Bourbon County officials debate developer contract and community concerns over housing

The Bourbon County Commission convened on December 30, 2024, to address several pressing issues, including a memorandum of understanding (MOU) related to land development and ongoing community concerns regarding local governance.

The meeting began with a discussion about the implications of transferring taxpayer-owned land to a private entity for housing development. One commissioner raised legal concerns, questioning the legality of such a transfer and suggesting that the commission had not conducted sufficient due diligence before moving forward with the MOU. The commissioner emphasized the need for further research and consultation with legal experts, particularly regarding arbitration clauses included in the agreement, which could impose significant costs if disputes arise.

As the conversation progressed, the commissioners debated the timeline for the project, with some suggesting that it would be prudent to delay any decisions until June, when a related contract with a local hospital is expected to be fulfilled. This delay was proposed to ensure that all contractual obligations are met before proceeding with the housing development.

Katie Bowers, a local resident and Republican County Chair, addressed the commission, expressing her desire for a positive start to the new year and urging the commissioners to alleviate community concerns. She presented an affidavit for the commissioners to sign, aimed at reinforcing public trust in their decision-making. However, this proposal was met with mixed reactions, with some commissioners perceiving it as an insult to their integrity.

Tensions escalated during the meeting, with commissioners and audience members exchanging heated remarks regarding accusations and community perceptions. Despite the disagreements, there was a consensus on the importance of transparency and communication moving forward.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to revisit the MOU and related discussions in the coming weeks, allowing time for further investigation and community input. The commissioners acknowledged the need to balance development goals with legal and ethical considerations, emphasizing the importance of making informed decisions that reflect the interests of Bourbon County residents.