In its final session of 2022, the Christian Tax Court approved measures Tuesday morning to clear the way for the renovation of the Hopkinsville-Christian County Public Library and for the extension of West Seventh Street.
The justices upheld the first reading of the ordinance to fund the library project through the Kentucky Association of Counties, although the bill will be paid for with annual $750,000 in endowment revenue. Library Executive Director DeeAnna Sova says the building will not be expanded, but will make more space usable by the public, and the entire children’s area will be on the second floor.
Meanwhile, the Fiscal Court approved an order transferring the right-of-way to county-owned or co-owned properties along West Seventh in the area of the Senior Center and Weather Observation Center. Billy Sizemore of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet says they are in the very early stages and the project will eventually include a much-needed sidewalk from North Drive to Princeton Road.
It was the last meeting for several justices, including Squire Darrel Gustafson, who says he’s proud of the work the court has done without raising tax rates.
It was also the last meeting for longtime Judge Mark Cansler, District 2 Judge Mark Wells and District 8 Judge Terry Bowman. District 7 Judge Jerry Gilliam will be replaced by Russ Guffey as Gilliam has been elected Judge Executive.
In other action, judges approved several hires at the Christian County Jail, including the hiring of retired Hopkinsville Police Capt. Kyle Spurlin to become incoming chief deputy jailer Adam Smith at a $70,000 salary.