Boundary line dispute with Spencer County voted down by Shelby County residents

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- A dispute over boundary lines between Shelby and Spencer counties has been settled by the voters of Shelby County.

When asked, 68% of Shelby County voters checked "no" to the question asking if they will "surrender" approximately 925 acres to Spencer County.

The issue arose after an audit by the State Board of Elections revealed more than 200 residents were registered in the wrong county. The state's modern GIS online mapping tool revealed homes that were believed to be in Spencer County, were actually part of Shelby County.

In April, Shelby County Clerk Tony Harover notified residents who believed to be living in Spencer County, they lived in Shelby County.

In response, impacted neighbors organized and petitioned for the question to appear on the ballot for Shelby County residents in an attempt to remain in the county their kids attended school, paid taxes and filed deeds for.

That includes Chris Bonbright, who, for the last decade, was under the impression he lived in Spencer County.

He said one issue with the change is in regard to his business license.

“I own a business out here, and my business is registered at my home," Bonbright said. "No one has told me where my business license is, and that's a huge problem for me.”

It's Bonbright's and his neighbors' understanding that despite the county change, Spencer County will still provide its services to his area, but Shelby County will pay for it.

However that method doesn't make sense for Bonrbright, who said his tax rate has gone up since being classified a Shelby County resident in the spring.

"So they're collecting more taxes and then sending it right back to Spencer County for services, and I just don't understand the logic," he said.

Harover said this approach, "makes perfect sense."

"It's turned their world upside down and I understand that," Harover said.

The Shelby County clerk said he will help and provide information to residents, but keeping the boundary line as is is important.

"I'm open to anything other than changing the county line," said Harover. "We can't change tax rates, but I think there's things that can be done, it's been happening."

Harvover added that he hopes students who attended Spencer County Schools and are now considered to be out of district can be grandfathered in and complete their education in Spencer County.

WDRB News reached out to the Spencer and Shelby County Schools' superintendents, asking how they will navigate this. They have not yet responded.

While Bonbright hoped and continues to hope for a different outcome, he is prepared to move.

"I love it here, but I don't want to live in Shelby County. So if interest rates come down enough, I'll move. I will move either, clearly, into Spencer County or out of the state, to be honest," he said.

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