Fiscal Court talks Bruce Center expansion, new transit bus stop shelter

Christian Fiscal Court approved first reading of an ordinance Tuesday morning relating to the expansion of the James E. Bruce Convention Center and granted an easement for a new bus stop shelter at the justice center.

Magistrate Darrell Gustafson serves on the conference center board and says the 15,000 square foot addition will expand what the building can offer after hosting over 4,000 events in the last 15 years.

Fiscal Court approved using $1 million from a bonding pool facilitated by the Kentucky Association of Counties. The funds had been set to come out of the Hopkinsville-Christian County WINS initiative, but utilizing KACO means a shorter term and lower interest rate.

Meanwhile, Ken Johnson is the transportation director for Pennyrile Allied Community Services and explained that a bus stop shelter at the Christian County Justice Center will be near the sidewalk entrance on the north side of the parking lot and it will feature lighting and glass to protect riders from the weather.

Squire Rich Liebe serves on the local library board and says 56,160 people visited the facility over a four-month period ending October 31st. He says expect the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library to evolve with the times to meet the needs of its patrons.

Fiscal Court also made good on a $367,000 pay request regarding construction of the new public safety building. Officials say it will now likely be early next year before the Christian County Sheriff’s Department can move into its new home after multiple delays.