Park Hills City Council members begin meeting after Pledge of Allegiance. Photo by Kylie McCulloch | LINK nky contributor

Park Hills held the first reading of an ordinance Monday evening that would add Juneteenth to the list of paid holidays that city employees receive.

Juneteenth, celebrated on June 19 each year, marked the first full year of emancipation that formerly enslaved people in Galveston, Texas celebrated in 1866. If this ordinance is passed, Juneteenth would join the aforementioned list alongside holidays like July 4th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Memorial Day. 

Juneteenth became a federally recognized holiday in June of 2021. The state of Kentucky recognized it in May of 2024.  

According to Mayor Kathy Zembrodt, this ordinance was requested directly by city employees. City council member Sarah Froelich was quick to chime in and emphasize the importance of the holiday and its recognition.

No official decision has been made as of yet as this was a first reading, meant only to explain the content of the ordinance, not call for a vote. A second reading and vote will be held during the next city council meeting on Aug. 12 at Park Hills City Hall.