HARDINSBURG (04/08/25) — The Hardinsburg City Council revisited discussion of the recommendations of the Kentucky Rural Water Association rate study at Tuesday night’s monthly meeting. The issue had tabled until this month so Mayor Wayne Macy, who was absent from the March meeting, could be in attendance. The study proposed replacing some thirty different rates down to two rates-one for customers who pay city taxes(in town) and one for those who do not pay city taxes(out-of-town). With no objection, City Clerk David Bollinger said he would send a draft proposal to the City Attorney for review ahead of first reading at the May meeting. Second reading would be in July with the new structure to take effect in July.
In other business, Fire Chief Nathan Smith informed the Council of a fire truck being made available for purchase. Since the cost would exceed $40,000, it was recommended that bids for comparable trucks be advertised before any purchase. The panel did agree to a request to surplus two departments to assist in paying for the incoming vehicle. Smith reported 63 totals runs by the department during the month of March. Smith reminded the Council of the annual “Battle of the Badges” basketball fundraiser scheduled for May 10th at Breckinridge County High School.
Police Chief Terry Laslie reported 246 9-1-1 calls from dispatch during the month of March with one felony and two misdemeanor arrests. Laslie relayed the story of a headstone of of two-month-old infant that had been recovered from a stolen vehicle 20 years ago. A app search led police to discover the location it was taken from with the department returning the headstone belonging to Landon Lee Lasley to the McGrew Church in Grayson County. Laslie reported that a dirt fill would be needed at the department firing range and had lined up a bid for the work. He also reported on the on-going efforts to acquire a K-9 unit for the department.
Planning and Zoning Director Austin Weedman reported a quiet month in March: there were no building permits issued, but two inquiries. There were seven zoning inquiries, no re-zoning or variance applications and no complaints filed. There was one on-going Code Enforcement case.
Reporting for Veolia Project Manager Brett Mingus, Bollinger reported no issues with the water or wastewater plants with the rains and flooding, saying the wastewater facility was overloaded but still operating normally. He said water from the Ohio River had reached between the railroad tracks and Highway 144, but did lose any power.
A concern was raised regarding vehicles driving fast in the area in the area of the square, with a car barely stopping in time with someone in the crosswalk. The speed limit in that is 35 miles an hour. The city cannot take direct action since it is a state-maintained road, but Chief Laslie said he would speak the State Highway Department to begin the process of possibly reducing the speed limit and look into an option of borrowing or buying a speed indicator sign.
