Remarks from Mayor George Bray
- Paducah Ambassadors Volunteer Hours - Mayor Bray commended the Paducah Ambassadors for their service. For Fiscal Year 2022-2023, the Ambassadors volunteered 7120 hours.
- Greenway Trail and Urban Bike Loop Planning - Mayor Bray announced that a City team met today with two National Park Service representatives to kick off the planning of the expansion of the City’s Greenway Trail and urban bicycling opportunities. In June, Paducah received the National Park Service – River, Trails, and Conservation Assistance Program Technical Assistance Grant which provides technical planning assistance. Mayor Bray said the National Park Service also is working with Mayfield and Fulton about a long-term plan to connect those cities with a bike trail and to connect Mayfield with Paducah.
Property Tax Levy – Lower for Fiscal Year 2024
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance setting the real estate and personal property tax rates for fiscal year 2024. A property tax levy public hearing was held prior to the ordinance introduction. The City’s real estate tax levy is proposed to be 25.6 cents per $100 assessed value, slightly LOWER than last year’s rate of 26.5 cents.
The City’s Compensating Rate, the rate that would keep the revenue at the same amount as last year, is 24.7 cents per $100 assessed value. Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS) permits a city to adjust the rate upward no more than 4 percent of the compensating rate. Since the City’s proposed tax levy of 25.6 cents is higher than the compensating rate, a public hearing was required.
Solid Waste GPS System
Director of Public Works Chris Yarber provided an overview of the benefits of the GPS system that is installed on the Solid Waste Division’s refuse trucks. The Division began using the software, Routeware, earlier this year with the goal of improving routes, finding operational efficiencies, and enhancing safety. The trucks have an onboard computer and camera that allows the driver to log each collection and to log obstructions that may be blocking a solid waste collection. The software also sets up routes. Yarber said a future feature that may be launched is an opt-in automated message service which would provide updates to citizens on solid waste collection changes.
Proclamations
- Mayor George Bray proclaimed September as City Government Month and encouraged local officials, employees, and schools to educate students about their city government and engage them in city services.
- Mayor Bray presented a proclamation to Director of Pupil Personnel Troy Brock with the Paducah School System proclaiming September as Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Month and urged everyone to work together to create a community that promotes mental wellness and supports prevention efforts.
- Mayor Bray presented to Executive Director Lacy Boling and Paducah Cooperative Ministry (PCM) representatives a proclamation declaring September 7 as a day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of PCM.
Boards and Commissions
- Appointment of Sarah Walker to the Paducah-McCracken County Senior Citizens, Inc. Board.
- Appointment of Chad Clark to the Creative & Cultural Council.
Grants
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the acceptance of the FEMA Port Security Grant in the amount of $543,750. These funds will be used toward the purchase of a fire boat to respond to water-based emergency situations.
- Municipal Order approved to apply for a Kentucky Office of Homeland Security Cybersecurity Grant.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing a funding agreement with the Paducah-McCracken County Riverport Authority with the City providing $100,000. The Riverport has been awarded a $3.32 million Small Projects at Small Ports grant for its Bulk Yard Revitalization and Expansion Project. The City’s funds will fund a portion of the grant’s required match.
- Municipal Order approved to authorize applying for the 2024 Litter Abatement Grant through the Kentucky Division of Waste Management.
Additional Meeting Information
- Municipal Order approved authorizing an agreement with Pine Bluff Materials for the placement of a spud barge for their use at the Ohio River Boat Launch located at 6th and Burnett Streets.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing a contract for services with Barkley Regional Airport Authority with the City providing $120,000 in support of the airport’s operations.
- Ordinance introduced to amend the budget related to the payoff of the 2013B general obligation bond due to the sale of the former Teletech building at Commerce Park.
###
