The Leitchfield City Council is considering increasing the probationary period for new Leitchfield police officers and increasing the fee paid by property owners when the Leitchfield Fire Department responds more than twice per year to the same property to extinguish fires.
Leitchfield FD fee
The council heard the first reading of an ordinance amending an ordinance passed in 1989 that charges property owners $250 in the event that Leitchfield FD responds to more than two calls within a calendar year “for the purpose of extinguishing a fire at the same property address, the owner[s] shall be responsible for paying the city a fee of for reimbursement to the fire department.”
The new ordinance would raise the fee to $500.
The second reading and vote on the matter will take place at the next meeting of the city council on Tuesday, January 16.
Leitchfield PD probationary period
At the request of Leitchfield Police Chief David Riley, the council will consider increasing the probationary period for new police officers from six months to 12 months.
“I think it’s a necessary thing to protect the city,” Riley stated. “We’re encountering a different group of people now that’s coming into law enforcement, and I think they need a little more time to get used to things and see how things are going to operate. I think it would be a benefit to us (LPD) and them (new hires) both.”
The proposal will be discussed at the next council meeting.
Other city business
David Langley resigned from his position on the Board of Adjustments effective December 19, 2023. Advertisements for the position have been placed and the council has 60 days to fill the position.
The council voted unanimously to keep the city’s bank depository with The Cecilian Bank.
The council voted to renew bonds for Mayor Harold Miller in the amount of $100,000; City Clerk/Treasurer Lori Woosley in the amount of $520,000; and Finance Officer Sabrina Whitaker in the amount of $520,000.
The approved bond amounts for 2024 are the same as 2023.
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
