June '10 Nevada Government—City of Henderson Column

City Of Henderson Retains AA+ Bond Rating

June 15, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Standard & Poor’s, one of the world’s foremost bond agencies, has once again awarded an AA+ bond rating to the city of Henderson for its general obligation debt. This is the highest bond rating of any city in the state of Nevada.

According to Standard & Poor’s, the city’s AA+ bond rating reflects its good management practices, multiyear financial planning, and conservative spending. The rating further reflects the city’s income and wealth levels along with a very diverse tax base.

“We’ve worked diligently to monitor our fiscal situation and ensure we maintain a balanced budget,” said Mayor Andy Hafen. “These ratings reinforce our efforts to provide the highest quality of living to our residents as America’s premier community.”

In their report, Standard & Poor’s also states that Henderson’s credit strengths include good management practices that have reduced the effects of the recession on the city. Responding to challenges caused by the recession, Henderson developed budget strategies that include a five-year budget model to monitor revenues and expenditures. Additional strategies include a hiring freeze implemented in 2008 and voluntary severance programs offered since early 2009. Collectively these strategies have saved the city over $90 million.

Standard & Poor’s also indicated Henderson’s financial outlook is “stable” citing their expectation that management will maintain prudent expenditure controls. In addition to its AA+ bond rating, Henderson also maintains an Aa2 rating from Moody’s Investor Services.

Free Forum Explores Issues Relating to Elder Rights and Elder Abuse

June 14, 2010 – Henderson, NV – The City of Henderson Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is hosting a free forum on elder rights and elder abuse at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 21, at the Henderson Multigenerational Center, 250 S. Green Valley Pkwy. The forum will be presented by Linda Slattery, elder rights specialist, and Sandra Lozada, social worker, from the State of Nevada Department of Health and Human Services Aging and Disability Services Division.

The forum will focus on the individual’s right to safeguard and promote dignity, choice and self-determination, and to protect civil personal and privacy rights. The presenters will also discuss Nevada’s long-term care ombudsman program and how it plays a role in ensuring the quality of life for seniors, learning the signs of elder abuse and what to do when abuse is suspected, and types of elder abuse and how self-determination is considered.

The Henderson Senior Citizens Advisory Commission is comprised of appointed citizen volunteers who make recommendations to the City Council on issues of interest to senior citizens and others. The commission hosts a free educational forum every other month.

For additional information, call 267-4090 or visit cityofhenderson.com.

Henderson Parks and Recreation Fourth of July Pool Hours

June 14, 2010 – Henderson, NV – Residents hoping to cool off this Fourth of July can visit the City of Henderson Parks and Recreation Department’s Black Mountain Aquatic Complex (599 Greenway Rd.), BMI Outdoor Swimming Pool (105 W. Basic Rd.), Henderson Multigenerational Activity Pool (250 S. Green Valley Pkwy.), Wells Outdoor Swimming Pool (1608 Moser Dr.) and Whitney Ranch Activity Pool (1575 C Galleria Dr.). These pools will be open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 4, and regular daily admission applies.

All other City of Henderson pools, recreation centers, Heritage Park Senior Facility, and the Henderson Bird Viewing Preserve will be closed for the holiday. For additional information, admission or details about any City of Henderson aquatic facility, visit cityofhenderson.com or call 267-4000.