Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight presented his proposed budget Friday morning—a $51.1 million spending plan that includes raises for city employees but does not include any tax increases.
Making his budget address to an audience in the Hopkinsville City Council chambers, Mayor Knight says he remains committed to his Growing Home initiative, and that includes creating several new positions dedicated to keeping city streets cleaner, especially downtown.
The proposed budget also has funds designated to the Bluegrass Splash Aquatic Park for maintenance, and to pave the way for an internship and CO-OP program for local students.
Payroll tax revenue is budgeted at two percent, as is the insurance premium tax, and Mayor Knight clarified that the $51.1 million budget reflects a 7.9 percent increase when compared to last year’s $47.4 million budget.
The proposed budget does not include any tax rate increase but does include a 6.5 percent cost of living increase for city employees, with Mayor Knight saying they deserve even more.
Mayor Knight says his priorities for this budget cycle included city cleanliness, public safety, staff support and economic growth, with a focus on supporting the Small Business Commission and by extension, local small businesses. He says he also plans on continuing a focus on industrial development by investing in infrastructure in the industrial parks.