Hopkinsville City Council approved a presiding officer at Tuesday’s virtual council meeting and heard an update on how COVID-19 might affect the city’s budget.
The ongoing pandemic is affecting everyone—from individuals to businesses to city government—and Chief Financial Officer Robert Martin says the city will really see the impact, especially in payroll taxes, in the next two financial reports.
He’s hopeful the city will receive some federal aid with the passage of the future coronavirus relief measures.
Councilmember Paul Henson will serve as presiding officer over council meetings when the mayor is unable to be present.
In other action, the city approved a resolution to apply for a federal BUILD grant in a partnership with Christian Fiscal Court and the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet in an amount of $25 million to fund the Interstate 24 industrial connector. As part of the competitive grant process, the City commits to funding $500,000 to the project for its completion, should the grant be awarded.
Council also approved a municipal order to apply for a grant in the amount of $250,000 from the Recreational Trails Program through the Department of Local Government. The funds would be used for the construction of approximately 3,150 linear feet of new trail.