It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Oldham County History Center gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in La Grange, KY is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“Dan and his entire team were extremely supportive during a difficult time for our family.”
“Great service and someone that you can trust when you really need it.”
“I discussed my husband's balance problem with several senior care agencies and the agency I”
“Professional, dependable...still use them...and have .for the last 18 months..”
“Always best care has been a great experience! Great caregivers and the staff has”
“Always Best takes care of my mother-in-law. They are always prompt, courteous and helpful. They”
“Always best care has been a great experience! Great caregivers and the staff has been”
“This is a wonderful company that truly cares about their clients.”
“Great service and someone that you can trust when you really need it.”
“Dan Chitwood does an amazing job for his clients! I am always happy to recommend”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is extremely professional and caring. I highly recommend using their”
“Great service. Very knowledgeable and dependable. I appreciate that Always Best Care Senior Services works”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is extremely professional and caring. I highly recommend using their”
“Thank you so much for the compassionate care and support you provided my mom. It”
“I've worked with Dan for a couple of months now, and from where I see”
“Dan helped my uncle with Louis Dodd, which is an awful disease where he could”
“I wish Always Best was in service when I needed caregivers for my aging father.”
“I have interviewed with Robin, watched her train her employees and observed her committment to”
“Owner Robin has been a longtime volunteer at the human services nonprofit where I work,”
“Dan is one of the most caring people I know! He sat down and took”
“Dan helped my uncle with Louis Dodd, which is an awful disease where he could”
“Dan sat down with my family and grandmother, he took his time in asking questions,”
“My apologies for a mis placed comment. I was directing this dissapointment at the other”
“Dan and his entire team were extremely supportive during a difficult time for our family. We are thankful for their service and highly recommend them.”
“Great service and someone that you can trust when you really need it.”
“I discussed my husband's balance problem with several senior care agencies and the agency I was most impressed with was Always Best Care. The people they have working for them are kind and considerate. They go the extra mile to help their client remain mentally alert and physically independent. They give their client just enough help so that the client feels safe and secure but not helpless. My husband had to go to Forest Spring's Health Campus because of a fall he had at home. Because of his injury, he needed 24/7 care. I called Dan Chitwood and within an hour he had his employees helping my husband. My husband has made a complete recovery from the injury but he still needs help with a balance issue. A physical therapist comes to his home and Dan's employee helps him work on the physical therapy exercises recommended for him. My husband and I have been married for 57 years and with Dan Chitwood's employees help, who knows maybe we will make it another 57 years.”
“Professional, dependable...still use them...and have .for the last 18 months..”
“Always best care has been a great experience! Great caregivers and the staff has been great to work with. I highly recommend them!”
“Always Best takes care of my mother-in-law. They are always prompt, courteous and helpful. They take her to appointments and do light housekeeping. It gives her a sense of independence.....like she's going out with a friend. We highly recommend Always Best.”
“Always best care has been a great experience! Great caregivers and the staff has been great to work with. I highly recommend them!”
“This is a wonderful company that truly cares about their clients.”
“Great service and someone that you can trust when you really need it.”
“Dan Chitwood does an amazing job for his clients! I am always happy to recommend him if I hear of someone needing his services.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is extremely professional and caring. I highly recommend using their services for your loved ones.”
“Great service. Very knowledgeable and dependable. I appreciate that Always Best Care Senior Services works to have the same care-taker come to the home for home-care. That consistency is such a relief to families. I have referred clients and employees to Dan Chitwood because I trust the services that they provide.”
“Always Best Care Senior Services is extremely professional and caring. I highly recommend using their services for your loved ones.”
“Thank you so much for the compassionate care and support you provided my mom. It was fantastic that she was able to reside at home for as long as she could. It was greatly appreciated!!! Thank you Heather for all your tireless effort as well.”
“I've worked with Dan for a couple of months now, and from where I see it, he is a caring individual that cares about his business immensely. Give Always Best Care a call, great company!”
“Dan helped my uncle with Louis Dodd, which is an awful disease where he could not remember things and he tended to see things that were not there and act out according to what he saw. Dan helped my Aunt with information about the disease and gave them options of facilities that could work with memory care patients. It turned out wonderful. Dan is always available with answers to any questions my husband and I have about my mother-in-law who just recently went through heart surgery at age 86. He is always helpful.”
“I wish Always Best was in service when I needed caregivers for my aging father. Robin, the owner, has great attention to detail and high standards of excellence for herself and those around her; in addition she is compassionate about those in needs and dedicated to service. I am most impressed as I hear her talk about the level of screening and training she requires for her direct caregivers"¦a family can have confidence that their loved ones are being well cared for during a difficult, challenging time.”
“I have interviewed with Robin, watched her train her employees and observed her committment to quality, caring service to her clients.”
“Owner Robin has been a longtime volunteer at the human services nonprofit where I work, and her commitment to quality and focus on getting every detail right have always impressed me. She is a consummate professional, but what impresses me more is her caring nature. She truly does want to help others. And the fact that she has extensive experience working in health care makes this an ideal fit for her.”
“Dan is one of the most caring people I know! He sat down and took a couple hours of his valuable time to discuss options and assisted living/memory care options for my grandmother. Dan helped us look at reviews of facilities, ratios of RN vs LPN along with complaints filed on facilities. He cared about where and how my grandmother would be cared for. He really looks at his clients as family and I would highly recommend anyone needing elder care, assisted living placement assistance or help figuring out where to start with caring for your senior loved ones to contact Dan. Be sure you contact Dan Chitwood at the RIGHT Always Best Care (ABC) so you get best! - ALWAYS!”
“Dan helped my uncle with Louis Dodd, which is an awful disease where he could not remember things and he tended to see things that were not there and act out according to what he saw. Dan helped my Aunt with information about the disease and gave them options of facilities that could work with memory care patients. It turned out wonderful. Dan is always available with answers to any questions my husband and I have about my mother-in-law who just recently went through heart surgery at age 86. He is always helpful.”
“Dan sat down with my family and grandmother, he took his time in asking questions, never rushed us in a decision and really helped us find the best care for my grandmother. Assisted living and Memory care placement can be so overwhelming. We felt better and appreciated his time and effort in assisting us! My grandmother is 100. We are so happy she is happy! Thank you!”
“My apologies for a mis placed comment. I was directing this dissapointment at the other group using the same name.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Wilborn Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local One Nineteen West Main or visit LaGrange Historic African American Cemetery, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in La Grange, KY, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in La Grange, KY understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in La Grange, KY 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
Facing community outcry, those trying to bring a large data center to Oldham County are shifting the project's proposed location and downsizing plans.Western Hospitality Partners originally intended to build a $6 billion data center on a 267-acre plot of open green field at 3557 N. Highway 53.But the company announced Monday it would instead seek to build a smaller $1.5 billion data center on nearly 88 acres at 3210 D.W. Griffith Lane just outside the incorporated city limits of La Grange, where the Sauerbeck Family Drive-In is...
Facing community outcry, those trying to bring a large data center to Oldham County are shifting the project's proposed location and downsizing plans.
Western Hospitality Partners originally intended to build a $6 billion data center on a 267-acre plot of open green field at 3557 N. Highway 53.
But the company announced Monday it would instead seek to build a smaller $1.5 billion data center on nearly 88 acres at 3210 D.W. Griffith Lane just outside the incorporated city limits of La Grange, where the Sauerbeck Family Drive-In is currently located.
Abie Kassin, an official with WHP, said the company remains committed to locating within Oldham County.
“After hearing the community’s concerns about the Highway 53 site and working closely with numerous leaders within the community, we have made the decision to alter our original plans for Oldham County,” Kassin said in a statement. “We know that a data center of any kind and size will bring lasting benefits to the community..."
Known as “Project Lincoln: OC Data Center,” the plan has drawn pushback from thousands of locals who say a hyperscale data center project would harm the environment and disturb quality of life. They've also taken issue with how local government has handled the case, arguing the county's zoning laws, which don't speak to data centers, leave Oldham County residents vulnerable to such developments.
Nathan Oberg, an Oldham County resident who lives adjacent to the original proposed location and who has organized an opposition group called We Are Oldham County, said the relocation "doesn't help one bit," noting the county still hasn't developed regulations around land use for data centers.
“They're not acting in good faith," he said of the developer. "If they were, they’d pump the breaks.”
Developers, meanwhile, say the data center will create jobs and generate tens of millions in tax revenue each year to help support the local school district, health department, and emergency services, among others.
In a statement Monday, Oldham County Judge-Executive David Voegele stressed the anticipated benefits of the project to the community and said the new location addresses problems raised by the initial proposed location.
In a social media post, Voegele added that the data center applicant withdrew its original application and filed a new plan for a smaller data center on what is known as the Sauerbeck Property, which is currently zoned for industrial use.
"Oldham County is very limited in possible locations for data centers," Voegele wrote. "The Sauerbeck property, accessed from Commerce Parkway, appears to be an appropriate location."
The site, owned by the James C. Carpenter Revocable Trust and Sauerbeck Enterprises LLC, is located along CSX railroad tracks between La Grange Road and Commerce Parkway. Neighbors include the LG&E Buckner substation and the East Kentucky Power Cooperative’s Bluegrass Station power plant.
Other neighbors include an Oldham County Board of Education annex and transportation building and a handful of businesses including a flooring store, pickleball court, pool supply shop and CrossFit gym.
A site plan obtained by The Courier Journal shows the project would include two main buildings, each with an approximate 156,000-square-foot footprint and a height of 75 feet. The plan also calls for three detention basins, a switching station and a customer substation.
The previous plan envisioned eight data center buildings with the same dimensions as what is currently proposed.
Stephen Sauerbeck, owner of the drive-in theater, said in a statement Tuesday that Western Hospitality Partners has a contract with the option to purchase the land.
"Our agreement with WHP was solely for the purchase of land," he said. "We are not selling our business and were not given any information regarding the end use."
The business intends to "rebuild better than ever" at an undetermined location within the county, should the data center be approved and the land sell, but would operate in its current spot for at least this summer and fall.
Ryan Fischer, director of Oldham County Planning and Development Services, said Monday that the developer was required to file a new application for the new location.
The new application seeks a conditional use permit for a “private utility” to be built and operated on the site. This is the same type of permit sought for the original site and will follow the same process through local government.
The location switch and new application comes as both the Oldham County Fiscal Court and La Grange City Council are contemplating 150-day moratoriums on new applications for data centers.
The La Grange City Council voted Monday to enact such a moratorium, while the fiscal court was set to discuss a moratorium ordinance Tuesday before taking a vote on the matter at its June 17 meeting.
Since the application was filed prior to either moratorium being enacted, they wouldn't affect the application, filed June 2.
Oberg, whose group has nearly 4,000 members, called the new application "a last-ditch effort" to avoid the moratorium, which is intended to give local leaders time to study the issue and create regulations and policies around development of data centers in the county.
The designation of a data center as a "private utility" has drawn criticism from residents, who argue it's a poor fit in existing zoning ordinances for a data center development.
“We don’t have any definition for what a data center is still, so it can’t be classified appropriately," he said. "There’s still no protection for the people.”
The applicant is seeking a hearing before the Technical Review Committee, which at the earliest wouldn't hear the case until its July 16 meeting. The proposal would then go to the Oldham County Board of Adjustments and Appeals for approval or denial.
This story was updated with additional information about Monday's decision and additional community comments.
Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at [email protected] or 502-582-4000.
LA GRANGE — An ordinance that would have exempted all entertainers, “temporary” or not, from business license requirements when performing within licensed establishments failed to pass at the Aug. 4 La Grange City Council meeting despite local entertainers’ complaints.As previously reported, the council approved an ordinance in June that exempted entertainers who “provid[e] temporary entertainment services … in public settings or in a licensed establishment” from being required to pay the bus...
LA GRANGE — An ordinance that would have exempted all entertainers, “temporary” or not, from business license requirements when performing within licensed establishments failed to pass at the Aug. 4 La Grange City Council meeting despite local entertainers’ complaints.
As previously reported, the council approved an ordinance in June that exempted entertainers who “provid[e] temporary entertainment services … in public settings or in a licensed establishment” from being required to pay the business license tax and temporary vendor fees when performing within the city limits.
When it was passed, the word “temporary” was not explicitly defined in the ordinance.
In May, another ordinance was brought before the council amending the previously approved ordinance — simply removing the word “temporary.” Its intent was to “clarify that the temporal nature of the entertainment is irrelevant” and let all entertainers perform “in public settings or in a licensed establishment” without having to pay the licensing tax or vendor fees.
When the amendment came before the council on Aug. 4, however, opinions were divided.
City Attorney Beach Craigmyle introduced the amendment, saying that the exemption was based “on the theory that they [entertainers] are good for economic development” and that the change was spurred by a question about the definition of “temporary.”
“In other sections of the code, the word temporary is implied to mean 30 days or more — that’s not the intention of this ordinance,” Craigmyle said.
During the public hearing, local karaoke DJ Brian Rea told the council that “Entertainers like me are not independent businesses.
“We’re hired by bars, restaurants and venues that are already fully licensed. Requiring performers to also carry a business licence is redundant and, frankly, it penalizes those of us doing small, part-time gigs … A flat license fee can take a big bite out of our modest earnings, especially for young or just starting artists.
“This kind of rule discourages local talent and hurts venues that rely on live entertainment and draws customers … When people go out for karaoke, they don’t just sing, they support small businesses. If regulation is needed, it makes more sense to work with the licensed venues, not the performers they book.”
After the public hearing, Councilor Kenneth Powell shared his dissent: “If you’re getting paid, you’re running a business … if we’re going to have a temporary entertainment, then we need to set a temporary amount of times that they can do that.
“If not, then you’re going to have a temporary entertainer coming every other day, once a week, twice a month, whatever — and that could accumulate a lot of money that is generated into a small business …”
Powell also asked how much licensing costs and was told it is $55.
“I think if you’re doing anything for entertainment or if you’re doing anything for a business, $55 a year — I don’t think that’s going to break the bank,” Powell continued.
Some councilors disagreed with Powell. “There are people who have businesses and that run businesses and they hire these people to come and entertain their guests, so they’re basically employees of the people that they’re working for …” said Councilor Lucy Ricketts.
Councilor Laura Taylor added that “these are people that are providing services within a business that already has a business license, so you’re double dipping if you ask these individuals to pay a business license over on top of that …
“What about those people that are just starting off, that are struggling, that are new to entertaining? You’re dissuading them from coming to our city and providing services. You’re dissuading people from coming from Louisville or J-town or Lexington … that could come and generate money in our city.”
“If you run a business and you’re making money, that’s $55. If you can’t afford the $55, you need to find another business or a hobby,” Powell replied.
Councilor Joe Davenport asked if the exemption would apply to bands that play for the monthly Trackside Tunes event or other city-sponsored events.
“The bands that we hire have business licenses,” answered La Grange Tourism Director Donna Sabo. “Anyone I hire has a license — the balloon artist has a license.”
Upon taking a vote, the amendment failed to pass with only two votes in favor from councilors Laura Taylor and Jason Taylor — Councilor Jason Kinser abstaining.
No discussion followed regarding how to define “temporary,” leaving enforcing the ordinance subjective.
In other news, the council unanimously approved an ordinance that will allow the city to alter health insurance rates for its employees on an annual basis rather than being forced into a set 90% from the city and 10% from the employees, as it has been historically.
“We decided that it’s not proper financial procedure … [and] it’s almost impossible for the city to lock in on a guaranteed percentage of anything not knowing what health rates are doing in today’s market,” Black explained.
Questions arose regarding what the new rate would be and if it would result in what would seem like a pay cut to city employees.
Human Resources Director Katie Bechtold explained that the city has been waiting to hear back from its brokers to determine if the rates would change, likely to happen in the next week, and that they would not go into effect until Oct. 1. New rates would also be discussed by the personnel and budget committees before being brought to the council, likely in September.
The ordinance also repeals all prior ordinances regarding personnel policies prior to the adoption of last year’s employee handbook to make the personnel policies more simply defined and adaptable.
In a five to two vote, the council also reappointed Encompass Develop, Design & Construct Founder and President John Stewart to the Oldham-La Grange Development Authority (OLDA) Board, which presides over the city and county’s shared development Oldham Reserve.
Laura Taylor and Jason Taylor cited Stewart’s decision to not support a moratorium on data centers within Oldham Reserve as reasoning for voting against his reappointment and Kinser abstained.
The council also conducted a first reading for their annual ad valorem tax rates of 19.1% for business properties and 26.5% for personal properties as well as approved a municipal order amending personnel policies and setting procurement standards required to apply for Federal Transportation Administration grants.
The council heard the following reports:
Sabo reported work is continuing for the mural by 5 Star Pawn off of Parker Drive regarding electrical and lighting, but it is close to completion. Alley Loop Festival will be held Oct. 11, featuring a “La Grange Idol” singing competition. Sabo also said that about 99% of the businesses and merchants in La Grange have expressed wanting to participate in the Entertainment Destination Center involving the recently approved open alcohol zone.
Utilities Director Scot Treece reported that the Fourth Street sewer rehab is in construction and is on schedule to be completed by the start of the school year. One contractor bid on the courts water line rehab project and Treece expects it to be rejected and rebid. The Summit Parks section four project is underway, the Fort Pickens tank rehab is awaiting the contractor, the First Street water project is awaiting CSX and Division of Water approval, and Oldham Reserve is about 50% complete. Both the East Peak Road sewer extension and the Trilogy sewer project are awaiting Division of Water approval.
Bechtold reported that the Oldham’s Public Bus has maxed out the amount of federal grant money it will be receiving now that it no longer is tied to Transit Authority of River City (TARC) — a total of $101,870. She thanked Administrative Assistant Lisa Long, Financial Director Cindy Alvano and Craigmyle for their help in securing the funding.
Parks Director Steve Mahoney reported that he is working on getting the city’s properties verified on Google and streamlining the city’s social media accounts. Mahoney also said that he is working with Kentucky Fish and Wildlife to learn how to better service the city’s ponds and that new hole signs have been put in at Eagle Creek Golf Course.
The La Grange City Council’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 2, at 6:30 p.m.
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