The Maysville fire chief asked the Board of Commissioners to support a community‑funded “baby box” — an anonymous infant surrender station — to be placed at Fire Station 2 near the hospital as a regional safe‑surrender option.

“There is a safe‑haven law in the state of Kentucky that allows safe surrender,” Ashley Nestor, the fire department social worker, said. The chief said the unit would be an automated, monitored box that alerts dispatch and triggers a first‑responder response if used.

Chief Carpenter described the project as a way to honor a former chief and to provide a regional option for parents who feel unable to care for a newborn. He said the device itself costs about $20,000 and that the department expects to cover annual testing and upkeep for about $500 through a department budget line and community donations.

Officials said several local partners have pledged money or support: Primary Plus committed $5,000, Crosspoint Church planned to make the box a community project, and Catholic Charities indicated it would assist with fundraising. Carpenter said the location beside the hospital makes the box accessible to a broader region beyond Maysville.

Mayor Cottrell indicated the commission would review a provided contract and that the city attorney would be involved in next steps. “There is a contract you gave to the city attorney and so whatever needs to happen from there, we'll work on that with you all and with him and go from there,” the mayor said.

Ending: Commissioners expressed support and no formal vote was recorded; staff said they will return with contract language for review and that the department will continue fundraising.