Board doesn’t object to cab rules

Dec. 18--A long, detailed ordinance to regulate taxicabs in Owensboro came up for first reading before the City Commission at City Hall on Tuesday, with no objections raised by elected officials or anyone in the audience.

The proposed ordinance, which will be voted on in January, will create a new article in Chapter 27 of the Owensboro Municipal Code entitled "Taxicabs." If approved, it will establish standards for the issuance of a taxicab driver permits, the operation of taxicabs, identification requirements for taxicabs and drivers, taxi rates, insurance requirements, standards for cleanliness of taxicabs and drivers and inspections of vehicles.

Two local cab companies were given the opportunity to review the ordinance and made a few suggestions that were included in the final language.

Owensboro does not currently regulate taxicab companies except in a very limited fashion, although the state does. Much of the language of the ordinance was lifted from taxicab ordinances in other Kentucky cities, including Louisville, according to Assistant City Attorney Steve Lynn.

City officials have expressed their concern that with new Owensboro Convention Center and new downtown hotels about to open, the quality of cab service ought to be addressed. Owensboro is served by two cab companies -- Komfort Kab Co. and Yellow Cab Co.

"When I look at this kind of thing, I think of growing and issues we have to deal with," Mayor Ron Payne said. "We will be back in the convention center business, and we want to make sure people come back and visit the city. (Lynn) met with the companies, I understand, and they want to do this."

Also Tuesday, the annual Cap Gardner City Employee of the Year was given to Firefighter Eric Carter, who was among 12 nominees. Carter received two nominations from within the Owensboro Fire Department.

Finally, the commission approved a municipal order clearing the way for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet to provide $250,000 in Federal Highway Administration funds for the development of a river heritage history exhibit at the Owensboro Museum of Science and History. The museum will provide a 20 percent match in order to receive the grant. The match will be in the form of labor.

Steve Vied, 691-7297, [email protected]

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