McCracken fiscal court backs drafting of up-to-$200,000 agreement for Paducah Cooperative Ministries shelter

The McCracken County Fiscal Court voted to adopt a resolution expressing support — not an immediate obligation — for up to $200,000 to help Paducah Cooperative Ministries (PCM) finish a remodel to provide emergency shelter, restroom, shower and laundry services to unhoused people in the county.

The measure began as a motion from Speaker 2 to allocate $199,248 and authorize a five-year contract with PCM; after extensive questioning about fundraising, operating costs and how the shelter would prioritize McCracken County residents, the court instead approved a resolution directing the county judge, county attorney and PCM to draft a contract for consideration at the next fiscal court meeting. "I believe we are at a magic moment in which we can use public dollars and get a bigger bang because we're partnering with a nonprofit who already has a proven track record," Speaker 2 said during debate. Speaker 8, who identified PCM's experience and operations, gave the court occupancy and funding figures and said demand is acute: "We get 120 calls a month for shelter and we only have 48 beds right now," Speaker 8 said.

Why it matters: PCM proposed a remodel of existing buildings to create a 50-bed drop-in emergency shelter intended primarily for McCracken County residents; the organization reported approximately $1.7 million in funds raised toward an estimated $1.88 million construction price, and said annual operating costs could increase by about $350,000. Commissioners pressed PCM for details on cash on hand, capital campaign totals and whether the shelter would act as a regional magnet. "We need to be responsible for McCracken County tax money," Speaker 4 said, voicing concern that a sizeable share of current shelter users come from outside the county.

What the court decided: Rather than entering an immediate contract, the fiscal court adopted a nonbinding resolution (voice vote) expressing support and capping the pledge at $200,000. The resolution directs the judge, county attorney and PCM to draft a service agreement and return it for approval. Speaker 3 moved the resolution and the court recorded an "aye" voice vote to pass it.

Details and context: PCM told the court Fresh Start Village operates 48 beds and that the proposed shelter would operate as an emergency "drop-in" site where guests check out each morning and may return at night if space remains. PCM cited a 2024 Kentucky Housing Corporation count of 192 people experiencing homelessness in McCracken County and highlighted McKinney-Vento student counts in local school districts. PCM representatives said they are prioritizing county residents and pursuing a mix of grants, endowments and a capital campaign to sustain operations.

Next steps: The court asked county staff and PCM to craft a services contract consistent with Kentucky constitutional and procurement constraints and to present the draft service agreement and final funding recommendation at the next fiscal court meeting. The resolution as passed does not obligate county dollars until an approving order is entered subsequently.

Votes at a glance (items from the same meeting): - Paducah Cooperative Ministries: Resolution supporting up to $200,000 and directing parties to draft a service agreement; resolution passed by voice vote (date and formal roll call not recorded in transcript). - Lifeline Recovery Center: Court ordered a $150,000 grant agreement for infrastructure at a new women’s campus; motion passed by voice vote (see related orders). - Bobcat purchase at Paducah Sports Park: Award to Bobcat of Paducah for $64,500 approved by voice vote. - Change Order (Midwest Netting Solutions LLC): Approved change order reducing portion of the batting-cage package by $66,684.67; motion passed by voice vote.

What was not decided: No contract was signed and no county funds were transferred at the meeting. Commissioners who voiced reservations asked for the proposed service agreement, financial documentation (capital campaign totals and liquid reserves) and clearer operating-budget projections before committing funds.

Sources: Proceedings of the McCracken County Fiscal Court meeting (transcript segments).