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Owensboro commission approves revisions to Human Relations Commission ordinance amid heated public objections
Summary
On second reading the commission approved changes to the Human Relations Commission ordinance that reduce board size, add residency requirements and clarify investigation/referral authority; supporters said the changes are housekeeping while at least one commissioner and other public commenters said the revisions are substantial and urged delay or legal review.
The Owensboro City Commission approved Ordinance 4-2026 on second reading, a set of amendments to the city's Human Relations Commission ordinance described by city staff as clarifications and cleanups. City manager said the ordinance had not been updated since 2001 and that proposed changes include reducing the maximum number of board members from 15 to 12, staggering terms, requiring one year of local residency prior to appointment and clarifying that the HRC may refer complaints to other agencies and is not required to conduct investigations in every case.
David Kelly, who identified himself as the board chair, told the commission the HRC leadership supports the changes and thanked the city for its support. "As board chair, we are on behalf of the board, we are in support of these changes," Kelly said.
Glenda Wright, who identified herself as an attorney and as a member of the commission, sharply disagreed. Wright said she had raised concerns with the board in recent months and accused the commission and the proposed changes of breaking state law. She urged commissioners to delay or reconsider the revisions, questioned training and staffing on the commission, and said she would publish correspondence she said documents her concerns. "There are substantial changes, and I look forward to the community still showing support and letting their voices be heard," Wright said.
Councilors held a roll-call vote after public comment and approved the ordinance (affirmative responses were recorded from the body). The city manager said the changes were made in consultation with HRC leadership, including the chair, vice chair and executive director.
The ordinance will be incorporated into the Owensboro Municipal Code; the city manager and HRC leadership portrayed the amendments as clarifying long-standing practices, while at least one commissioner and an HRC member argued the changes materially alter the commission’s scope and raised questions about legal compliance. Wright urged citizens to seek judicial remedies if they believe the commission is not fulfilling its duties prior to codified changes.
