Christian County Fiscal Court made a financial commitment to downtown Hopkinsville Tuesday morning, when magistrates unanimously approved an ad valorem tax rebate on increased value for a period of 10 years — concerning property located at 112 and 114 E. Sixth Street.
Namely: The Mixer.
Judge-Executive Jerry Gilliam explained the in-kind effort, which could bring perpetuity to the business district.
Hal McCoy, long-time local property owner and developer, said The Mixer’s return from considerable straight-line wind damage in March 2023 to reopening not long ago has been an important journey.
And he was appreciative of the court’s measure.
In other fiscal court news:
— Magistrates unanimously accepted a bid of $205,000 from Trey Gilliland Contracting for the construction of a new Ruff Park concession stand. According to Magistrate John Bruce, proposals ranged from $205,000 to $454,000 because of labor costs.
An estimated completion date: March 31.
— Timothy Watson, a public affairs loan servicing specialist for the Small Business Administration, said that officials are in the area following the December 2023 tornado that sliced through southern Todd County and northern Montgomery County.
Along those two disaster-declared areas include Christian, Allen, Trigg and Calloway counties, who at this time could have homeowners, renters, businesses and non-profits file for physical damage loans by February 12.
Furthermore, those same municipalities can file for economic injury disaster loans by September 13.
Loans are fixed at a 30-year rate, and don’t have to be accepted if one pre-qualifies. Watson said it’s just a simpler process with officers in the region, who can discern cases more effectively.
— Gilliam and magistrates unanimously approved a resolution of support, one drafted by PADD, concerning Murray State University’s continued push for a three-year veterinary school.
Dr. Brian Parr, dean of MSU’s Hutson School of Agriculture, was joined by MSU’s Executive Director of Government and Institutional Relations Jordan Smith in order to present the concept.
Parr confirmed that, if approved in the state’s budget, a new building would be created near MSU’s West Farm in Calloway County, and a three-year program also involve Christian County’s proud Breathitt Veterinary Center.
— Magistrate J.E. Pryor confirmed that, after a long delay, effective cell phone service has returned to the Lafayette community. He said construction efforts completed last week.
— Gilliam noted that he and his office have been “blown away” with the community’s response to the budget survey, which as of Monday crested 500 returns. Gilliam said the goal was 200 or better, and that there was still time to finish it if returned by Wednesday. In response, an all-day budget retreat is planned from 9 AM until 3 PM January 17 on the second floor of the Alhambra Theatre, with a farewell reception for Treasurer Walter Cummings set to follow.
