The City of Owensboro approved municipal orders Tuesday to apply for a grant that would go toward a new console for 911 dispatchers, as well as a grant that will fund public art mural downtown.
The $130,000 competitive grant for console furniture for 911 dispatchers in the Owensboro-Daviess County Centralized 911 Communications Center, and it is offered through the Kentucky 911 Service Boards.
According to City Attorney Steve Lynn, a 10-percent match would be required from the City if the grant were to be awarded locally.
City officials noted the current console furniture being used by first responders in the dispatch center had not been updated in 10 years.
“It was original to when the City and County consolidated dispatch more than a decade ago,” said City Manager Nate Pagan. “Of course, that facility operates 24/7, 365 days a year, so it does get heavily utilized.”
If successful, it will be the next fiscal year before the project proceeds, Pagan said. The matching funds would be made available in next year’s budget.
As with all dispatch expenses, the amount would be split with the County based on call volume, Pagan said.
Commissioners also approved an order allowing the City to apply for a $50,000 grant for public art murals in downtown Owensboro.
The Liveable Communities Grant was made available to both the City and County after both entities were designated as “liveable communities” several months ago through a recognition program designated by the AARP.
“Participation in the Liveable Communities program makes us eligible to apply for grants they offer,” Pagan said.
Along with re-lighting the Glover Cary Bridge and designating a sector of downtown Owensboro to operate as “The District” — where open containers of alcohol can be carried during special events — City officials running the OBKY Project have been working to bring more artwork to the downtown area.
“We’ve been trying to do a couple of new murals a year, and this grant would help speed up the implementation of downtown murals,” Pagan said. “The murals would be a partnership with the local Art Guild and downtown property owners.”
This grant would require no match from the City, Pagan said.
