This week at NKY government meetings, Fort Thomas will discuss the draft forensic audit conducted in an effort to trace $322,000 it previously wrote off.
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?
Drees’ scaled-down Boone County housing proposal advances
A scaled-down residential development proposed by Fort Mitchell-based Drees Homes has advanced after the Boone County Planning Commission’s Zone Change Subcommittee recommended approval Sept. 16. The proposal would rezone 185 acres along U.S. 42 between Rice Pike and Bleu Yacht Lane to allow 335 residential units, including 219 single-family homes and 29 townhome buildings, along with a community center, pool, sidewalks and walking trails. Drees previously withdrew a larger 377-unit proposal following resident pushback. Concerns about the revised plan have centered on school capacity, particularly at Ryle High School, Gray Middle School and New Haven Elementary. In response, Drees proposed limiting construction to 30 detached single-family homes per year unless the school district provides documentation allowing more, a condition the subcommittee supported. The full planning commission is scheduled to consider the zone change Oct. 7.
Read more about the housing proposal here.
NKU adopts state-mandated policy for firing faculty, including tenured positions
Northern Kentucky University’s Board of Regents adopted a new policy Sept. 16 allowing faculty, including tenured professors, to be removed for financial reasons such as low program enrollment, mismatches between revenue and costs, or broader financial difficulties. The policy was required under Kentucky House Bill 490, which applies to the state’s public colleges and universities, although NKU officials said the university currently has no plans to use it. The policy includes protections for First Amendment rights and academic freedom and says faculty cannot be removed for political or ideological expression or for professional judgment involving teaching, scholarship, research or creative activity. Only NKU’s president can initiate the process, and affected faculty can request a hearing before the Board of Regents. The board approved the policy with two dissenting votes from faculty and staff regents, including Sandra Spataro, who raised concerns about faculty involvement, due process and the speed of the process.
Read more about the new policy here.
Florence considers updates to water, sewer regulations and fees
The city of Florence is considering its first major overhaul of sewer regulations since 1983, along with updates to drinking water rules and fees primarily affecting new development. Proposed changes include requiring billing meters to be purchased from the city, establishing a $350 fee for new fire hydrant flow tests, clarifying rules for sewer-deduct meters and responsibility for private sewer laterals, increasing penalties for habitual water-rule violations and adopting standards for controlling fats, oils and grease. Florence is also considering adjustments to meter, water-tap and sewer-tap fees to better reflect city costs. Public Services Director Eric Hall emphasized that the changes would not increase water rates for existing residential, commercial or industrial customers. The city council has not yet taken legislative action on the proposals.
Read more about the updated regulations here.
Newport votes against Southbank Partners dues, citing transparency concerns
The Newport City Commission voted 3-2 on Sept. 14 against paying roughly $58,000 in annual dues to Southbank Partners, with commissioners citing concerns about financial transparency, oversight and unfinished projects. Commissioners Ken Rechtin, Mike Radwanski and Vice Mayor Julie Smith-Morrow opposed the payment, while Mayor Tom Guidugli and Commissioner Aaron Sutherland supported it. The three opposing commissioners said they see value in the regional organization and could reconsider if their concerns are addressed, including requests for clearer financial information, greater elected-official oversight and more follow-through on Newport projects such as Saratoga Plaza. Southbank President and CEO Will Weber said the organization has helped secure about $3.5 million in capital investment for Newport over the past two years and does not expect existing projects to be affected by the vote.
Read more about the transparency concerns here.
Newport approves $102K rubber surface for Mansion Hill Park playground
Newport is adding a poured-in-place rubber surface as part of its ongoing Mansion Hill Park playground overhaul. The City Commission approved an agreement with DWA Recreation for up to $102,326, although officials expect roughly $20,000 in savings could bring the final cost closer to $82,000. The approximately 3,715-square-foot surface will replace previously planned wood chips and is expected to improve accessibility and safety while requiring less maintenance over its estimated 20-year lifespan. The project also includes two new play structures for different age groups, while the existing swing structure will be refurbished. Officials said Mansion Hill could serve as a test for using similar rubber surfaces at other Newport parks in the future.
Read more about the park upgrades here.
Fort Mitchell proposes new regulations for e-bikes on city sidewalks
Fort Mitchell is considering additional e-bike restrictions that would require riders to walk their bikes through the Beechwood Road school zone during busy arrival and dismissal periods. Under the proposed “walk your wheels” rule, riders would have to dismount 45 minutes before school begins and for 45 minutes after dismissal. Mayor Greg Pohlgeers said the measure is intended to improve pedestrian safety and has support from Beechwood Independent Schools Superintendent Justin Kaiser. The proposal follows earlier city regulations banning Class 3 e-bikes, which can reach 28 mph, and faster e-motos from city sidewalks. The new regulations received a first reading, with the city council’s next meeting scheduled for Oct. 12.
Read more about the new regulations here.
Newport looks to replace $40K arborist contract with full-time position
Newport is considering replacing its contracted arborist with a full-time city arborist and parks and beautification coordinator. The city currently spends about $40,000 annually for roughly six hours of contracted arborist service per week, but officials said growing tree maintenance needs have consistently required additional hours. The proposed full-time position, advertised at a $60,000 salary, would oversee tree maintenance, coordinate trimming and care for newly planted trees while also managing park and beautification projects and working with volunteers and multiple city departments. The Board of Commissioners approved the ordinance’s first reading Sept. 14, and a second reading is required for final approval.
Read more about the new position here.
Newport proposes higher property tax rate. Here’s how much homeowners would pay
Newport homeowners could see a slight increase in city property taxes under proposed 2026 rates that officials say would help maintain services, retain employees and protect the city’s finances. The Board of Commissioners gave a first reading Sept. 14 to a real property rate of $2.31 per $1,000 of assessed value, up from $2.24, while the personal property rate would fall from $2.80 to $2.73. The change would add about $17.50 annually to the city tax bill for a $250,000 home. The proposed rates are expected to generate about $3.37 million, roughly $129,500 more than the compensating rates. Because the real property rate exceeds the compensating rate, Newport must hold a public hearing before final adoption. A second reading is anticipated at the commission’s next meeting.
Read more about the proposed tax rate here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Edgewood City Council meeting: Monday, Sept. 21
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 385 Dudley Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council meeting: Monday, Sept. 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 130 North Fort Thomas Ave.
What you need to know: The city will discuss the draft of the forensic audit report.
The number that originally triggered the review was $322,498, but that is not the amount of money the forensic auditors ultimately found missing. After reconstructing transactions, the auditors determined the unresolved discrepancy was actually $847,335 as of June 30, 2024.
Read more about the forensic audit here.
It will also discuss its 2026-2027 tax rate, its HR review update and appointing Fort Thomas City Administrator Matt Kremer as interim city clerk.
Read more about the HR review here.
The agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council meeting: Monday, Sept. 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Union City Commission meeting: Monday, Sept. 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 843 Bristow Drive in Union.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 22
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 22
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 22
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: Covington is eyeing the second phase of a project to rehab the famous Frank Duveneck House and Studio in the city’s Eastside Neighborhood.
Read more about the second phase here.
The agenda can be found here.
Ludlow City Council meeting: Thursday, Sept. 24
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
