Hopkinsville, KY, USA / WHOP 1230 AM | News Radio
May 14, 2021 | 10:28 AM
The City of Hopkinsville and the local Fraternal Order of Police honored, and remember those officers who have fallen in the line of duty true heroes to the community.
After missing an in-person memorial last year, officers, community leaders and citizens came together Friday morning in remembrance of those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community. Hopkinsville Mayor Wendell Lynch says many owe their lives and their safety to local law enforcement, and he thanked them for their dedication.
Opening up his address, Lynch reflected on the last year and the Coronavirus pandemic.
âWeâre not defined by COVID, as a matter of fact, it has made us stronger. It has enabled us to actually slow down a little bit and to focus on whatâs really really important, thatâs our families, our friends, our communities and those things that we can control and advance in a way that keeps us safe and keeps us healthy,â Lynch said.
In budget proposals, Lynch mentioned a 12% pension increase, .67% Department Head Salary Adjustments increase and a 8.80% Payroll Tax Revenue Increase for next yearâs budget.
click to download audioThe mayor also pointed the projected budget includes an 8.80 percent payroll increase which will generate a projected revenue of $1.4 million. In addition, he said there would not be any budget cuts to departments and agencies, and no increase to the property tax rate or business license rate increase.
According to Mayor Lynch, the city’s projected surplus is $45,786 of revenue over expenses.
He said the City Council has established a 20 percent of budget cash reserves of over $6.1 million and the General Fund Cash Reserve projection for this fiscal year ending in June is more than $10.9 million dollars. Mayor Lynch said the city’s financial status is very good.
City employees in general would receive a 2 percent cost of living adjustment.
The city is projecting an 8.8 percent increase in payroll tax revenue with continued recovery from the pandemic and while property tax revenue is expected to grow with increased assessment, Mayor Lynch says he will not propose any increase to the tax rate.
Mayor Lynch also highlighted some major projects, including a new cell at the landfill to help extend the facility’s lifetime and will allow for vertical expansion in the future.
The mayor’s IGNITE comprehensive economic development plan includes $125,000 in initial funding for The Lot Next Door program to transition vacant or unmaintained lots to new ownership.