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HOPKINSVILLE, KY – As the City of Hopkinsville prepares to assume responsibility for several services currently administered through Community and Development Services, city officials are responding to questions raised publicly regarding approximately $190,000 CDS says it is owed while also outlining changes intended to make development and community services more efficient, modern, and easier to navigate.

The City of Hopkinsville will directly administer building inspections, geographic information systems (GIS), Landbank services, and several community development programs. Planning and zoning responsibilities will remain with Community and Development Services.

Contract issues, CDS owed money

During a recent CDS Board of Commissioners meeting, Commissioner Brandon Garnett said the agency was awaiting approximately $190,000 from the city for services previously provided. According to city leadership, the most recent executed agreement the city has on file with CDS covered the period from July 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. While negotiations toward a new agreement continued after that time, no subsequent contract was fully executed.

“The city must ensure public funds are spent in accordance with proper agreements and documentation,” said Melissa Clayton, City of Hopkinsville Chief Financial Officer. “Without a current contract in place governing those services, the city could not authorize payment for services that were not covered by an executed agreement.”

Negotiations toward a new agreement continued after the previous contract expired, but the parties were ultimately unable to reach agreement on key provisions. After approximately three years of negotiations without a new executed contract, the city made the decision to transition the services directly into city government, where officials believe they can be delivered more efficiently and with greater coordination.

| RELATED STORY: CDS responds to Hopkinsville City Council decision: ‘Completely taken by surprise’

Changes expected under city leadership, software updates

While that financial issue has drawn attention, city leaders say the larger story is what the transition will mean for the people who use these services.

“This is not about simply moving programs from one organization to another and continuing to do everything the same way,” City Administrator and Chief of Staff Troy Body said. “We have an opportunity to amplify what works, simplify processes where we can, and modernize how these services are delivered. We want to become more efficient, more nimble, and easier to work with for residents, businesses, contractors, and developers.”

That approach will include reviewing existing processes to identify unnecessary steps, paperwork, and delays that can be reduced while still meeting legal, safety, and regulatory requirements.

One example is the city’s plan to make better use of existing software to modernize the building code process. The system will allow customers to submit applications, access permit-related services, and make payments online, reducing the need for in-person visits and paper-based transactions.

City leaders say that is the type of practical simplification they want to pursue — using tools and resources already available to reduce unnecessary steps, make services easier to access, and allow residents, contractors, and developers to work with departments more quickly and efficiently.

“We want to sit down with developers, contractors, business owners, and residents in our legacy neighborhoods and listen, not lecture,” Body said. “We work for the people of Hopkinsville. That means understanding where processes are creating frustration, asking whether every step is truly necessary, and finding better ways to get people where they need to go.”

| RELATED STORY: City of Hopkinsville absorbs Community Development Services in expedited vote

How Code Enforcement transitioned into the city

The city has already seen how bringing a program directly into city government can expand its reach and impact. In 2024, Hopkinsville assumed responsibility for Code Enforcement and placed the program under the Hopkinsville Fire Department. Since that transition, the city has amplified Code Enforcement operations by taking a more visible and proactive approach to property conditions, neighborhood concerns, and community cleanliness.

Since 2024, Code Enforcement has handled approximately 4,700 cases and incidents and overseen the demolition of approximately 90 unsafe structures across Hopkinsville. Greater coordination with other city departments has also allowed the Code Enforcement team to identify concerns, connect resources, and address issues more directly.

City officials say the intent is to bring that same mindset to the programs transitioning in the coming weeks: preserve the experience and knowledge already in place while giving employees greater access to city resources, departments, and decision-makers.

Benefits the transition may have on services

The transition will also create opportunities to improve how individual programs support the broader city organization. For example, GIS information will be made more readily available to employees across departments who need it, with greater emphasis on mapping assets owned and maintained by the city and providing interdepartmental support based on department needs.

The city will also assume responsibility for Landbank activities and several community development programs, including Legacy Hopkinsville incentives for eligible properties downtown and within legacy neighborhoods.

“This is about building systems that support the long-term growth and success of Hopkinsville,” said Mayor Knight. “Whether someone is developing a new project, expanding a business, improving a property, or investing in one of our legacy neighborhoods, we want them to know the city wants to work with them and help move good projects forward.”

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Service transition timeline

As Community and Development Services begins transitioning to its new office location, several services will move to the City of Hopkinsville on a phased schedule beginning September 16. Building Inspections and Building Code Services From September 16 through September 23, Building Code services will be limited while staff completes the transition.

During this period, the city will only conduct required inspections and inspections that have already been scheduled. Residents, contractors, and developers with questions regarding permits or inspections during this transition may call 270-890-0611.

Beginning Thursday, September 24, Building Code will be fully operational under the City of Hopkinsville. The city’s Building Code Department will operate from the first floor of City Hall, 710 S. Main Street.

  • Phone: 270-890-0610
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

GIS services will transition to the City of Hopkinsville on September 28 and will be fully operational under the city beginning Thursday, October 1. GIS services will be administered through the City of Hopkinsville Public Works Department.

  • Contact: Hopkinsville Public Works
  • Phone: 270-890-0600

Landbank Services

Landbank services will transition to the City of Hopkinsville on September 28 and will be fully
operational under the city beginning Thursday, October 1.

  • Contact: Connor Staples
  • Phone: 270-890-0241

Community Development and Legacy Hopkinsville Programs

The city will administer several community development programs, including Legacy Hopkinsville incentives for eligible properties downtown and within designated legacy neighborhoods. Start date is pending.

  • Phone: 270-890-0242

Planning and Zoning

Planning and zoning responsibilities will remain with Community and Development Services. Anyone needing assistance with planning, zoning, development review, or related services may
contact:

  • Community and Development Services
  • Address: 311 West 9th Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240
  • Phone: 270-887-4285

Many of the employees moving into city roles have already been working in these program areas and will bring with them years of experience and familiarity with the residents, contractors, and developers they serve.

For the community, the transition is expected to result in limited disruption. The programs themselves will continue, and many of the same experienced professionals will remain involved, now supported directly by the resources and departments of the City of Hopkinsville.

Residents or businesses who are unsure where to access a particular service may contact the city
directly at 270-887-4000

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