Hopkinsville City Council approved the rate increases with the Hopkinsville Water Environmental Authority, and an executive order finalized creation of the Non-Partisan Elections Citizens Committee at Tuesday’s meeting.
The committee intended to both gather information and input from the public, as well as educate citizens about what non-partisan elections entails and how it differs from the current election system, will be chaired by Rich Maddux. A list of those serving on the committee can be found here, with the only change being that Tom Glover will serve in place of Kelli Pendleton.
Mayor Wendell Lynch thanked council for their input on who should serve and to the new members for their willingness to do so.
Council approved non-partisan local elections while maintaining the 12-ward structure last year, but Mayor Lynch vetoed the ordinance to allow more time for studies and community education.
The increase to HWEA’s waste water monthly rates will reflect about a $2 increase to the standard customer, with customers in Pembroke seeing about a $3 increase. The revenue generated from the increase will be used to fund an expansion and renovation project at the Hammond-Wood Wastewater Treatment Plant in Hopkinsville. Councilmember Chuck Crabtree remained the lone ‘no’ vote and the measure was approved on second-reading, with the increase set to begin in 2022.
New Hopkinsville Police Department Officer Jaritt Beasley was sworn in, in-person at the meeting.