Grayson Vandegrift

 

In Midway, the last two years have seen two major infrastructure projects ripen, with their implementation set to take place in 2025. This will be the top priority for 2025, Midway Grayson Vandegrift told the Sun in an interview previewing 2025. 

“We are set to put the new Midway Fire/Emergency Medical Services station into operation and (to implement) the switchover of our water supplier to the Frankfort Plant Board from Kentucky American Water,” Vandegrift said. “These are both big deals for us, but 24-7 EMS makes Midway a lot safer. For the first time in its history, Midway will have 24-7 emergency medical (service) to go along with fire. Plus, we have the old fire station, which is in a great spot to sell.” 

The sale of the old firehouse, Vandegrift points out, not only will generate money for other projects, but could lead to “something really special.”  

Vandegrift said he “was very intentional about drafting the bid documents to give us maximum flexibility in what goes in there. The proposed use of the building is a real factor, and can even cause the building to be sold to someone other than the highest bidder if the use is important to the city. Plus, we aren’t under any pressure to sell, and can always rebid if we don’t like what is proposed.” 

Vandegrift went on to call the new contract with the Frankfort Plant Board a “huge deal” that will require a lot more work and time from him and the council – pointing to the recent bid on a new pipeline down I-64, finishing up easements and other right-of-way issues.  

“There is a lot to do to get ready before we switch over,” he said.  

He said the city is ready to act when needed, and that it is on target to do the switchover in late summer or early fall 2025. 

Further, he said, “It’s a huge deal because it lets us have a lot more control over water prices for our residents and businesses. We absorbed the last six rate hikes from Kentucky American since 2010, and, for planning, this became untenable. This doesn’t mean rates will go down after the transfer since we have to pay for the infrastructure. But the wholesale price the Plant Board pays is half of Kentucky American and this will help.” 

Vandegrift said a newer priority for Midway is to try to solve the ongoing problem of speeding, particularly on Stephens Street, and to make the rest of Winter Street 25 m.p.h.  

“We are looking at relocating the fixed radar warning and installing speed tables. I need to consult with fire and EMS to make sure the use of speed tables doesn’t impact their vehicles, but I think we can figure that out,” he said. “There are too many complaints about the problem on Stephens and we need to address it in a meaningful way.” 

Vandegrift also noted that property in Midway will be reassessed as statutorily required by the Woodford County Property Valuation Administrator.  

“Given what houses are selling for here, I am expecting values to go up and even in some cases significantly,” Vandegrift predicted. “I think council will need to look at lowering our property tax rate in Midway to give folks some relief.” 

Vandegrift said he is excited about the new projects scheduled for implementation in 2025, which he said will benefit the city significantly.