Hopkinsville City Council approved the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year and Mayor J.R. Knight established a committee to look into the needs of the Legacy Hopkinsville Program at Tuesday’s meeting.
Before council members got to business, Knight and Ward 10 Council Member Mike Velez read a proclamation recognizing June 15 as Juneteenth Day in Hopkinsville and Christian County. Juneteenth National Independence Day is a federal holiday on June 19 and acknowledges the end of slavery.
After much discussion at prior Committee of the Whole meetings, council members approved the proposed budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year on first reading, but it could be amended soon. The $56.9 million budget includes a 3% wage increase for city employees, insurance increases, no tax raises and the creation of the Hoptown Helps Program.
However, the budget reportedly does not include any new allocations to the Legacy Hopkinsville Program. The program is run by Community and Development Services and focuses on ensuring rental properties are up to code and helping residents make their homes more energy efficient.
During the meeting’s public comments period, Barbara Stevens of Hopkinsville shared that the program helped her replace her home’s windows as well as host programs through the Westside Neighborhood Association. Stevens says a funding cut to the program could negatively impact the people who need help the most.
To figure out the future of the program, Knight established a committee made up of Ward 1 Council Member Vance Smith, Ward 2 Council Member Brandi Stallons, Ward 3 Council Member Don Marsh, Ward 5 Council Member Amy Craig, Ward 9 Council Member Brittanie Bogard, Ward 11 Council Member Jason Bell and Ward 12 Council Member Elizabeth Draude. Knight says the committee will be responsible for revising the program’s budget and will determine if more money should be allocated.
Holly Boggess from CDS shared that much of the funds that were allocated when the program began are going toward projects that are underway in the city. Right now, the program has an available balance of around $112,000.
Around 50,000 from the program is set to go toward a redevelopment plan on West 7th Street which was approved at Tuesday’s meeting. The plan focuses on making the roadway safer for vehicles and pedestrians. Before any work begins the public will be able to provide feedback on the plan.
Council members also approved altering the terms of the Small Business Commission. The Commission will now be made up of two members serving two-year terms, two members serving three-year terms and three members serving four-year terms.