Council Member Debbie Roundtree Announces Resignation
Hendersonville City Council Member Debbie O’Neal Roundtree announced that she will resign from the Hendersonville City Council, effective May 1, 2024. Council Member Roundtree provided the following in her resignation announcement: “After careful consideration I have decided it is no longer possible for me to properly serve the needs of those who elected me.”
The City of Hendersonville appreciates Council Member Roundtree’s service on City Council since 2021 and her many years of service to the Hendersonville Tree Board.
The City of Hendersonville will provide information on filling the vacancy as it is available.
On April 24, 224, the Hendersonville City Council Council recognized Council Member Roundtree with the following:
Resolution of Respect and Appreciation Honoring Debbie O’Neal-Roundtree
WHEREAS, on this twenty-fourth day of April, 2024, after serving the past 2 years, 4 months as a City of Hendersonville Council Member, Debbie O’Neal-Roundtree departs leaving behind her a legacy of public service. We, the Governing Body, employees, and residents of Hendersonville wish to acknowledge publicly the contributions made by Debbie O’Neal-Roundtree; and
WHEREAS, Debbie O’Neal-Roundtree served the City of Hendersonville as Council Member from December, 2021 to April, 2024; and
WHEREAS, during her tenure on the City of Hendersonville City Council she was instrumental in:
· As Council Member, she was the liaison to the Tree Board for four years and advocated for additional greenspace and tree canopy and further advocated for the Neighborwoods Program, tree canopy study and tree ordinance development.
· Celebrating the City of Hendersonville’s 175th Anniversary and the 100th Anniversary of the Hendersonville water system.
· Supporting the development of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan and offering a series of community connection workshops to build relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders.
· Unveiling of a 253-space parking deck and updated parking management structure to support the growing downtown and high demand for convenient and accessible parking.
· Investing in City of Hendersonville employees by supporting the implementation of a pay and classification study and renovations to City Hall and City Operations buildings.
· The construction and reimagination of the Laura E. Corn minigolf at Edwards Park, reactivating a long vacant park and parcel.
· Entered into a contract for the construction of the French Broad River Intake and Pump Station Project.
· Supporting entering into a partnership agreement with Hand’s On! Children’s Museum.
· Beyond her service on City Council, Debbie Roundtree championed Back to School Fest in Sullivan Park to provide school supplies and resources to students as well as housing resource workshops and other events to support the community.
· Implementing a water/sewer rate structure and utility extension policies to provide more equitable funding of future utility projects.
WHEREAS, during her tenure on the City Council, Debbie O’Neal-Roundtree has remained a devoted proponent of park, greenway, and trail development in Hendersonville, supported quality of life enhancements for the lives of community members as well as City of Hendersonville employees, and championed operating a top-notch water and sewer utility for approximately 80,000 customers across Hendersonville and Henderson County.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Hendersonville, on behalf of the employees of the City of Hendersonville and residents and customers served by the local government and utility system, that the Mayor and City Council extend to Debbie O’Neal-Roundtree their sincere appreciation for all of her loyal and dedicated service to the betterment of the City of Hendersonville for the past 2 years, 4 months.
ADOPTED this 24th day of April, 2024.