As the 2025-26 fiscal year winds down, the City of Hopkinsville hosted a budget forum Monday evening, where Mayor J.R. Knight answered citizens’ questions concerning funding matters and spotlighted some possible city projects.
Following recent weather events, a citizen asked about stormwater drainage and pothole repairs. The flooding in April 2025 showed that some areas need stronger stormwater drainage, while the ice accumulations in January created more potholes on roadways. Knight says city agencies are addressing both issues.
Hopkinsville Public Works and Surface and Stormwater Utility are working to improve the city’s water drainage by replacing pipes and cleaning out drainage ditches. Knight says some drainage areas are on private properties, so agencies are working with those property owners to access and improve that infrastructure.
Knight also reminded nonprofit leaders that applications for the Hoptown Helps Grant Program open on April 1. Last year, the city awarded $250,000 in grants to local nonprofits, and Knight says they have not decided on the amount that will be available for the upcoming application cycle.
The forum’s attendance was sparse, so Knight spotlighted upcoming and possible projects. As the future of Bluegrass Splash Family Aquatic Center remains uncertain, Knight says they are still working on developing a committee to gather more community feedback concerning the waterpark. He also says the committee might include local youth.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet continues work on widening West 7th Street from Princeton Road to Taco Bell, as well as creating a sidewalk and bicycle path. Knight says there have also been discussions about possibly updating the roadway and sidewalk from Taco on West 7th Street to the Christian County Courthouse.
Knight says they have thought about making the sidewalks larger and updating the West 7th Street and 9th Street intersection.
Citizens who were unable to attend the forum are encouraged to contact the city through hopkinsvilleky.us to share their budget ideas.