The approved resolution reads, "The Fiscal Court of Calloway County, Kentucky hereby resolves that the Confederate Monument dedicated to the remembrance of those Calloway Countians who fought in the Civil War shall remain standing upon the Northeast corner of the grounds of the Calloway County Courthouse for so long as the owners of that Monument and the citizens of Calloway County are so inclined."
Calloway County Judge Executive Kenny Imes said, "We have invested considerable time especially on the legal side of it. We look forward to trying to work to resolve this to most everybody's satisfaction. That doesn't mean we're over and done with here, it's just stating where we are at this time. As things progress between the two different sides, the court would provide ample opportunity to have reasonable and fair public discussions."
The resolution says they did not make the decision lightly, and Commissioners heard from hundreds, if not thousands of Calloway County residents before making the decision.
"As with all matters, this Court remains committed to serving the Will of the people of Calloway County, and should that Will change at some point in the future, the Court stands ready to listen and engage on this issue."
Commissioners say they are mindful of the negative connotations that the monument holds for many in the county, and in response, part of the resolution condemns slavery. The resolution says, "This Court unreservedly condemns the past evil of slavery and the oppression of any American, past, present or future based on the color of his or her skin by any individual or institution."
According to the resolution, the J.N. Williams Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy does own the monument based on historical records.
The court said that although they are not mandating that the monument be relocated, if the Daughters of the Confederacy decide to move the monument at some point, the court will provide assistance.
You can see the full meeting below.
