City Commission approves multiple ordinances, municipal orders

October 21, 2020 | 12:06 am

Updated October 20, 2020 | 11:43 pm

Graphic by Owensboro Times

City Commissioners approved several municipal orders and one ordinance during Tuesday’s meeting. These approvals will lead to the City’s implementation of a new communications specialist, the purchase of a property to sell to Habitat for Humanity, and tax incentives and benefits previously approved for Owensboro Grain. 

According to City Manager Nate Pagan, the approval of a new communications and marketing specialist will not affect the City’s budget because it will replace a position for which the City had already budgeted. 

“The intent with the new position is to enhance our social media efforts, marketing of City programs and events,” Pagan said. “Although this is a new position, it replaces an existing vacant position so there is not an increase in staff or budget.” 

A municipal order was also approved Tuesday, allowing the mayor to execute a real estate purchase for a vacant lot located at 1421 Jackson St. That lot will then be transferred to the possession of Habitat for Humanity so that a new home can be built for a low-income family. 

“The lot was purchased with federal HOME funds, which are restricted for such purposes,” Pagan said. “As we’ve done previously, the lot and $25,000 will be provided to Habitat for Humanity. Habitat will build a home for an income-qualifying participant in their program.” 

Commissioners also approved a municipal order regarding an application for an electric bus for the Owensboro Transit Department. 

The application for an Urbanized Area Public Transportation Grant agreement will be made between the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet and OTS for a $158,000 electric bus. According to Mayor Tom Watson, that purchase using federal funds will make Owensboro the first community in the Commonwealth to secure an electric bus and charging station. 

The bus will be purchased at no cost to the City of Owensboro. 

A municipal order regarding tax incentives and benefits for Owensboro Grain Company, LLC was also approved Tuesday. 

The order calls for the retention of one percent of all new occupational license fees due and payable to the City of Owensboro from the salaries, wages and other compensation to be paid to the new employees of Owensboro Grain. 

The agreement was formally approved as OG&A Biospecialties, LLC for a period of 10 years, provided Owensboro Grain meets the criteria set forth in its application for incentives set forth by the Kentucky Investment Program. 

Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corporation Executive Director Brittaney Johnson said Owensboro Grain first applied for preliminary approval in January 2017. 

“They’re ready for activation at this time,” she said. “This is for their operation on Ewing Road. They’ve been able to diversify their existing company into new markets.” 

October 21, 2020 | 12:06 am

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