Hopkinsville City Council approved ordinances to fund local projects, including a Surface and Storm Water flooding mitigation project and renovations at Tie Breaker Family Aquatic Center.
Council approved the issuance of a series of general obligation bonds in the amount of $6.1 million in total to go towards the South Fork Little River flood control project, which intends to construct a ‘labyrinth weir’ that will help to control floodwater using a smaller structure footprint. Officials over the project say the structure is designed so it will have no upstream flood impact. That ordinance was approved unanimously.
Chief Financial Officer Robert Martin says he was able to find sources of revenue that will help fund the bulk of the Tie Breaker renovations, but it will still require some money from the budget directly.
Council member Terry Parker says the price tag for the renovations is currently so high because repairs have been neglected in the past.
The Tie Breaker Family Aquatic Center funds required an amendment of the general fund, which was approved after much discussion, with council member Chuck Crabtree being the lone ‘no’ vote. Municipal orders moving money from various trust funds, including trusts for the skate park, dog park, probation and parole renovation and other recreation projects were also approved.
The estimated cost of repairing the pipes is $375,000, but Public Works also hopes to address overall facility repairs and upgrades, including upgrading the play structure in the zero-depth end of the pool which would cost approximately $550,000. The park will be closed for the summer season.