LEITCHFIELD -- Leitchfield Mayor William H. Thomason bid a tearful farewell to several foreign exchange students who have lived here for the past school year. He also presented a key to the City and an Honorable Citizenship Award to the students. The host families were also awarded by the mayor and council. "Mayor thomason said of his two exchange students, "They are like my own daughters. It's hard to see them go."

The mayor then delivered his 2003 budget message to the council members. It includes $4.3 million in revenues and $4.4 million in expenses. The deficit is covered by the city's surplus funds. It also includes the construction of the long awaited Wallace Avenue sidewalk and restrooms at DeWitt Park on the west side of town. In his message to the council he mentioned several real estate purchases made by the city and how the purchases will "Enhance the city's viability and visibility" to the tourism and industry prospects who visit our city. The proposed budget also includes asphalt projects in the Boxtown neighborhood and Prestige Estates in Leitchfield.

The first reading of the proposed budget will be held at the June 3rd meeting of the council. Council members will peruse the budget until that meeting.

Councilwoman Dorothy McCall asked about a property on West Main Street. She stated the home had been being remodeled and work had stopped some time ago. She asked that the property owner be contacted and asked to tidy up the area.

Public Works Director Darrell Harrell then presented a copy of a request to the State Transportation Cabinet. The city had asked for a traffic light study at Hwy. 1214 and U.S. 62 . The request was denied because of upcoming construction on U.S. 62 as the Leitchfield Bypass project works towards completion.

The council was also informed of a request for increased security at Beville Park because of a Friday night Crusade for Children benefit.