Commissioners learned that Tompkinsville will be receiving a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) in the amount of $50,000 to upgrade and improve the city’s existing sewer system. Mayor Jeff Proffitt announced the news of the grant at last Thursday’s regular meeting of the City Commission, noting he had been advised that there was a very good chance of receiving an additional $500,000 ARC grant to supplement the HUD administered CDBG grant.

Commissioners were advised that the paperwork for the grant had to be signed and returned by Friday, March 30, and they approved that action.

Commissioners also voted to hire current City Park Manager Red Schabacker as Property Violation Code Officer for the city at a rate of $12.40 per hour. Schabacker’s duties will include working with property owners to clean up areas with abandoned lots and buildings, as well as working to collect back taxes on properties that have gone unpaid, in some instances, for several years.

Extreme cases could result in the seizure and subsequent sale of property to recoup back taxes. Schabacker and Proffitt explained the actions taken through this office should help with issues such as stray animals and methamphetamine production as abandoned buildings and lots will be torn down or cleaned up.