6/10/2025—The Hardinsburg City Council failed to approve the second reading of an ordinance amending the budget for the current fiscal year at their regular meeting Tuesday evening. Council members expressed concern over several expenditures, including renovations at City Hall, Police Department overtime, and water meter purchases. It was noted that the city has not had a financial audit the last two years. The vote was 4-2, with Morris Carman and Ruth Ann Skillman voting to approve the amended budget.
As a result of the vote against the budget amendment ordinance, no action was taken on the second reading of an ordinance adopting the budget for the current fiscal year.
In other business, the Council approved the first reading of an ordinance setting water rate charges. The city will have two rates-one for in town customers who live inside city limits and are tax paying citizens of the city of Hardinsburg, and one for out of town customers who live outside city limits and are non-tax paying citizens.
The Council approved the first reading of an ordinance amending the usage agreement for water/sewer connections. The amendment states that at the time of the installation of the water meter, the customer shall be responsible for the minimum monthly water usage bill, or the amount of actual usage, whichever is higher.
The second reading of both ordinances will be held at a Special Called Meeting of the Council on Wednesday, June 11, at 5:00pm.
The Council approved a resolution ending participation in the Health Reimbursement Arrangement Plan. It was stated that no one was participating in the plan.
Veolia Project Manager Brett Mingus said a new road tile will be installed on Docile Drive.
Mayor Wayne Macy said City Treasurer Marcia Finley has received Master Certification.
The Police Department received 207 calls for service in May. They worked two thefts; made seven misdemeanor arrests and worked four non-injury accidents. They issued two city citations and ten other citations. Officer Seth Taylor will begin K-9 training at the end of the month. Officer Justin Hansford has been accepted into Drug Recognition Expert School. The Department has received a body armor grant.
The Fire Department made 61 runs in May. They collected $16,137.92 for the Crusade for Children.
Three Code Enforcement cases were resolved in May, and one building permit was issued.
Before adjourning, Councilman Quentin Brown asked the Council to consider implementing a restaurant tax that would be used solely for Parks and Recreation. It was noted that the city must form a Tourism Commission and adopt a transient room tax before they can adopt a restaurant tax. No action was taken.
