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Bardstown council adopts updated electric, water, wastewater and utility billing ordinances
Summary
The Bardstown City Council unanimously adopted four ordinances on Nov. 25 revising rates, fees and billing rules for electricity, water, wastewater and combined utility accounts. Each ordinance was given second reading, passed by roll-call vote and takes effect as noted in the minutes.
The Bardstown City Council on Nov. 25 adopted a package of ordinances that revise city utility rates, fees and billing procedures following a city rate study.
City Attorney Audrey Haydon-Blackmon read summaries of four ordinances that amend the city code: B2025-13 (Chapter 50: Electricity), B2025-14 (Chapter 52: Water), B2025-15 (Chapter 53: Wastewater) and B2025-16 (Chapter 55: Combined Utilities System). Councilmembers moved and seconded the adoptions in sequence and the mayor declared each ordinance adopted after roll-call votes that recorded Councilmen Dones, Hart, Hibbs and Williams voting AYE; Councilmen Buckman and Sheckles were recorded as absent.
The electricity ordinance (B2025-13) updates customer class definitions and raises multiple electric charges and per-kilowatt-hour rates across residential, commercial and industrial classes, adjusts security-light and service fees, and updates net-billing and meter fees. The minutes record that the ordinance will take effect "following publication as required by law." Councilman David Dones moved to adopt the ordinance; Councilman Roland E. Williams seconded. Mayor J. Richard Heaton declared it adopted.
The water ordinance (B2025-14) revises monthly service charges by meter size, sets volumetric rates after the first 2,000 gallons, updates fire service charges, and amends connection fees and certain service-fee provisions. The minutes state this ordinance is effective Jan. 1, 2026, following required publication. Councilman Franklin Hibbs moved adoption; Councilwoman Betty Hart seconded.
The wastewater ordinance (B2025-15) raises sewer connection fees, increases trucker discharge fees, updates monthly sewer base and volumetric rates and adjusts industrial surcharge schedules for BOD, TSS and ammonia. The minutes list Jan. 1, 2026 as the effective date after publication. Councilman Roland E. Williams moved to adopt; Councilman David Dones seconded.
Ordinance B2025-16 consolidates billing, penalty and account fee provisions into Chapter 55, moves certain administrative responsibilities, and sets deposit tables and account fees (including return check, after-hours, disconnect and truck-roll fees). The minutes record adoption following a motion by Councilwoman Hart and second by Councilman Hibbs; the ordinance takes effect following publication as required by law.
Each adoption was recorded by roll call; the minutes list the voting members and show a 4-0 recorded vote in favor for each ordinance with two members absent. The minutes do not record extended debate or amendments on the ordinances; City Attorney Haydon-Blackmon presented the summaries and council proceeded to motions and votes.
The council minutes identify the rate changes and many specific new charges and fee amounts in the ordinance text. Where an ordinance specifies an effective date, this summary notes it (Jan. 1, 2026 for the water and wastewater ordinances); where the ordinance states it will be effective "following publication as required by law," the minutes do not provide a calendar date.
The council did not record any formal motions to delay adoption, nor did the minutes report public comment on the rate ordinances.
