Totaling close to $46 million in all of its appropriations, the Christian County Fiscal Court unanimously approved the first reading of its budget for 2022-23 Tuesday morning — with the potential for several improvements coming to Hopkinsville and its surroundings.
At the top of the list, however, came Judge-Executive Steve Tribble’s promise, that in his estimation, no increased taxes are coming to the county at this time.
Tribble went on to address a number of key points in this budget, which does come under some advisement from Treasurer Walter Cummings and suggestions from magistrates.
Among some top concessions includes:
■ The grant for Ruff Park, which will help provide new restrooms and a concession stand;
■ The $500,000 grant for the HCC Public Library, which will help build a new elevator, restrooms and meet ADA compliance;
■ $348,000 for the courthouse roof repair, as well as some exterior renovations;
■ A $115,000 increase for the Emergency Communications Center, to obtain and attract “critically needed employees;
■ A $105,000 increase for the CC Animal Shelter budget, to assuage increasing pharmaceutical and animal food costs;
■ An undisclosed bump in funding for the Hopkinsville Boys & Girls Club, to assist with weekend event planning and support;
■ A $29,000 increase in operating funds for the HCC Public Library;
■ Funding for the Community Corrections Grant and other associated rehabilitation programs;
■ $4.2 million for the road fund, which will specifically target the Davis Road project soon;
■ An increase to the jail fund, to address jail salaries and increasing inmate food costs;
■ And $13 million in ARPA funds for the county’s fiber optic broadband project.
The budget, however, didn’t come without its public questions.
Addressing parks and recreation, Magistrate Phillip Peterson made clear that salaries increased by the city are then paid through the county’s funds.
Parks and recreation maintains one county facility: Ruff Park. Peterson said he wasn’t comfortable with the city being able to make those salary increases, without county insight or input.
He suggested a different plan.
Peterson also noted that with the ECC contract on the horizon, it was time to readjust the ECC Board and its representatives entirely, especially since the ECC budget is half-city, half-county.
As it stands, the Hopkinsville Police chief, deputy chief and captain, the Hopkinsville Fire chief, one city councilman/woman and one magistrate comprise the board. Peterson pointed the E-911 Board, which has Oak Grove and Pembroke representatives as a better answer.
Magistrate Darrell Gustafson said there’s already an idea on the table for the police chief, the fire chief, the sherriff, two city reps, two county reps and one rep from Oak Grove to make the board.
Magistrate Jerry Gilliam added that there needs to be a volunteer fire department rep, as well.
Tribble said he hopes to have the second reading of the budget, and its completion, within the next month.
