OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – During the Oak Grove City Council meeting on Oct. 1, local leaders discussed upgrades to the city including the water project, and the need for a larger police station.

Chief of Oak Grove Police Dennis Cunningham addressed the challenges faced by the police department due to space constraints. “The building is too small for our operations, and it has been for 10 years,” said Cunningham. “I don’t know how many times I have to say it in front of council, it’s just too small.”

Cunningham added that with eighteen officers, the parking lot at the station is full between 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. He says officers can barely park unless they are bumper to bumper, and there is no room to add on to the building as it would only affect the parking situation more. “All we can do is keep managing what we got until we find something permanent.”

Finance Director Matt Egbert proposed the idea of constructing a municipal lot behind the fire department, potentially taking over the area where the Fire Department Park sits. “If people don’t use that park, it could be used to have a facility with public safety, police, EMS,” said Egbert.

While council members have previously discussed this proposal, they emphasized funding, land, and availability are critical factors. They agreed it might be best to wait until the water project is complete before moving forward. The council plans to revisit the discussion at the next fire and public safety meeting.

Water tower update

Public Works Director Brian Ahart reported that the city is still looking for a location for the new water tower. Once a location is chosen, Ahart assured council that the project will be moving forward with intentions to supply water to the northern part of the city. “I do not see construction on the project this year,” said Ahart. “Hopefully we will start early Spring and be done in 12 or 14 months.”

He also shared a surge of interest in Oak Grove with businesses and builders calling every day. “There is a lot of interest, and we are moving in a good direction,” he said.

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