Commonwealth's Attorney Josh Lowe announced as new W'Burg City Attorney

Oct. 17—WILLIAMSBURG — At Monday's Williamsburg City Council meeting, the appointment of Josh Lowe as the city's new attorney was a central focus.

Lowe, who also serves as the Commonwealth's Attorney for the 34th Judicial Circuit in Whitley County, has already made his mark by working with the city in a pro bono capacity over recent weeks. His official appointment was met with unanimous approval from the council, with Mayor Roddy Harrison emphasizing the importance of Lowe's role in shaping Williamsburg's legal future.

Mayor Harrison spoke at length about Lowe's qualifications, praising his knowledge of Kentucky Revised Statutes and his swift ability to provide legal answers when needed.

"He's young, up and coming, very smart, and he knows the KRS statutes inside and out," Harrison said.

Before offering Lowe the position, Harrison sought recommendations from other attorneys, all of whom spoke highly of Lowe's work ethic and professionalism.

"He fit the bill of what we need," Harrison noted, adding that Lowe's strong connection to the community made him an ideal choice.

A Whitley native, Lowe's family has deep roots in the area.

"He's from here, and his family's been here for years," Harrison said. "It's a great fit for our city."

Lowe's role as the new city attorney comes after the abrupt resignation of Kim Frost, who previously held the position.

Frost's sudden departure left the city without legal representation for a brief period, and efforts to reach her for comment or clarification on her resignation have been unsuccessful.

Since stepping down, Frost has not been in contact with the city, leaving questions unanswered about her decision to resign.

In the wake of Frost's resignation, Lowe has already taken on significant responsibility, including his work on revising the city's restaurant tax ordinance.

The ordinance, which levies a 3% tax on restaurant sales to support Williamsburg's tourism and convention efforts, was amended to introduce stricter enforcement measures.

Lowe played a key role in drafting these amendments, which now allow the city to take firmer action against businesses that fail to comply. The changes include penalties such as criminal enforcement and the ability to place liens on properties with unpaid taxes.

"These changes give us a little more bite when it comes to making sure everyone complies," Harrison said, emphasizing the need for the revised ordinance.

Although most businesses adhere to the tax requirement, a few have been problematic, prompting the city to strengthen its enforcement mechanisms.

"It's not their money; it's the money from people who visit our city and eat here," Harrison said, stressing the importance of collecting the tax to fund local initiatives.

Lowe briefly addressed the council, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to serve his hometown. He noted the significance of the revised ordinance in ensuring the city can effectively collect the funds it needs to continue supporting tourism and public projects.

His legal background, including his work as Commonwealth Attorney, has equipped him to handle the complexities of municipal law, positioning him as a valuable asset to Williamsburg's leadership team.

With his official role now confirmed, Lowe's expertise and deep ties to the community position him as a crucial figure in guiding Williamsburg's legal and administrative future.

As the city continues to move forward, Lowe's leadership will play a key role in addressing its challenges and ensuring continued growth.

In addition to Lowe's appointment, the council touched on other topics during the meeting.

Updates were provided on infrastructure projects, including road repairs and improvements to public facilities.

Mayor Harrison also highlighted the success of the recent Oktoberfest event.