City commission applies for funds to purchase fire boat

Tuesday's meeting of the Paducah Board of Commissioners was relatively brief. Mayor George Bray could not attend, and Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Wilson presided.

The board approved a municipal order to apply for a Department of Homeland Security Port Security Grant requesting $543,750 to purchase a fire boat for the Paducah Fire Department's use to respond to water-based emergency situations.

The grant for the boat requires a match of 25% of the total project cost. The required match is $181,250 for a total project cost of $725,000. 

They also applied for a GameTime grant requesting $22,370 to purchase additional play equipment for the Coleman Park playground.

The Board approved an ordinance establishing an Energy Project Assessment District to advance conservation of energy and water resources. The EPAD program allows a commercial property owner to repay a loan from a private financial institution through a voluntary assessment on their property tax bill. 

The loan would be for eligible energy and water efficiency improvements. Advantages for the commercial property owner, as compared to a traditional bank loan, include a longer repayment term, preserved credit lines, and no down payment.