The Hopkinsville Young Professionals Engaged (HYPE) invited Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight to their Friday meeting to share what local government has recently worked on what they have planned for the future regarding code enforcement, homelessness, and the Hopkinsville Fire Department’s fifth station.
Knight says they are focusing on their Growing Home initiative which focuses on public safety, economic development, city cleanliness and staff support. Centering on safety and cleanliness, Knight shared that in 2023 code enforcement is now being handled by the Hopkinsville Fire Department, they have started demolishing dilapidated houses and the Hopkinsville Police Department is back to being fully staffed.
Focusing on staff support, Knight shared that in 2023 city employees received a 6.5% payroll increase to keep up with the rising cost of living. Concerning economic development, Knight spotlighted the opening of Commerce Park II and the establishment of the Small Business Commission.
Continuing in 2024, Knight says that the fire department has been handling code enforcement well, but they may be bringing on another code enforcement officer because of the work volume.
In November 2023, representatives from City Council, the Christian County Fiscal Court and local law enforcement held a meeting to discuss how to address homelessness. Knight says since the meeting he has spoken with local State Senator Whitney Westerfield about possibly creating a larger homeless shelter and establishing more resources for those who are homeless.
In regards to public safety, Knight says the bid for the construction of HFD’s fifth Fire Station will be issued by Monday. Knight says it should take a year for the building to be fully renovated to house the fire station.
Once the bid is issued, Knight says they should hear back in around four weeks, and then the bid will be discussed by City Council. Fire Station 5 will house some ECC and Hopkinsville Police Department operations.