This week, in NKY local government meetings, many municipalities, including Covington and Dayton, along with Kenton County, are discussing their new fiscal year budgets.
Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week.
What happened last week in NKY government?
Fort Wright budget doesn’t raise taxes
The Fort Wright City Council reviewed the first reading of a new annual budget that does not require a tax increase and maintains the city’s current level of services and infrastructure. The budget includes salary raises for fire, police, public works, and administrative staff to help retain employees and stay competitive. Planned expenditures include maintaining five fire personnel per shift, purchasing two new police cruisers, and anticipated maintenance for public works equipment. A notable change is the allocation of parks and recreation funds to demolish the old Fort Wright Civic Club building, with future use of the space undecided. While no tax hike is currently planned, officials note final rates depend on state figures expected in July. A second reading and vote on the budget will take place at a special council meeting.
Read more about the budget here.
Boone County sets budget with focus on capital projects, public safety
Boone County’s 2025–2026 fiscal year budget was unanimously approved by the fiscal court on June 3, following a months-long planning process. The budget includes a 3.5% increase in general revenues, rising to $81.2 million, while expenditures grew by 13.7% to $63.8 million, not including interfund transfers. Key spending areas include public safety, infrastructure, and administrative operations, with plans to add staff in the sheriff’s office, parks, animal services, and communications. Major projects include water and trail upgrades, a new emergency management center, and a dispatch system upgrade. Personnel costs make up over half of the General Fund. The budget was reviewed and approved by the state’s Department of Local Government with no changes, and county officials praised the collaborative and timely effort by staff.
Read more about the Boone County budget here.
Newport Schools to pay superintendent $175K in exit agreement
Newport Independent Schools Superintendent Tony Watts will officially step down from his role on June 30 following a resignation agreement with the school board, which includes a $175,000 settlement in exchange for waiving any future claims or lawsuits. Though his superintendent duties end in June, Watts will remain through August 1 to assist with finding an interim replacement.
Read more about the exit agreement here.
Welp. Fort Thomas may not be getting a Publix after all.
On Monday, the city of Fort Thomas hinted at a possible “large grocery store” chain going on Memorial Parkway, but by Friday, the deal had lost its momentum. At a June 2 Fort Thomas City Council meeting, city administrator Matt Kremer announced the sale of a 6.8-acre parcel of the park for $650,000. Although the city declined to name the business, the project was said to be handled by Cincinnati-based developer STNL Development, which is currently developing a property in Owensboro for a Publix grocery store. Fort Thomas Councilmember Andy Ellison told LINK nky Friday that the deal would have to be done through a municipal order, but that it most likely doesn’t have the votes to come to fruition. The city council would have to vote on the municipal order allowing the mayor to enter a contract with the development company. If there’s not enough votes, there’s no project.
Read more about the potential Publix debacle here.
World Ocean Day makes waves in Campbell County with proclamation
Campbell County is celebrating World Ocean Day on June 8 by proclaiming it WAVE Water Warrior Day, recognizing the WAVE Foundation’s efforts in promoting aquatic conservation through education and volunteerism. Though far from the ocean, local waterways like the Ohio River connect to global marine systems, highlighting the importance of clean water. The county honored WAVE Executive Director Tricia Watts with a proclamation on June 4, and landmarks such as Paycor Stadium and Newport Aquarium will be lit blue in support. On June 8, businesses at Newport on the Levee will donate a portion of profits to WAVE, and visitors who take the Water Warrior Pledge will receive free conservation kits.
Read more about World Ocean Day here.
Elsmere calls off hearing to remove Serena Owen after resignation
Elsmere City Council canceled a June 4 hearing to remove Councilmember Serena Owen after she submitted her immediate resignation earlier that day, ending a months-long conflict over her prolonged absence from meetings since 2024. The council had scheduled the hearing to address charges of woeful neglect and misconduct due to her nonattendance, but Owen resigned in an email citing a hostile work environment, unmet ADA accommodation requests, and safety concerns. While Owen criticized the council for spending $12,000 on legal efforts to remove her, council members expressed relief that the matter was resolved. The city now has 30 days to appoint her replacement.
Read more about the resignation here.
Designs approved for Piner, White’s Tower renovations
The Kenton County Board of Education approved design plans for upcoming renovations at Piner and White’s Tower Elementary Schools, with construction expected to begin this fall. The Piner project will complete unfinished work from renovations started several years ago, including upgrades to the gym, restrooms, parking lot, and other interior and exterior areas, and is expected to take up to 16 months. At White’s Tower, the focus will be on HVAC and wiring upgrades, general facility improvements, and a redesigned, more secure entryway, with work likely lasting up to 18 months.
Read more about the designs here.
‘I don’t feel safe’: Roadway safety discussed in Highland Heights
At its June meeting, the Highland Heights City Council addressed roadway safety concerns, announcing the installation of temporary speed bumps on Sunset Drive in response to resident complaints about speeding. City officials said the bumps are part of an effort to evaluate traffic calming measures. Resident Leslie Leopold expressed concerns about speeding on her nearby street, citing a lack of speed limit signs and feeling unsafe walking her dog. Police Chief Bill Birkenhauer urged residents to report speeding incidents directly to the police.
Read more about the roadway safety discussion here.
National homebuilder targets Alexandria for 46-lot subdivision
D.R. Horton, the largest homebuilder in the U.S., received approval from the Alexandria Planning Commission on June 3 to move forward with plans for a 46-lot residential subdivision on 31 acres at 1671 Grandview Road—the company’s first development in Kentucky. The plan includes detached single-family homes marketed for their scenic views rather than large yards, with open space, a trail, and a recreational amenity proposed. A variance was granted for narrower lot widths on 36 lots due to site typography, which also requires a retaining wall up to 22 feet tall. Some residents expressed concerns about traffic, safety, and the project’s impact on the rural character of the area.
Read more about the subdivision here.
Union moves forward with ‘pocket parks’ to add green space
The City of Union is moving forward with a plan to develop six “pocket parks”—small public green spaces repurposed from leftover state-owned land along Mt. Zion Road—after residents requested more recreational areas. At a recent commission meeting, Mayor Larry Solomon shared updates on the project, noting the parcels were too small for residential or commercial use but ideal for walking parks. The first, Cardinal Park, will include a bench, sidewalk, trees, plants, and yard hydrants at 1565 Sycamore Drive, with no event parking planned. The remaining parks will be named after birds and funded through the city’s growth fund, which is supported by payroll tax revenue. There is currently no set timeline for completion.
Read more about the pocket parks here.
Kenton County Schools tout student successes
Kenton County Schools is celebrating a range of student achievements, including 68 students earning associate degrees or over 64 college credit hours while in high school, and more than $29 million in scholarships awarded for post-secondary education. At a recent board meeting, Superintendent Henry Webb highlighted the district’s success in dual credit and Advanced Placement programs, with seniors earning nearly 12,000 college credit hours and about 300 students attending college full-time while still enrolled in high school.
Read more about the student successes here.
Independence splash pad project advances amid rising costs
The city of Independence is moving forward with plans for a splash pad at Memorial Park, originally estimated at $500,000 but now projected to cost $1.1 million due to site changes requiring leveling and retaining walls. At its June 2 meeting, the city council discussed updates, including a newly proposed location near the playground and added features like shaded seating for parents. The city has applied for a $250,000 grant and hopes to secure $350,000 through business sponsorships, with the remaining $600,000 potentially covered by city reserves if needed. Officials aim to complete the project by Memorial Day 2026 and plan to solicit bids in the coming months to stay on schedule.
Read more about the splash pad here.
What’s happening this week in local government?
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, June 9
The meeting will start at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Park Hills City Council: Monday, June 9
The meeting will start at 7 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Kenton County to approve budget
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Historic Courthouse at 5272 Madison Pike, Independence.
What you need to know: The Kenton County Fiscal Court will vote on its 2025-2026 budget.
Read more about the budget proposal here.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Covington to vote on budget
Covington commission: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: Covington will discuss its fiscal year 2025-2026 budget.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Campbell County Planning and Zoning: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Elsmere City Council meeting: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger special meeting: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 6:45 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The meeting agenda can be found here when it is published.
Dayton to vote on budget
Dayton City Council: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 625 Second Ave.
What you need to know: The city of Dayton plans to vote on its 2025-2026 budget.
The agenda draft can be found here.
Walton City Council: Tuesday, June 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 40 N Main St.
The agenda can be found here.
Bellevue City Council: Wednesday, June 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 322 Van Voast.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Taylor Mill City Commission: Wednesday, June 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5225 Taylor Mill Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Ludlow City Council: Thursday, June 12
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
