SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. — In a highly contentious meeting Monday, people in Bullitt County voiced their concerns over an ordinance targeting camping on public property. City leaders ultimately passed it by a 4-2 vote.

What You Need To Know

  • Several residents voiced their concerns regarding a new ordinance

  • In a 4-2 vote, city leaders in Shepherdsville passed a law relating to camping on public property
  • They urged council members to hold off on voting on the ordinance that’s part of code enforcement

  • The mayor said that a separate issue on finding a solution for a shelter will need to take place, but he says the efforts need to be countywide

Several residents voice opposition to the law, and one person told council members he hopes to see the ordinance pass.

“We need to have solutions,” resident Pauletta Anguay said. “Myself personally, I’ve been homeless, and I didn’t have resources… So my heart is with the homeless and I oppose the finding of people that are already in a situation where they have no dignity.”

Many urged council members to hold off on voting on the ordinance. City leaders say it’s an effort to clean up the town and keep it safe.

Shepherdsville Mayor Jose Cubero said the city isn’t targeting any one group with the law and is committed to helping its most vulnerable population.

“I think the one thing that has to be said straight up, okay: this city, myself and this council will not—will not—fine anybody that’s less fortunate in our community. That is not how we’re going to take care of things,” Cubero said.

Part of the language of the law creates a penalty—a fine of $50 to $200—but the mayor says it’s not directed at the homeless.

He also said a separate issue on finding a solution for a shelter will need to take place, but he says the efforts need to be countywide.

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