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Owensboro commission gives first reading to ordinance setting transit suspension procedures
Summary
The Owensboro City Commission heard first reading of Ordinance 19-20 25 to create a process for suspending or revoking Owensboro Transit System riding privileges; city staff said suspensions would mirror parks procedures with short- and long-term options and appeal rights to the commission.
Mayor Tom Watson and the Owensboro City Commission on first reading introduced an ordinance to establish procedures for suspending or revoking riding privileges on the Owensboro Transit System.
City Manager explained the measure would mirror the city’s existing parks-suspension framework: staff could issue short-term suspensions, the city manager could impose longer suspensions, and individuals would have a right to appeal to the commission. The manager said the policy aims to address “occasional unruly riders” whose behavior can disrupt service and sometimes require law-enforcement intervention.
During discussion, a commissioner asked whether the ordinance could allow a permanent ban. The city manager replied that, historically for similar parks actions, suspensions are set to match the seriousness of the offense and recalled typical lengths “anywhere from three months to a year,” adding he did not remember a lifetime ban being used.
The ordinance was read on first reading; commissioners did not take a final vote on adoption during the meeting. The city manager said that, if adopted in later proceedings, the ordinance would include due-process steps and an appeal pathway to the commission.
Next steps: the ordinance remains at first reading and will return for further consideration and possible final action at a future meeting.
