Hopkinsville City Council Tuesday night approved the second reading of the operational and capital budgets for the upcoming fiscal year and tabled action on closing a portion of South Kentucky Avenue until the next meeting.
Council approved the $37.4 million operational budget and $1.48 million capital budget. The operational budget includes no special projects, no cost of living increase for city employees, a 5% cut to agencies, and a 4% cut to Community and Development Services, along with a $100,000 cut to the Inner City REZ budget.
Community and Services Development Planning Coordinator Angela Herndon presented a request made by Second Baptist Church to close a 55-foot portion of South Kentucky Avenue between Second Street and West Seventh Street. Councilman Phillip Brooks stated he was not completely on board with the closure at this time and questioned why the church requested the closure. A representative of Second Baptist, David Wimpy explained they want to make significant changes to the campus.
Brooks said he wants to ensure all residents affected by the closure have an opportunity to provide feedback before any action is taken.
Council members Wendell Lynch and Patricia Bell agreed and a motion was made to table action until residents are given written notification and an opportunity to provide feedback during the public comments at the next council meeting.
In other action, the council approved incentives for MDM MED-Properties, LLC for development projects that include a proposed restaurant/bar on East 6th Street on the former property of Young’s Hardware and a proposed office and residential property in the old JC Penney building on South Main Street.
And Local Development Corporation Chairman for the past 11 years, James Victor was recognized for his numerous years of service on several boards and projects, along with his contributions to the community.
