This week, in NKY government meetings, Boone County will discuss the Boone Woods Park amphitheater design, while the Campbell County Board of Education will discuss phase two of the middle school renovation.
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 meetings?
Cold Spring Kroger $35 million expansion moves forward
The Cold Spring Planning Commission approved a $35 million redevelopment plan for the Kroger on Martha Layne Collins Boulevard, which will more than double its size from 60,662 square feet to 131,000 square feet, adding an 8,000-square-foot wine and spirit shop, fuel center, pharmacy drive-through, and expanded departments. The project, expected to begin in fall 2025 and take 14-16 months, includes 527 parking spaces, a Starbucks, a florist, and a Murry’s Cheese section. Concerns from local residents about noise and drainage were addressed with an eight-foot sound barrier and additional detention basins. A traffic analysis led to planned road improvements at Alexandria Pike and Martha Layne Collins Boulevard. The Cold Spring City Council must give final approval before construction can proceed.
Read more about the Kroger expansion here.
What is a Transportation Improvement District and how could Florence use one?
The Florence City Council discussed the potential creation of a Transportation Improvement District (TID) in the next fiscal year to streamline transportation project funding and approvals. Former State Representative Sal Santoro and consultant Wade Williams explained how TIDs work, emphasizing their ability to coordinate and finance infrastructure projects without levying taxes. The council learned that TIDs can access multiple funding sources, including grants and private investments, and can oversee a wide range of projects, from highways to service facilities. Florence Public Services Director Eric Hall highlighted the city’s growing number of infrastructure projects and suggested hiring a project manager to oversee the TID. High-priority projects that could benefit include traffic improvements, new road connectors, and infrastructure upgrades on key roads like Hopeful Church Road and Mall Road.
Read more about the transportation improvement district here.
Florence begins process to establish Transportation Improvement District
The Florence City Council took the first step toward establishing a Transportation Improvement District (TID) by holding the first reading of an ordinance to create it. While the financial impact will be considered in the 2025-26 budget, the council aims to form the district this year, appointing a six-member board to identify and prioritize city projects. Public Services Director Eric Hall assured the council that efforts would be made to secure funding, citing Boone County’s $10 million award as an example. Councilmember Angie Cable expressed concerns about oversight and effectiveness, questioning the success of Boone County’s TID. Hall emphasized that Florence’s TID would differ by including a dedicated leadership role to oversee projects. The ordinance passed its first reading with a 4-2 vote, with Cable and Lesley Chambers opposing.
Read more about the district here.
Elsmere hosts annual student council meeting
Elsmere hosted its annual student council meeting on Feb. 11, where elementary and high school students participated in a mock city council session, making motions, voting on resolutions, and reading reports alongside city officials. The event, a long-standing tradition, aims to teach local youth about civic engagement and government operations. This year, students unanimously passed a resolution opposing the centralized collection of local occupational fees and taxes. Each student received a gift bag and certificate for their participation.
Read more about the student council meeting here.
Dayton passes resolution opposing centralized payroll tax collection
The Dayton City Council unanimously passed a resolution opposing House Bill 253, which would centralize the collection and distribution of occupational business taxes through the state treasurer rather than allowing municipalities to collect them directly. Dayton joins other Northern Kentucky cities, including Union, Fort Mitchell, and Newport, in rejecting the bill, citing concerns over losing control of a major revenue source that funds essential services like police, fire, and infrastructure. City Administrator Jay Fossett warned that this move could eventually lead to eliminating occupational taxes altogether, severely impacting local governments. The Kentucky League of Cities and the Kentucky Association of Counties have also opposed the bill, urging municipalities to pass resolutions against it.
Read more about the resolution here.
ICE agreements, DEI on the minds of Covington residents
At a Covington City Commission meeting, residents urged officials to protect immigrant communities and maintain diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives amid concerns over federal policies on deportations and funding cuts. Speakers, including Samuel Phillips and Melissa Kelley, expressed fears that collaboration with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and federal rollbacks on DEI programs could harm the community. Mayor Ron Washington emphasized Covington’s history of inclusivity, citing anti-discrimination policies, but did not address specific concerns about ICE. A city spokesperson clarified that local police do not enforce immigration laws and have no agreements with ICE, except in cases involving federal warrants.
Read more about the residents’ concerns here.
Florence city council fills vacant seat
Mayor Julie Aubuchon swore in David M. Schneider, Jr. as the newest Florence City Council member, filling the seat left vacant by the passing of David Osborne. Schneider, a longtime Florence resident and insurance professional, previously served on the Florence Board of Adjustment and has been an officer for the Boone County Business Association for over 20 years. Aubuchon praised Schneider’s dedication to the community, highlighting his advocacy and experience as valuable assets to the city. In addition to his professional and civic roles, Schneider has been actively involved in charitable events, including the annual Bean Bash, which supports the Northern Kentucky Special Olympics and other local charities.
Read more about the new member here.
Officials, local parties weigh in on Union Commission appointments
Boone County officials and local political parties are reacting to the appointment of three new Union City Commission members—John Mefford, Doug Bine, and George Eldridge—following a court ruling that voided the November election due to ballot distribution errors. While Republican officials acknowledged the legality of the court’s decision, they expressed concern that the appointments did not reflect voters’ will, with some criticizing Mayor Larry Solomon’s role in selecting the new members. Democrats were more vocal, calling the move a “direct attack on voter rights” and advocating for a special election. The controversy stemmed from the exclusion of Eric Dulaney and Brian Garner, who had originally won seats before the election was voided. While all parties agreed the ballot errors were unintentional, they called for state-level reforms to prevent similar issues. The final vacant commission seat is expected to be filled at the Feb. 19 meeting.
Read more about the Union Commission appointments here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?
Due to President’s Day, Monday, Feb. 17, is not a meeting Day. Some meetings that typically occur on Mondays have been moved to Tuesday, Feb. 18.
Boone County to discuss amphitheater design/installation
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Feb 18
What you need to know: The fiscal court will discuss a resolution regarding the award of the design and installation of the amphitheater at Boone Woods Park to DWA Recreation.
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington Street.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission caucus meeting: Tuesday, Feb 18
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike Street
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Board of Education: Tuesday, Feb 18
What you need to know: The board of education will discuss Campbell County Middle School phase two renovation and its Alexandria Police Department school resource officer agreement.
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 51 Orchard Lane.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, Feb 18
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Thomas City Council: Tuesday, Feb 18
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 130 N Ft Thomas Ave.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Highland Heights City Council: Tuesday, Feb 18
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Erlanger City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, Feb 18
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, Feb. 19
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth Street.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright City Council: Wednesday, Feb. 19
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, Feb. 20
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main Street.
The agenda can be found here.
