Spencer County awards 10-year non‑exclusive cable franchise to Bardstown Cable over one magisterial dissent

Spencer County Fiscal Court granted a 10‑year, non‑exclusive cable franchise to Bardstown Cable on May 6, authorizing the county judge‑executive to sign a franchise agreement that permits the company to build and operate a cable system within portions of Spencer County.

The resolution awarding the franchise passed on a recorded vote, with Magistrate Jerry (J.) Moody the lone “nay.” The motion to approve the resolution was made by Esq. Beaverson and seconded by Esq. M. Moody. The court followed with a separate motion authorizing the judge‑executive to enter into a franchise agreement with Bardstown under the same terms and vote.

Bardstown representative Nahom Ayele told the court his company had received calls from residents on Highgrove Road and portions of Highway 48 asking for service and that the company would expand service where it met construction and build‑out requirements. The resolution and subsequent franchise agreement incorporate terms submitted in Bardstown’s bid proposal, as recorded in the packet and the resolution adopted by the court.

The decision drew brief discussion from magistrates over which areas would receive service; the judge and Bardstown officials clarified that the grant is non‑exclusive and that Bardstown will not serve every area countywide.

The court’s approval authorizes the judge‑executive to execute the franchise paperwork necessary to implement the award. The franchise resolution and the agreement language are part of the meeting record. The court adjourned following later votes on separate budget and facilities items.

For now, the franchise award obligates Bardstown and the county to the terms described in the adopted bid proposal and resolution; the agreement will be binding on the parties and their successors when executed by the judge‑executive.