Crittenden tackling Interlocal EMS agreement

When Mayor Jim Purcell called the Crittenden City Council to order March 11 the main order of business was the emergency medical services interlocal agreement.

Fire Chief A. Lee Burton gave an update. At the end of the month, the taxing district had received $154,240.12; this was after paying remainder of the contract with Dry Ridge in the amount of $87,463.

He related numbers proposed by Dry Ridge, an increase of 30.3%. “We will go from a grand total of $174,927 and change to $250,956.48” per year.

He said the county has announced they will be “forming an ambulance tax district.

“As far as what it’s going to look like, what it’s going to encompass, what its day to day operation will be, we have no word at this time.” When that district would take effect is also unknown; they are still in the planning process.

Councilmembers questioned “is this our only option?”

Burton said a potential option would be “an EMS service in Crittenden, but you are looking at a good $200,000 and that’s not including the purchase of the vehicle or all of the equipment, just to get this off the ground.”

He noted attempting to go outside the county would include problems such as communications and distance; Walton does not even want to entertain the possibility of servicing Crittenden.

Purcel noted the city’s district is “not forced to take any particular action based upon what the county does or does not do.”

Other business:

• The council conducted the second reading of Ordinance No. 327-2024 Repealing Ordinance No. 1-82 regarding city personnel policies.

• The council conducted first Reading of Ordinance No. 328-2024 amending the zoning ordinance to increase parking from two spaces to four spaces for dwellings.

• The council unanimously approved a resolution to accept the Northern Kentucky Area Development District Hazard Mitigation Plan to include Crittenden.

• Purcell announced that James Dezarn, maintenance department director, has resigned. His last day will be April 30. Purcell encouraged anyone interested in applying to contact the City Office for applications.

Economic Development/Tourism

Jamie Baker, Executive Director Grant County Chamber/Economic Development/Tourism addressed the Council with an update on economic development and tourism in the county. She said April 15 Chamber Breakfast meeting will be open for mayors and judge/executive or their representatives to give a quick presentation of what is going on in their respective municipality.

She also passed out the new “Experience Grant County Kentucky” publication that will be placed in any location where “visitors lay their head.”

Senate Bill 47 and Medical Marijuana

Launi Gum, program director/project coordinator of Champions for a Drug Free Grant County, addressed the city concerning the Jan. 2025 enactment of Senate Bill 47 legalizing Medical Marijuana. She distributed information and went over the parts of the new law that will affect children as well as potential controls local governments can enact.

Changes are still being made in the current legislative session. Gum said Champions would be happy to help the city answer any questions or provide help with technical issues.

Harvesters Dam and Nature Park

Purcell noted there are some washes at the park that will need attention. He said Eric Walters looked at it and said it will take around $27,000 to repair it and install a mat in to prevent washing until grass can be established.

Purcell asked council members to call with their thoughts.

City Clerk Shawn McHolland noted there are more storm drain issues on top of the 28 drains fixed in the last two years.

Councilmember Greg Livingood presented a status report on the nature park planning. The committee has met with the park architect to begin development plans, which are expected soon.

Purcell suggested the committee discuss the proposal, then bring it to the city council for further discussions and subsequent public input.

The next Crittenden City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 9 at 7 p.m. at the City Building at 117 South Main Street, Crittenden. For more information, call (859) 428-2597.