Presentation about Kentucky Small Business Development Center in Paducah
Aaron Harned, director of the Kentucky Small Business Development Center (SBDC) in Paducah, provided an overview of the center which serves 13 counties in western Kentucky. The SBDC provides one-on-one business coaching at no cost to existing business owners and potential entrepreneurs in addition to providing access to capital through grants, loans, and equity investments. The center also offers a variety of low-cost training programs taught by industry experts and qualified SBDC Coaches. For Fiscal Year 2024, Paducah’s center provided 632 coaching hours, supported 584 jobs, and bought/started 24 businesses. The capital infusion was $7.43 million.
Kentucky SBDC is co-sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration. There are 14 service centers statewide. Paducah’s Center is located inside the Emerging Technology Center at West Kentucky Community & Technical College. Learn more at Kentucky SBDC.
Resolution in Opposition to Centralized Collection of Local Occupational Fees/Taxes
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a resolution opposing House Bill 253 and any other bills brought forth during the 2025 Kentucky General Assembly session that provides for mandated centralized collection of local occupational fees/taxes by the State of Kentucky or a third party. The City also urges all members of the General Assembly to vote against proposals of this nature. As stated in the resolution, the City of Paducah strongly believes that mandated state or third-party collection of local occupational license taxes and fees would have an adverse effect on the fiscal condition and economic development of Paducah.
Grant to Attract Military Talent for Local Careers
The Paducah Board of Commissioners authorized a Municipal Order accepting a sub-award and partnership with NextOp, Inc. for the Workforce Opportunities for Rural Communities VI Grant. This $60,000 grant ($20,000 per year for a total of three years) would be used to recruit military talent to establish careers in Paducah. These funds will be used for local recruitment events and career fairs tailored to veterans which would provide an in-depth evaluation of local available jobs and the benefits of living in Paducah. The goal is to recruit 25 individuals and their families to Paducah. NextOp is a non-profit organization working to meet employment challenges facing military members and veterans.
Medicinal Cannabis Businesses
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to amend Code of Ordinances Chapter 106 related to gross receipts for medicinal cannabis businesses. This ordinance defines Medicinal Cannabis Businesses, sets a minimum annual fee of $500, and creates Schedule F of the general business license tax schedule. To receive a Paducah business license, the Medicinal Cannabis Business will be required to present a valid license issued by the State, be in good standing with the City of Paducah, and be compliant with zoning code.
Abolishing 911 Landline Fees
The Paducah Board of Commissioners introduced an ordinance to amend Code of Ordinances Chapter 2 to abolish 911 Landline Fees. Currently, Paducah’s Code authorizes a $2.50 per month landline fee to be collected by companies providing telephone service to City residents. In 2024, the City authorized an interlocal agreement between the City and County for the provision of emergency 911 services and created the 911 parcel fee. As part of that agreement, the City and County agreed to abolish all landline fees.
Discussion about Oak Grove Cemetery Policies and Procedures
Director of Parks & Recreation Amie Clark provided an overview of Oak Grove Cemetery’s internal policy, fee schedule, and ordinance. There are few discrepancies and inconsistent language among the three items that need to be clarified. Amendments will be presented at an upcoming meeting for official adoption.
Economic Development Grant Discussion
Greater Paducah Economic Development President/CEO Bruce Wilcox discussed with the Paducah Board of Commissioners a grant opportunity through the Kentucky Product Development Initiative (KPDI) which is overseen by the Cabinet for Economic Development. The maximum grant funds that could be awarded would be $2 million. If awarded, those funds would be used to help fund the construction of a 100,000-square-foot spec building in Industrial Park West.
Boards and Commissions
- Reappointment of Jimmy Rex “Jay” Smith II and Gregory Cannon to the Brooks Stadium Commission.
- Reappointment of Paul King, Jimmy Evans, and Kerry Fulcher to the Building, Electrical, and Fire Codes Appeals Board.
Additional Meeting Information
- Municipal Order approved accepting the award from the McCracken County Farm Bureau Federation for grain bin rescue equipment valued at $5200 for the Fire Department.
- Municipal Order approved for the declaration and sale of city-owned surplus property at 1131 Tennessee Street. The Paducah Alliance of Neighbors plans to construct a single-family home on the property.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the purchase of properties at 1801 Guthrie Avenue, 737 Goebel Avenue, and 720 Joe Bryan Drive.
- Ordinance introduced authorizing the closure of 15,460 square feet of North 3rd Street between Harrison Street and Executive Boulevard. This road closure is in preparation for the construction of the new Marriott Aloft Hotel. This is the street adjacent and parallel to the floodwall.
- Ordinance introduced to approve a Memorandum of Understanding between the City and Trails End Development, LLC for a five-year residential infill agreement for the Trails End Subdivision.
- Due to a lack of a quorum, the February 25 regular meeting of the Paducah Board of Commissioners will be cancelled. There will be a called meeting on March 4.
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