OAK GROVE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – During the Oak Grove Committee of the Whole meeting, city leaders discussed advancing plans for a new municipal building.
“It would be the biggest physical project the city has done in decades,” said Lee Wilson, city attorney.
Councilwoman Jean Leavell emphasized the financial benefits of moving forward now stating that is would be more affordable to tackle the project now instead of waiting. Recent discussions have focused on creating a multi-functional facility that would house city hall, council chambers, a storm shelter, and the volunteer fire department.
The city’s tentative plan involves relocating the police department into the current city hall once the new building is complete, as the existing police department space is inadequate for its needs.
“With all the new businesses coming in, it’s essential to have everything centralized in one building,” said councilman Edward Cook.
Finance Director Matt Egbert warned the council to be cautious, noting that the city is already committed to a water project. He proposed three options for funding the new building; raising taxes, going into debt, or securing bond if the city qualifies. “You could approve a new tax to get revenue for your next project, the problem is communicating with your citizens of the community,” said Egbert.
The council agreed to gather their ideas for the new building, obtain cost estimates, and reconvene at the March 6 meeting to discuss them further.