Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Community Services topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Simpson County Fiscal Court discusses KSP dispatch credit, P&Z marijuana zoning, homeless encampments and election logistics
Summary
Officials reported a $32,678.15 reduction in the county’s dispatch balance with the Kentucky State Police, discussed downtown homeless encampments and enforcement options, noted a Planning & Zoning meeting considering medical marijuana zoning text amendments, reminded residents of voting locations/early-voting dates, and lifted an outdoor burn ban effective Sept. 16, 2024.
During general reports at the Sept. 17 meeting, Judge/Executive Mason Bames told the court that Kentucky State Police re-evaluation will reduce Simpson County’s remaining dispatch balance by $32,678.15. He also noted that the audit of the Simpson County Sheriff’s settlement for the 2022 tax period is available on the fiscal court portal.
Judge Bames relayed a downtown business owner’s complaint about homeless people obstructing entrances on the Historic Courthouse Square. Sheriff Jere Dee Hopson and County Attorney Sam Phillips said recent Kentucky legislation addressing "camping in public" could apply: Sheriff Hopson suggested businesses report complaints to the city manager or city police chief and said that if conduct qualifies as "camping" a citation can be issued, with trespass enforceable on repeat offenses.
Judge Bames said he received notice that the Planning & Zoning Commission would consider a text amendment on zoning regulations for medical marijuana facilities within city limits that evening; he stated he had had no prior knowledge of the proposal. If the P&Z commission approves the amendment, it would be incorporated into the commission's regulations.
North Magistrate Scott Poston raised concerns about increased semi-truck traffic on Broadway Avenue, noting damaged mailboxes and tiles and safety risks for children; the fiscal court clerk will research whether any 'No Commercial Truck' signs had been authorized previously by ordinance. Magistrate Marty Chandler encouraged departments to prepare surplus equipment for sale.
County Clerk Austin Johnson reminded taxpayers that delinquent property taxes were due by the close of business that day to avoid the delinquent tax sale the next morning and announced absentee portal and early-voting schedules (early voting Oct. 31–Nov. 2 at First United Methodist Church, with five locations available on Election Day Nov. 5). Judge Bames also announced that his Executive Order 2024-09-05 (outdoor burn ban) was lifted by Executive Order 2024-09-16, effective Sept. 16, 2024, at 8:00 AM.
The court adjourned at 9:19 AM.
