This week, in NKY government meetings, Covington will vote on the new city hall construction contract; while Dayton will hear the state of the city address.
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?
Newport schools contracts former finance director to assess budget shortfall
The Newport Board of Education unanimously approved a contract for professional finance services with Tete Turner, a former Newport Financial Director, to help address the district’s budget concerns. The decision was made to bring in someone already familiar with the district’s finances, ensuring a smooth transition after the recent departure of Finance Director Jennifer Hoover. The district is facing a significant $3.9 million budget deficit for the 2026 school year, prompting discussions on potential staffing cuts, with 21 positions already recommended for elimination. Board members emphasized the need for a thorough review of the budget before making further cuts, with Turner assisting in assessing the accuracy of past financial reports.
Read more about the schools’ contract here.
Corporex eyes restaurant complex near CirclePort as redevelopment efforts expand
As part of CirclePort’s ongoing transformation, Covington-based investment firm Corporex plans to develop a 2.8-acre property near the office park into a restaurant complex. The firm requested a zoning change from Rural Suburban to Commercial Two to facilitate the project, which includes a 6,000-square-foot sit-down restaurant and a 2,800-square-foot drive-thru restaurant. The Boone County Planning Commission reviewed and unanimously approved the request on March 5, citing alignment with business park land use plans.
Read more about the redevelopment here.
Fort Wright remains in good financial position, audit finds
Fort Wright’s 2023-2024 financial audit confirms the city is in strong financial health, with no material weaknesses, compliance issues, or financial risks identified. Auditor John Chamberlain reported that the city holds $11 million in cash reserves, enough to operate for 17 months without income—far exceeding the recommended three to six months.
Read more about the audit here.
Covington to vote on final construction contract for new city hall
The Covington City Commission is set to vote on the final construction contract for the new city hall, to be built on Scott Street at the former Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky site. The project, which broke ground in October, initially secured $6 million for structural work, with the new contract allocating up to $18 million for remaining construction, bringing the total maximum cost to nearly $24 million. The city is financing the project through 30-year general obligation bonds, projected to total $52.6 million with interest, with expected tax revenue from the Central Riverfront Development covering the debt. City officials emphasize the project remains within budget, with construction expected to finish by summer 2026. The commission will cast its final vote on the contract on March 11.
Read more about the new city hall here.
Got trash? Where, when to dump your junk for free in Campbell County
Campbell County’s Spring Cleanup events, scheduled for May 9-10, provide free disposal opportunities for residents at three drop-off locations, accepting items like furniture, yard debris, and select electronics. The county also offers a year-round voucher program, allowing households to dispose of trash at designated sites. Recent waste management efforts include rebranded recycling bins to reduce illegal dumping, a Hefty ReNew program for hard-to-recycle plastics, and new electronic recycling bins. Additionally, Campbell County has expanded its school vape recycling initiative and continues its “Trash for Cash” program, allowing nonprofits to earn funds by collecting roadside litter.
Read more about Campbell County’s programs here.
Kenton County students tout success of work-based internships
Kenton County Schools’ work-based learning internship program pairs students with professionals in fields like medicine and education, allowing them to gain hands-on experience before pursuing post-secondary education. The program includes tracks in nursing support, English language instruction, and future educators, with the board approving its continuation at a cost of $140,424.
Read more about the internships here.
Civil fines may increase in Highland Heights
Highland Heights is considering increasing civil fines next month, citing inflation and actions by other cities as factors. City Administrator Michael Giffen emphasized that fines are a last resort, as code enforcement officers and other city resources work with residents to address violations before issuing citations. Code enforcement officer Dave Fornash reinforced that the goal is not to overcharge but to encourage compliance. Giffen stated that the intent behind the potential fine increase is to improve the city’s appearance, not to generate revenue. The council will hold a second reading next month to decide on the measure.
Read more about the civil fines here.
Second phase of renovations approved for Edgewood’s R.C. Hinsdale school
The Kenton County Board of Education has approved plans for the second phase of renovations at R.C. Hinsdale Elementary in Edgewood, with construction set to begin in May and last about 14 months. Designed by Emboss Design, the project includes a new roof, a geothermal HVAC system, additional restrooms, and updates to support specialized learning interventions. It will also add 45 parking spaces and align with a city-led road project to improve traffic flow at Dudley Road, Charter Oak Road, and Tupman Drive.
Read more about the project here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?
Crescent Springs City Council caucus meeting: Monday, March 10
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Newport to receive zoning code audit presentation
Newport Board of Commissioners special meeting: Monday, March 10
The meeting starts at 4:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall, located at 998 Monmouth St.
What you need to know: The city has hired Wendy Moeller, a zoning expert, to review and update the zoning code. At Monday’s meeting, she will present an overview of her findings to the board of commissioners. The findings will then be posted on the city’s website for public review. This meeting is strictly informational for the board, and while the public is encouraged to attend, there will be no public comment session. Future meetings on this topic will provide opportunities for public comments and questions.
The agenda can be found here.
Cold Spring Council to hear audit presentation
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, March 10
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 Alexandria Pike.
What you need to know: John Chamberlain will give the audit presentation.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council: Monday, March 10
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Boone county fiscal Court: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Courthouse at 5272 Madison Pike in
Independence.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington to discuss new city hall
Covington City Commission: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The Covington City Commission is set to vote on the final construction contract for the new city hall, to be built on Scott Street at the former Emergency Shelter of Northern Kentucky site. Read more about the project here.
They will also hear an audit presentation from Barnes Dennig.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Elsmere City Council: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Dayton Council to hear state of the city and school’s address
Dayton City Council: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 625 Second Ave.
What you need to know: Dayton Mayor Ben Baker will give the state of the city address. Dayton Independent Schools Superintendent Rick Wolf will give the state of the schools address.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Walton City council: Tuesday, March 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 44 N Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Bellevue City Council: Wednesday, March 12
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 322 Van Voast.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Boone County Board of Education: Thursday, March 13
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 99 Center St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Ludlow City Council meeting: Thursday, March 13
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
