Paducah commission introduces four ordinances including board pay, golf‑cart rules and pet‑sale prohibition

The Paducah City Commission on Nov. 4 introduced four ordinances on first reading covering compensation for board members, golf‑cart operation, and restrictions on retail sale of live dogs and cats and related business license language.

Board compensation: City staff introduced an ordinance to amend the Paducah code to authorize consistent compensation for voting members of city boards, commissions and advisory bodies, setting pay at $100 per meeting for chairpersons and $75 per meeting for members. Payments would begin Jan. 1, 2026 and, according to staff, the change would cost roughly $100,000 a year. Commissioners said staff benchmarked other cities when setting amounts and described tracking and quarterly payment processes.

Golf carts: A second ordinance would create a new article in chapter 110 (traffic and vehicles) to allow operated golf carts on streets with posted speed limits of 35 mph or less, subject to inspection by the McCracken County Sheriff’s Office, a Paducah Police Department permit, insurance, daylight‑only operation, display of a slow‑moving vehicle emblem and a valid driver’s license. The permit fee would be $25 one time and remain valid until ownership changes. Violations would be misdemeanors with fines ranging from $20 to $500. Commissioners expressed enforcement and age‑limit concerns; city staff said inspections can be handled at the sheriff’s office or via travel inspections and noted KRS authorizes related inspection and travel fees.

Retail pet sales and business licensing: Two related ordinances would (1) amend chapter 14 to prohibit retail pet stores and public places from selling live dogs and cats inside city limits with fines of $500 per offense and daily penalties for continuing violations and (2) amend section 106‑147 of the business license code to prevent issuance or renewal of a business license for establishments selling live dogs or cats while allowing pet supply stores and rescues to continue to operate if compliant. An out‑of‑state trade group (Pet Advocacy Network) had contacted commissioners opposing the ban; a Kentucky state director for Humane World for Animals (presenting in support) said several Kentucky cities have adopted similar laws and offered locally signed postcards (32 signatures) in favor. The mayor asked staff to gather more information before the second reading.

All four measures were introduced (first reading); no final adoption votes were recorded in the transcript. Commissioners asked for additional information and staff follow‑up prior to any final vote.