At Monday night’s Leitchfield City Council meeting, council members approved the final reading of an ordinance providing the issuance of tax-exempt General Obligation Bonds to purchase and renovate the old Rite Aid building, located at 515 South Main Street.
The facility will be used for the new Leitchfield City Hall and Leitchfield Police Department headquarters.
Mayor William Thomason previously said the purchase price ($2.850 million) and ensuing renovations are expected to cost less than $5 million, but the bond total was set at $5 million because the amount of the bond cannot be adjusted at a later date. According to Thomason, the 14,500 square foot property is worth about $4.6 million.
Thomason said approximately 9,000 square-feet of the building will hold the Leitchfield PD with the remaining 5,500 square-feet containing City Hall.
When asked about a timeline regarding the renovation of the building’s interior, Thomason said the overhaul will be a “winter project.” The mayor added that no construction or renovation will take place on the building’s exterior, other than the addition of signage.
Mission Hope for Kids
Council members were also asked by Edna Bratcher and Deborah Myers, representatives of Mission Hope for Kids, a faith-based, non-profit after-school program, if the program may use the upstairs of city hall once per week.
The program partners with parents and educators to identify children in first and second grades who would benefit from additional academic support, as well as emotional and spiritual support.
The program offers homework help through mentorship, literacy programs, computer lab experience, faith and enrichment, meals, and clothing items. If needed, transportation is also provided.
The Mission Hope for Children in Elizabethtown, which, according to Bratcher and Myers has about 185 participating children, will provide financial support as the Leitchfield chapter begins its operation, slated for fall 2019.
After a brief discussion, council members agreed to study the matter and give an answer to the organizers at its next meeting on November 19.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com or 270-259-6000
