Corbin City Commission recognizes McBurney, Tye for their service to the community

The Corbin City Commission said goodbye to two of its longest-serving members during its regular meeting Monday night.

Mayor Willard McBurney and Commissioner Ed Tye took part in their last regular meeting.

McBurney, who has served 12 years as mayor, decided not to seek re-election.

“I would like to say I have been honored the last 12 years to serve as your mayor,” McBurney said. “We have had a good time. We have got a lot done in Corbin, and we are proud of what we have done.”

Tye, who is the longest serving member of the commission, lost by one vote in the November commission election.

“I would like to thank the public for being supportive of me for the past 23 years It has been a pleasure and a grand time and we have got a lot accomplished,” Tye said. “I hope the next commission get as much out of their service as I have got out of mine.”

Tye paid special tribute to his biggest supporter, his wife Sam, noting she has attended every meeting with him.

As a final act, Tye presented Sam with a plaque naming her a, “Corbin Colonel.”

“Without her support I couldn’t have done this,” Tye said.

Commissioner Trent Knuckles, who covered the city commission while working as a reporter at The News Journal, credited McBurney and Tye for many of the positive changes in Corbin, pointing to the creek walk as one of the city’s best assets.

“I think you have made a whole lot of good things happen here. I really appreciate it,” Knuckles said.

City Manager Marlon Sams presented both McBurney and Tye with a mantle clock in recognition of their service to the city.

Commissioner Andrew Pennington said the efforts of McBurney and Tye played a large role in turning Corbin into the city that he is so proud to call home.

“I appreciate you making Corbin a great place to grow up,” Pennington said. “I loved serving with you and admire you.”

In other business the commission:

• Rejected the bids for the equipment for the proposed splash pad.

Sams explained that confusion on the deadline to turn in bids resulted in only one bid being submitted on time. The one bid was not disclosed. The project will be readvertised.

• Approved a request from Code Enforcement Officer Mike Mahan for $9,000 to fund the demolition of the homes at 201 Sycamore Street and 810 ½ Dizney Street. The properties are being demolished for violations of the city’s property codes.
• Granted Santa Claus permission to use the airspace over Corbin to deliver presents on Christmas.
• Hired James Pace to be the new school resource officer for the Corbin Independent School System.
• Received the final version of FY audit report. One amendment to the report presented at the December 10 work session about material weakness regarding cash deposits at the Corbin Recreation Department was removed.