Hopkinsville City Council Members approve a 3% salary raise in final vote

The Hopkinsville City Council approved a 3% salary raise for council members in a split vote and discussed the future of the Greenway System Rail Trail at Tuesday’s meeting.

Before the meeting got underway, Ward Two Council Member Brandi Stallons, Ward Five Council Member Amy Craig, Ward Nine Council Member Brittanie Bogard and Ward 12 Council Member Elizabeth Draude read a proclamation recognizing March as Women’s History Month. Craig spotlighted this year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Lead the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”

In February, the city council voted to raise council members’ salaries from $14,777.75 to $22,000 in a split vote. After facing public pushback, council members voted to amend the raise to a 3% increase, which received final approval at Tuesday’s meeting. The new salary of $15,628.88 will be implemented in January 2027.

Council members then approved a series of municipal orders, and they discussed applying for a grant through the Transportation Alternatives Program for phase three of the Greenway System Rail Trail expansion. The trail starts on North Drive near West 7th Street and ends at Foston Chapel Road. Phase three would extend the trail over the Eagle Way Bypass to Tie Breaker Athletic Park and Bluegrass Splash Family Aquatic Center.

However, as the future of Bluegrass Splash remains uncertain, some council members were unsure about allowing the city to apply for the grant. Ward Seven Council Member Clayton Sumner says the area will continue to be a recreation destination, whether the water park remains or is transformed into something else.

Phase three of the Greenway’s expansion is expected to cost up to $6.4 million. The municipal order was approved, and if If the city applies for and receives the grant, 20% of the funds given will be matched by the city.

The council also approved designating up to $2,250,000 of economic development funds to fulfill grant obligations to Kitchen Food Company.