The Hurricane City Council voted to expand its TIF district to include undeveloped spots near I-64 and in the Culloden area. Property taxes collected in TIF (Tax Increment Financing) districts captures the projected increase in property tax revenue gained when an area is developed and uses the increase to assist in paying for projects in the area. The Hurricane TIF area includes Bridge Park and TIF revenue is being used to finance improvements at the park.
City manager Andy Skidmore stated that the public can expect to see three new ball fields become available for use at the park in late spring of 2024. Skidmore reported that the fields have been seeded and should be ready for play in late May.
In other business, Council held the second reading of ordinances to annex four businesses which petitioned to come into city limits. The businesses, all located on Teays Valley Road are Fairways, Thrush & Clark, Bubbarinos, and Highly Blessed Realty. The annexations will become final upon approval by the Putnam County Commission. The Commission is slated to consider the requests on Tuesday, November 14.
In a split vote, Council approved a request to rezone 2920 Virginia Avenue from R-1 to R-2. The change will allow short term rentals at the location.
In an unusual order of business, the Council voted to move $3,400 which had been issued to the City of Whitesburg, KY, as a check for flood relief in 2022 to Hurricane’s donation fund. Whitesburg had received the check but did not deposit it within the required six month period. The $3,400 will be held until which time the City of Whitesburg has internal accounting procedures in place to accept the gift.
Police Chief Mike Mullins reported that his department made 18 arrests during October which were charged to the State and 14 arrests charged to the City. Eleven of the city arrests were for shoplifting.
Fire Chief Mike Hoffman said that the HFD visited every elementary school, some twice, during October to give fire safety presentations. The HFD also participated in pumpkin drops at two schools.
City offices will be closed on Friday, November 10th in observance of Veterans Day and on November 23 and 24 for the Thanksgiving holiday. The next regular council meeting will be December 4 at 6:30 p.m.
