Commission schedules redistricting vendor presentation, discusses public input and deadlines

Bourbon County commissioners confirmed that the redistricting vendor (SAM) will provide three draft maps for the commission’s consideration. Commissioners said they expect to review the maps at the next meeting and, time permitting, will open the session for public comment.

A public speaker urged an open town-hall presentation and requested that draft maps be posted on the county website so residents can review them in advance. Commissioners said they would attempt to accommodate public input but noted an internal timeline for selecting a single map to forward to the state; one speaker cautioned that waiting past January 2 could allow a judge to step in, and commissioners identified January 30 as the practical deadline for completing the process.

The commission discussed logistics for a public review, the possibility of a larger meeting room to accommodate attendance, and the inclusion of the public in reviewing the three vendor maps. One commissioner suggested the three maps will be provided by SAM and the commission will pick one to send to the state for approval; if the state has objections, it can return the map for further revision.

Next steps: SAM will present three draft maps at the next meeting; commissioners plan to review them, aim to accept a map by the scheduled regular meeting, and will consider additional public meetings if a decision cannot be made within the vendor timeline and statutory deadlines.