The Hopkins County Fiscal Court approved next year’s budget on Tuesday, while also hearing resident concerns about a proposed mobile home park.
During the new business, magistrates unanimously approved the more than $71.3 million total budget on first reading by Executive Assistant Laura Harvey.
Magistrates also approved the reappointments of Roger Osborne to the Arlington Fire Protection District and Dawson Springs Mayor Jenny Sewell to the Pennyrile Area Development District Board.
In old business, magistrates finalized updates to the personnel policy and the agreement with Webster County on the Weirs Creek Solar Project.
Sanitation Supervisor Harry Highfill reported that two illegal dump sites have been cleaned up by the property owners, with work ongoing at two other locations.
He also informed Charleston area residents about ongoing work at the Charleston Convenience Center.
click to download audioSeveral residents spoke out against a proposed 98-unit mobile home park on Rainwater Lane, including John Arnold of Nebo Road, a Madisonville firefighter.
click to download audioHe raised issues about watershed and septic impact, and noted that the dead-end road would make it difficult for fire trucks to maneuver and turn around.
Whitfield said he could address some concerns related to fire and emergency services.
click to download audioOther residents called for more oversight and zoning in response to the mobile home park proposal.
click to download audioAfter further discussion, Whitfield and County Attorney Lee Riddle said their hands are tied, as the county currently doesn’t have a zoning ordinance.
click to download audioAnother lengthy complaint was from a resident who called the gun range in the Bradley Sisk Road area a public safety concern, warning that if there is no county oversight, the risk of injury or death from ricocheting projectiles is high due to steel targets and a lack of protective berms.
Residents shared concerns for over half an hour before the meeting adjourned.
The meeting video of the full discussions about the proposed mobile home park, as well as a resident’s concern about a local gun range in the county, can be found on the Hopkins County Government Facebook page.
