HENDERSON CO., KY (WFIE) -
A parks ordinance is in effect in Henderson County which could mean changes for large events in the community.
After Tuesday's meeting, the event's organizer says he's encouraged about continuing the tradition of Ski Day that's held at Newburgh Beach on the Ohio every summer.
"The net was they said maybe there is a way to figure this out," said Rick O'Daniel, the producer and organizer of Ski Day.
Rick O'Daniel has been putting on the Ski Day event for boaters since 1979. At least 12 of those years, it's been held on Henderson County soil.
"We want Ski Day to succeed. I think it's a wonderful opportunity for boaters. I am a boater and have been all my life," said Sheriff Ed Brady with the Henderson County Sheriff's Office.
In Tuesday's Fiscal Court meeting, O'Daniel expressed concerns about funding the free Ski Day event.
"I don't have a money tree. The money I use to fund the event comes from sponsors," O'Daniel said.
County officials shared their thoughts before the ordinance passed unanimously. In the past, Henderson County Sheriff's Office and a few other agencies have provided security for Ski Day, the sheriff's office saying it cost the county around $5,000 this year in overtime.
"99% of the people in Henderson County do not attend the event. Why should they have to pay $5,000 in overtime so somebody can throw a party?" Sheriff Brady asks.
Under the new ordinance, events with 500 or more people would have to go through a permit application process and provide some funding for that security themselves.
O'Daniel hopes he can make that happen to continue what he calls a holiday for boaters.
"I think we all just sort of have to meet in the middle in order to make this continue to go on," O'Daniel said.
That ordinance is now in effect. County officials will work to appoint a parks board at their next meeting on November 20th.
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