Christian County Fiscal Court magistrates approved the first reading of the $36.2 million budget for Fiscal Year 2018-2019, which includes funding for renovation projects and a 3% cost of living increase for employees.
During a special called meeting Wednesday morning, Judge-Executive Steve Tribble said he was pleased, once again, to present a balanced budget that not only addresses the needs of county government but also addresses important “quality of life” projects that will serve the community; all without any new taxes.
The proposed budget includes $1 million in funding to support the upcoming museum renovations and $2 million for the ongoing renovations at the Alhambra Theater. Tribble noted the funding source for the Alhambra project is a bond issue with debt service paid through transient room tax; almost all of which is paid by visitors to Christian County.
The budget also includes $200,000 in Community Development Block Grants funds for the Trilogy Center; $4.5 million toward the completion of the Public Safety Building currently being constructed off of West 7th Street; and $415,000 for the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library.
In terms of economic development, job creation, and the overall economic health of Christian County, Tribble also noted it is extremely important that the County continue to support the new Allied Health Building currently being constructed on the Hopkinsville Community College campus. He said the county will continue its partnership with Trigg County Fiscal Court by contributing the total sum of $500,000 toward construction of the facility representing a $250,000 commitment from each county.
The proposed budget also includes more than $3.8 million in appropriated funds for improvements to county roads, along with over $1.5 million for support of Farm to Market roads for asphalt.
Magistrates unanimously approved the more than $36.2 million proposed budget. The second reading will be during the June 26 fiscal court meeting.