On February 26, local business leaders enjoyed breakfast with a side of information about the City of Mayfield and Graves County at the latest Plant Manager’s Roundtable Breakfast, hosted by Graves County Economic Development (GCED).
The meetings, held bimonthly, are an easy way for business leaders to network and stay ahead of local business-related programs and projects. The February Roundtable offered an overview of city and county projects, as well as updates from the Mayfield-Graves County Chamber of Commerce and a briefing on a new public-private housing project.
County Commissioner Tyler Goodman led speakers with an update on the county. Goodman remarked that construction is expected to resume shortly on the county administration building on the site of the former Graves County Courthouse, noted that a site has been selected for the State judicial center, and discussed proposed bills to fund a jail facility, and provided an updated on the current jail housing situation.
Addressing business managers, Goodman said, “We want to be a partner, not a barrier to what you are trying to do.”
Attention then shifted to Mayfield Fire Chief Jeremy Creason, who delivered remarks on behalf of the City of Mayfield. Creason noted that the city’s public works department is now using their new facility located just off the bypass and said the facility was paid for with insurance proceeds.
Fire Station No. 1, previously located adjacent to City Hall, is under construction at a new location, off the bypass adjacent to CFSB Bank. The station should be complete in January 2026. The location was chosen to make sure incident response times stay at 4 minutes or less, given that much of the city’s new development is located north of downtown.
In 2024, Creason stated an audit by the Insurance Services Office (ISO), improved Mayfield’s ISO rating, which is a factor in what residents and business owners pay for fire insurance. The ISO evaluates fire departments and assigns a rating based on their preparedness to handle fires, including factors like staffing, equipment, water supply, and emergency communication systems.
Creason noted that the bid packages for rebuilding city hall and the police department are out for bid now, after being revised to reflect the higher costs of building.
FEMA reimbursement continues to be challenging for the City, Creason said, explaining that to date Mayfield has received less than $5 million, 90% of which went to debris removal. The City qualifies for additional funds, but since FEMA uses a reimbursement process, the money must be spent upfront. There are currently 20 projects in the FEMA queue. Mayfield has also received state funding to help with rebuilding, but it will be necessary to secure loans while waiting for FEMA reimbursement, he explained.
Other projects include a $6 million grant to help with flooding along Red Duck Creek, the Farmer’s Market and other park projects and the long-term streetscape project.
“We’re not talking about 6 months, or even a year,” explained Creason. “There are a lot of us working every single day to make this happen as soon as possible. But it’s a challenge. We’re moving at the pace of government work, but we’re doing everything we can.”
Katie Beth McCord, Executive Director of the Mayfield/Graves County Chamber of Commerce, reported that the Chamber has just completed a strategic plan that focuses on growth. “It’s important that we continue to grow our community and grow our workforce,” she said.
McCord noted that the Chamber is adding seminars and classes to help members expand their skills. She encouraged the managers to participate, noting that members get out of their membership what they put in. “It’s a mutual arrangement,” she explained.
Executive Director Jason Lemle reported that the Mayfield Industrial Authority is focused on downtown revitalization. “We’re working on opportunities that will be game-changers,” Lemle said. “Projects that will change downtown for the next 30-50 years.
Lemle noted that a new $3.5 million maker space is fully funded and will provide space and equipment for entrepreneurs in areas including woodworking, metal work, 3-D printing and embroidery. The maker space will be membership-based.
GCED is working on a $3.5 million industrial park expansion, funded by state grants and federal dollars, and noted that there is already interest in the 150,000 sq. ft. spec building. Lemle also discussed GCED’s commitment to workforce development and two new student programs, Community Connections and Power in Partnership, intended to introduce students to new employment opportunities and help them establish connections that can lead to future employment opportunities.
The final speaker was Principal Realtor Tom Waldrop, Trifecta Real Estate Services, who discussed a project he is spearheading to help address the local need for mid-priced housing, which he sees as a key to future economic development success. “The community that wins the housing race is going to win the economic development race,” Waldrop said, noting that Kentucky is presently 206,000 units behind in housing availability.
Waldrop said Mayfield has secured a $1.9 million grant from the Rural Housing Trust Fund and is partnering with The Housing Partnership Inc. (HPI) on a pilot project that could build as many as 25 homes for families with an income of around $50,000. HPI helps families create a personalized plan that improves credit, sets financial goals, secures down payment assistance, and improves housing options. He urged families who are interested to select a local lender and begin working to clean up their credit rating.
The next Plant Manager's Roundtable will be held in April.
About Graves County Economic Development
Graves County Economic Development began in 1981, becoming the driving force behind expansion and development opportunities in the community. It continues to foster strong relationships with existing businesses and attracts new industry to grow in Graves County. There are 44 industrial businesses in Graves County that employ 2,300 people in the community.