visits with Henderson County officials County Judge Wade McKinney (from left), Pct. 2 Constable Jason Ramsey and Pct. 2 Commissioner Scott Tuley before the Feb. 9 Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce meeting. McKinney was the featured speaker.

CEDAR CREEK LAKE–Henderson County Judge Wade McKinney addressed members of the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce at the Jan. 9 luncheon at the Cedar Creek Lake Country Club.
McKinney has been with Henderson County since 1994 with over 20 years on Commissioners’ Court, having served as Commissioner before becoming County Judge in 2018.
“One thing I have learned about county government is that it’s relationships that make things work. It is the relationship and working together that makes things work,” McKinney said. McKinney added that at the present time, Henderson County has a wonderful group of officials and employees who are committed to working together for the good of the county.
McKinney said county government is a diversity of power, going on to describe it as a brick wall with each department represented by a brick and commissioner’ court being the mortar between the bricks. “Those departments do not touch one another, have no authority over one another and the only binding thing is the budget process and the policy set forth by statute. That is why the relationships and coordination of activities are so important,” McKinney said.
One of the major accomplishments achieved over the last five years is the interoperable communications system, a digital radio system with better coverage than cell phones, McKinney stated. That project was begun in 2018.
The Emergency management operations has also been reorganized within the last three years, going from a one-person office to a larger office, folded back into the Fire Marshal’s office to coordinate safety plans.
The county received $16 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds, some of which funded a water generator program made available to all the rural water corporations. Also, $2.75 million has been allocated for broadband expansion which McKinney said is recognized as vital. Another $1.8 million has been earmarked for road infrastructure, he added. McKinney said the county has also funded upgrades to the jail. 
McKinney concluded by taking questions from the group concerning indigent care, mental health and future availability of broadband.
Chamber members also heard from Chris Myrick of Vernon’s Lakeside who sponsored the luncheon. Business of the Month award went to Home Instead Senior Care.