Daviess County Fiscal Court has approved a joint agreement to help fund the new portable sports floor at the Owensboro Convention Center.
“What we are here today to approve…started as an idea from one of the local hoteliers, who has a facility in Paducah,” explained David Smith, Director of Legislative Services.
“They noticed this winter their occupancy rate was through the roof,” he added. “It was because the convention center in Paducah had purchased a sports court. So he brought this idea to our Convention and Visitors Bureau.”
Mark Calitri, President/CEO of Visit Owensboro, and his staff reached out to the city, county, and Owensboro Health to jointly fund the project.
“Everyone has come together in this partnership – the city, county, local hoteliers,” Smith concluded. “We couldn’t do it without everyone’s involvement, especially Owensboro Health.”
The sports floor will cost roughly $600,000 to install at the Convention Center.
Judge-Executive Al Mattingly said the city and county would each provide $150,000, with Owensboro Health contributing $300,000, or half the cost of the sports floor.
The county has also agreed to provide off-site storage. The floor is expected to arrive in mid-September.
Fiscal Court to offset security expense for ROMP
Fiscal Court agreed to a one-time payment of $25,000 to offset security expenses for ROMP 2021. Last year’s event was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“ROMP is a fairly large fundraiser for the Bluegrass Museum,” explained Judge-Executive Al Mattingly. “As a result, they sent a letter to us requesting a one-time payment to help offset the security costs.”
The Daviess County Sheriff’s Office will provide security for the event, which is scheduled for September 15-18 at Yellow Creek Park.
Other Notes:
Fiscal Court had the second reading and adoption of the 2021-2022 Daviess County Budget. Treasurer Jim Hendrix said the county is still awaiting guidance on the expenditure of monies related to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
[Click here to review the 2021-2022 budget.]
Fiscal Court approved a contract for the fireworks display at Panther Creek Park. It will be held on September 4th, the Saturday before Labor Day.
Hope Ramming (DCHS) and Hunter Wimsatt (OCHS) were recognized for perfect scores on the ACT test.
Judge-Executive Al Mattingly proclaimed June 26-July 2 as Ham Radio Operators Week.
Fiscal Court awarded bids for rock salt, ready-mix concrete, culvert pipe, crushed limestone, and tire repair services. Commissioners also renewed bids for an array of services, ranging from bulk fuel delivery to recycling and janitorial services.
Personnel
Kandace Sturgeon will transfer to the Department of Public Works as Administrative Assistant, effective June 28, 2021.
Fiscal Court agreed to hire Alfred Wayne McPherson and Trionna L. Greer as Seasonal Attendants at Panther Creek Park.
David Johnson has been reappointed to the RWRA Board for a term of July 1, 2021 to July 7, 2025.
Public Comments
Zac Ferrell addressed the Court, voicing support for the preservation of the fire tower at Panther Creek Park. It has been closed to the public due to safety concerns.
Judge-Executive Al Mattingly said the county will be reviewing the structural integrity of the tower, sometime after July 1, 2021, when the new Fiscal Year begins.
Next Meeting
Fiscal Court will meet on June 30th at Noon regarding end of Fiscal Year budget transfers.
