Bourbon Fire District To Reimburse Permit Fees After Ordinance Repeal

The Bourbon Fire Protection District will issue reimbursements for certain permit fees after repealing a 2021 ordinance that officials say was not adopted in full compliance with required statutory procedures.

The Bourbon Fire Protection District Board of Directors said Ordinance 26-01 was adopted to repeal Ordinance 21-01, which was originally enacted on Feb. 22, 2021.

During a recent review of district records and procedures, the district said it discovered that Ordinance 21-01 was not adopted in accordance with all required statutory procedures. Specifically, the district later learned that a required 90-day waiting period existed following the ordinance’s reading before final adoption.

As a result, the district said the ordinance was not enacted in full compliance with the required process.

Upon discovering the issue, the board said it took immediate action to correct the procedural error by approving Ordinance 26-01, which repeals Ordinance 21-01.

“This action is not an attempt to avoid responsibility but rather an effort to ensure the District remains fully compliant with all applicable laws and regulations,” the district said in a statement.

As part of the corrective action, the district will issue reimbursements for fees paid under Ordinance 21-01. Any individual, business or organization that paid the district for an occupancy permit, building permit or fireworks permit will receive a reimbursement of the fees paid.

The district said anyone who believes they are entitled to a reimbursement and has not received it by July 8, 2026, should contact the district so officials can verify the information and ensure reimbursement is issued promptly.

“The Board of Directors sincerely apologizes for this oversight and any confusion or inconvenience it may have caused,” the district said. “We believe that transparency and accountability are essential to maintaining the trust of our residents, businesses, and stakeholders.”

The district said Ordinance 26-01 reflects its effort to correct the issue after identifying the problem.

“When we identify a problem, it is our responsibility to correct it,” the district said. “Ordinance 26-01 reflects our commitment to doing exactly that.”

The district also said it appreciates the understanding and continued support of the citizens it serves.

For questions, reimbursement inquiries or additional information, contact the Bourbon Fire Protection District at 573-732-4405.