Christian Fiscal Court joined other local entities in approving a resolution to support a Veterinary School of Medicine at Murray State University and approved measures related to tax incentives and construction.
Murray State University has been gathering support from local governments and agencies from across the state to establish a Veterinary School of Medicine in Kentucky, which would be the first of its kind here. Right now, most veterinary students most travel out of state, such as to Auburn University, to pursue further education on veterinary medicine.
Dr. Brian Parr, Dean of the Hutson School of Agriculture at Murray State, spoke with the magistrate at Tuesday’s meeting and says a School of Veterinary Medicine would be a game-changer for Kentucky in the way of addressing the veterinary shortage and also providing opportunities for potential students.
Magistrates unanimously approved the resolution, with Magistrates Magaline Ferguson asking where a building to house the school would be located—Dr. Parr says it would likely be located on the current campus of Murray State.
Magistrates also approved a bid in the amount of $205,000 to construct a new concession stand at Ruff Park, with an estimated completion date of March 31.
In other action, magistrates approved a tax incentive for MDM MED-Properties, which is looking to continue developing properties in downtown Hopkinsville on East Sixth Street. Developer Hal McCoy says they’re dedicated to building downtown, saying if locals invest in the community, then others will as well.
Magistrate J.E. Pryor informed the court that cell service should be fully restored to the Lafayette area of southern Christian County, as the cellphone tower the collapsed several months ago has been repaired.