The Kiwanis Club of Hopkinsville heard an update on the state of the city at Thursday’s meeting from Mayor Wendell Lynch and other city officials.
The mayor did not give a review of his upcoming budget proposal, saying people can tune in to see that address live on Friday of next week, but he did say the city is recovering well from the economic impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chief Financial Officer Robert Martin gave a brief financial report, saying that payroll tax—which is one of the city’s highest revenues—has gone up more than expected since the pandemic, and he’s hopeful it will continue to do so.
Projects from the WINS initiative are starting to wind down, with many set to be complete this year, including completion of neighborhood sidewalks. The mayor is already looking forward to what comes after, including an initiative to address abandoned buildings and empty lots, with City Administrator Troy Body saying more information will be released about that as they finish establishing the plan.
Body says they’re also looking to streamline the Code Enforcement protocols and actions, to hopefully make that easier to implement and operate.
Other future plans including creating a new incentive program for possible incoming industries and businesses, while boosting programs that already exist, including the Energy Project Assessment District.