The McCreary County Board Meeting held on September 23, 2025, focused primarily on the future of the Smithtown property, which has been a topic of discussion for several years. The meeting began with Mr. Taylor addressing the board about the ongoing concerns regarding the property, which has been deemed a liability due to its current state.

Mr. Taylor noted that the county had previously sought approval from the Kentucky Department of Education (KDE) to sell the property but ultimately decided to retain it. He expressed a preference for taking action to either demolish the structure or clean up the site to mitigate potential safety hazards and legal liabilities. He highlighted the importance of addressing the asbestos present in the building and mentioned that he had consulted with three different contractors to obtain estimates for the demolition and cleanup costs, which ranged from approximately $20,000 to $80,000.

The board discussed the potential benefits of cleaning up the property, including an increase in its value, which was last appraised at around $100,000. Mr. Taylor suggested that the property could eventually serve as a suitable location for a bus garage, emphasizing the long-term vision for the site.

The board agreed to initiate a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for demolition and cleanup services. Mr. Taylor reassured the members that they would have the option to reject any bids that did not meet their expectations. He also mentioned the possibility of renting equipment for the project, which would cost about $20,000 per month.

As the discussion progressed, the board members confirmed their intent to proceed with the bidding process, specifying that sealed bids would be accepted for the demolition and cleanup of the Smithtown property. They also clarified that any future sale of the property would require disclosure of the buried materials.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing the Smithtown property issue, with plans to move forward with the cleanup and potential future development. The next steps involve finalizing the RFP and evaluating bids to ensure the safety and value of the property are prioritized.