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Elizabethtown council approves three tax ordinances, accepts naming-rights bid and OKs sale of city parcel
Summary
At a Sept. 22 special meeting the Elizabethtown City Council adopted three tax ordinances (motor vehicle/watercraft, franchise tax, and real/property tax), accepted Magnolia Bank's gallery naming-rights bid and approved sale of 710'712 E. Dixie Ave. to a local family for redevelopment.
Elizabethtown'The Elizabethtown City Council on Sept. 22 adopted a package of tax measures and approved two municipal orders affecting downtown assets and a south-end redevelopment parcel.
The council unanimously adopted Ordinance 23-2025, setting an ad valorem motor-vehicle and watercraft tax at 11.6 cents per $100 of assessed valuation; Ordinance 24-2025, imposing a franchise tax of 0.025% on eligible financial-institution deposits for the 2025 tax year (as defined under KRS chapter 136); and Ordinance 25-2025, fixing the ad valorem rate for real and personal property at 10.7 cents per $100. Judge Howard read the ordinance texts for second readings before the motions to adopt were carried.
Why it matters: the ordinances adjust the city's revenue structure for municipal services and reflect the council's response to rising non-gas operating and capital costs explained later in the work session. The franchise tax affects banks operating within city limits; the property and vehicle rates set collection dates and late-payment penalties described in the ordinances.
Votes at a glance: - Ordinance 23-2025 (motor vehicles/watercraft): read in second reading, adopted by roll call; chair announced the motion carries, 6-0. - Ordinance 24-2025 (franchise tax on eligible deposits): second reading and adopted by voice vote. - Ordinance 25-2025 (real and personal property tax): second reading and adopted by voice vote.
Council also approved two municipal orders: - Municipal Order 56-2025 accepted Magnolia Bank's proposal for naming rights to the gallery inside the historic State Theater complex: a five'year agreement at $20,100 per year. The mayor was authorized to execute any necessary agreements. - Municipal Order 55-2025 accepted a proposal for sale of roughly 0.76 acres at 710 and 712 East Dixie Avenue. The municipal-order text records a $190,000 purchase proposal and authorizes the mayor to sign deeds and related closing documents.
The council chair then introduced the new property buyers. The mayor invited Dewey and Kelly to speak; the family described plans to expand their local business presence but said specific timelines and details remain to be finalized. The municipal-order document and the couple's spoken introduction use inconsistent spellings (the order text lists the buyer name as "Cruz" while the couple introduced themselves as "Crews"). The council record adopted the municipal order and directed the mayor to complete the sale paperwork.
What comes next: the mayor is authorized to execute agreements related to the naming-rights contract and the property conveyance. The council indicated the city will complete necessary environmental and boundary surveying as described in the order text.
