Concerned Citizen Inquires About City’s Use Of Dump Truck

A concerned citizen reached out to the Independent News on Tuesday to inquire about whether the city of Bourbon used its dump truck to plow snow during the winter storm.

Mayor Danny Skaggs said later that night during the city’s monthly board meeting that the truck was used on Saturday and that even though its usage broke the rules, “he would do it again in a heartbeat.”

City employee Mike Gazaway drove the truck and Skaggs rode with him. Skaggs said as he understood it, Gazaway, who has a CDL permit, could drive the truck as long as there was a licensed driver with him.

Skaggs said he found out later that the passenger must have a CDL, but it would not have changed his decision.

“The people of Bourbon deserve to have their streets cleaned off,” Skaggs said. “I would make the same decision. I don’t care.”

Skaggs said the truck will not be used again.

“That dump truck is worthless,” he said. “We need to get rid of it because we don’t plan on using it unless we absolutely have to.”

The truck appears to have been purchased in 2006 and has only 12,000 miles on it. The board later discussed that night the possibility of selling it.

Stage

The citizen also wanted to know if the city knew that was in violation of the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) by not building a ramp to the new stage in Festival Park.

The Bourbon Boosters paid for the pavilion, which was constructed last fall. Ward 2 Alderwoman Mary Heywood said the Boosters have applied for a grant. Heywood acknowledged that a ramp is necessary, they just do not have the money to finish it right now.

The citizen also claimed that the railings were not high enough and there were no slats, which could lead to accidents.

Skaggs said the railing is up to regulation, but that not having slats is true. 

“We’re waiting on the Boosters to see what they want to do,” Skaggs said.