Paducah City Commission Meeting – September 15, 2025

The Paducah City Commission met on September 15, 2025, at 21:58 UTC. The meeting included proclamations for National Hispanic Heritage Month and Constitution Week, a recognition of Myrna (CEO of Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership) as a Duchess of Paducah, public comments opposing a proposed property tax increase, approval of multiple contract modifications for the Paducah Sports Park, a vote on the tax levy, introductions of ordinances for a cable franchise and urban renewal agency reorganization, and a presentation on a new tree voucher program.

Proclamations & Recognitions

• The Mayor proclaimed September 15 – October 15, 2025 as National Hispanic Heritage Month, reading both English and Spanish versions. Proclamation accepted by representatives of the Human Rights Commission.
• Myrna, CEO of Four Rivers Nuclear Partnership, was recognized as a Duchess of Paducah for her leadership and community contributions.
• The Mayor proclaimed September 17–23, 2025 as Constitution Week, presented to members of the Daughters of the American Revolution and others.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the September 2, 2025 meeting.
• Received and filed documents.
• Reappointed Joseph Binberry to the Paducah Planning Commission (term expiring August 31, 2029).
• Reappointed Ashley Johnson to the Paducah McCracken County Riverport Authority (term expiring September 26, 2029).
• Authorized personnel actions.
• Authorized purchase of real property at 1302 Tennessee Street.
• Authorized partnership with Purchase Area Development District for DRA 2025 grant application.
• Authorized mayor to execute grant application for Kentucky Transportation Cabinet county priority projects program grant up to $500,000 for street rehabilitation.
• Item G (Sprocket contract) was pulled from the consent agenda for separate discussion.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jonathan Garricke opposed the proposed tax increase, citing optional spending on a sports park ($48 million for sports park, $2 million for lighting, $1,000 for kitchen, totaling approximately $51,271,000 in his estimate). He suggested the city cut expenses instead of raising taxes and questioned the necessity of $289,000 for design of a parks maintenance building. He also noted that $880,000 previously spent on a pickleball court had not yet generated revenue.
• Parker Jaco stated he was not against taxes in principle but opposed this specific property tax increase, arguing it hinders growth and drives up rents. He cited a 2010 Lincoln Institute report and the example of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, which adopted a split-rate tax system (land taxed higher, buildings lower). He claimed Harrisburg saw vacant buildings drop from over 4,000 to under 500 by 2000, businesses grow from fewer than 2,000 to nearly 9,000, and over $2.6 billion in building permits issued. He offered to share data with commissioners.

Discussion Items

• Sprocket Contract (Item G pulled from Consent): Commissioner Thomas asked about the annual $100,000 contract with Sprocket Inc. Mayor Bray explained the funding supports entrepreneur incubation, increased from $75,000 two years ago. The city also contributed about $900,000 to build the Sprocket facility via a forgivable loan with repayment based on metrics. The county also contributes. After discussion, the contract was approved unanimously.
• Paducah Sports Park Contract Modifications: Jeff Cantor and Amy Clark presented four municipal orders:
  1. Entry plaza construction contract modification with A&K Construction for $3 million (city’s half is $1.5 million, shared with county; total project cost now $70,563,001). The plaza will include a six-foot berm for seating, space for food trucks, etc. This was part of a redesign after removing the championship field and plaza due to budget overruns. The original grandstand renovation was estimated at $11 million; the new design is about $5 million.
  2. Contract modification with Sprinterf LLC: 73-day extension and $129,992.49 reduction.
  3. Contract modification with Avonte Solutions: 73-day extension and $6,088.42 reduction.
  4. Contract modification with Musco Sports Lighting: 73-day extension. All modifications were approved unanimously.
• Parks Maintenance Building Design Contract: A $289,500 contract with PFGW Architects for design and construction administration of a new maintenance building in Noble Park. The building will replace the aging HC Mathis facility (approximately 10,000 sq ft) and will house parks maintenance division (18 of 28 full-time staff). The site under consideration is near the dog park. The contract was approved unanimously.
• Tax Levy Ordinance: The ordinance set property tax rates for fiscal year 2025-2026. Real property rate: $0.271 per $100. The compensating rate (which would yield no new revenue) would have been $257,000 less than the proposed levy. Commissioner Henderson and others argued the increase benefits the masses. Commissioner Thomas voted no, citing feedback from constituents who opposed the increase. The ordinance passed 4-1 (Thomas opposed).
• Ordinance Introduction – Ritter Communications Cable Franchise: First reading of an ordinance granting a 10-year non-exclusive cable franchise to Ritter Communications LLC, replacing a telecommunications franchise. Ritter provided business services and turned up first residential customers in August 2025; cable TV service will begin once the franchise is approved.
• Ordinance Introduction – Urban Renewal and Community Development Agency (URCDA): First reading to repeal and replace Article 6 of Chapter 35, separating URCDA from the Planning Commission. This is part of the South Side revitalization plan. The agency will handle property disposition and incentives. It will be populated with members experienced in planning.
• Tree Voucher Program Discussion: Parks and Recreation presented a new program to replenish tree canopy. Goals: replenish canopy, educate public, partner with local nurseries (James Sanders and Edwards Nursery). Eligibility: property must be in city; one voucher per household ($250), up to 1,600 households if fully subscribed ($150,000 budget). Trees must be from approved list of shade trees (type 1 and 2, 1-inch caliper, 5-11 feet tall). Voucher covers tree cost only; delivery/installation extra. Timeline: citywide push November 1-15, applications November 15 – January 9, review January 10-31, vouchers issued February 1, planting recommended mid-February to mid-April. Tree board will inspect. A mapping system will track planted trees. Program initially focused on residential; commercial may be added later.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Agenda (except Item G): Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sprocket Contract: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sports Park Entry Plaza Contract Modification: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sports Park Sprinterf Contract Modification: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sports Park Avonte Solutions Contract Modification: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Sports Park Musco Lighting Contract Modification: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Parks Maintenance Building Design Contract: Approved unanimously (5-0).
• Tax Levy Ordinance: Approved 4-1 (Commissioner Thomas voted no).
• Ordinance Introductions (Ritter Communications cable franchise and URCDA reorganization): First readings conducted; second readings and votes will occur at a future meeting.
• Tree Voucher Program: Discussion only; no vote required. Program implementation to proceed as presented.