This week, in NKY local government meetings, the Kenton County Fiscal Court will discuss a Kenton County Police Department reorganization, while the Covington Government Transition Committee will hold a meeting.
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?
Boone County drops mandatory dog licensing fee after nearly 30 years
Boone County will eliminate its mandatory dog licensing requirement, making the $15 annual fee optional following a June 17 vote by the Boone County Fiscal Court. The ordinance, originally passed in 1995, required dog owners to register pets with animal control and keep rabies vaccinations up to date, aiding in pet reunification and reducing impoundments. Commissioner Chet Hand proposed the change in March, citing low compliance rates. While the licensing program will remain available, it is now voluntary, and the county will develop a communication strategy to inform residents. The move comes despite concerns from some residents and animal control officials, who noted the benefits of the fee, which generated about $28,000 annually and helped maintain accurate ownership records.
Read more about the dog licensing here.
Elsmere swears in new council member
At a special meeting on June 18, the Elsmere City Council voted 3-1 to appoint Andrew Myatt as its newest council member, filling the seat left vacant by Serena Owen’s June 4 resignation. Myatt, who previously ran as a write-in candidate and was a vocal critic of Owen’s attendance record, was selected from a pool of four candidates following interviews held in executive session—a decision some, including resident Eric Bunzow, questioned. Mayor Marty Lenhof swore in Myatt after the meeting, where Myatt expressed enthusiasm about contributing to Elsmere’s continued growth and staying actively engaged in city affairs.
Read more about the new council member here.
Campbell County Dispatch Center to relocate out of Newport
With approval from the Newport Board of Commissioners on June 16, the Campbell County Consolidated Dispatch Center will relocate from the basement of Newport’s city building to a new, purpose-built public safety complex developed by the county. This move, already approved by Fort Thomas and the Campbell County Fiscal Court, completes a process that began due to the county’s need for expanded emergency management facilities. Officials say the new center will provide a more suitable, FEMA-compliant environment for dispatch operations, including natural light and modern infrastructure. While Newport officials acknowledged the loss of some payroll, they supported the move for the benefit of dispatch staff and plan to repurpose the current space. The same board will continue operating the dispatch center, and the dispatch agency will contribute proportionally to the building’s operational costs, reinforcing a shared commitment to public safety.
Read more about the relocation of the dispatch center here.
Newport expands Tesla police fleet with four more vehicles
The City of Newport is expanding its Tesla pilot program for the police department, approving four additional Tesla Model Y vehicles for patrol use during a June 16 meeting. Following the successful integration of three Model 3s in 2023 and two more in 2024, the city cited significant long-term cost savings and environmental benefits as reasons for the expansion—estimating over $148,000 in savings over five years and a drastic reduction in CO2 emissions compared to traditional vehicles. The Model Y’s larger size allows for outfitting with a rear cage for arrests, making it suitable for patrol duties.
Read more about the Tesla vehicles here.
Light it up: Newport updates mural guidelines, includes projection art
The Newport Historic Preservation Commission has approved updated mural guidelines that introduce new rules for traditional and light-based projection-style murals. Adopted on June 18, the ordinance aims to promote high-quality public art while preserving building integrity and ensuring public safety. Projection murals—non-invasive, temporary light displays—will be allowed once annually per site for up to 30 days, with the option for longer durations under special event permits. These projections must be static and avoid creating glare or violating noise and lighting ordinances. Murals are limited to commercial and mixed-use zones and must follow strict placement and size guidelines. The city emphasized that it cannot regulate mural content due to First Amendment protections but aims to encourage professional, neighborhood-friendly artwork. Residential structures remain off-limits for murals, a decision based on past public input and complaints.
Read more about the updated mural guidelines here.
New 77-unit Drees subdivision moves forward in Alexandria
Plans to build a 77-home subdivision on 37 acres along Riley Road in Alexandria advanced on June 17, as the city’s Planning and Zoning Commission unanimously approved the stage one development plan by Drees Homes. The homes, ranging from 2,000 to 3,500 square feet and priced between $360,000 and $550,000, will include walking trails, a pocket park, and over 30% green space. Despite meeting zoning and comprehensive plan requirements, the project faced pushback from residents concerned about increased traffic, deteriorating road conditions, and the loss of wildlife habitat. City officials acknowledged these concerns and pledged to work with state legislators to address tractor-trailer traffic on Riley Road. The development will be completed in phases over the next five years, with measures added to mitigate environmental impacts, such as wildlife fence breaks and extended sidewalks.
Read more about the subdivision plans here.
City of Bellevue engineer shares updates on grant-funded projects
At the June 11 Bellevue City Council meeting, City Engineer Mike Yeager provided an update on several major infrastructure projects funded through approximately $5.75 million in grants. Current and upcoming projects include resurfacing multiple streets, constructing new sidewalks along Covert Run Pike and Fairfield Avenue, major improvements to Donnermeyer Drive with buried utilities and pedestrian upgrades, and the long-anticipated Riverfront Commons path in coordination with SD1. Two bridge repairs—at the pedestrian bridge near the Callahan Center and the deteriorating O’Fallon bridge—are also in the works. Additional sidewalk projects are planned along Lincoln Road, Frank Benke Way, and Fairfield Avenue, many aimed at improving safety for schoolchildren and pedestrians.
Read more about the grant-funded projects here.
Bellevue honors first woman to serve on city council
Bellevue Mayor Charlie Cleves proclaimed June 11 as Carol Schoulthies Day in honor of Schoulthies’ 50 years of service to the community and her historic role as the first woman on Bellevue City Council. A lifelong resident, Schoulthies was sworn in on December 30, 1977, and served four years on the council, contributing to major initiatives like the harbor project, the Bellevue Flora Gym, and Berry Street improvements. She later spent five decades on the city’s planning and zoning commission. Celebrated as a trailblazer for women in local government, Schoulthies was recognized alongside her family during the proclamation, which also highlighted the continued legacy of public service within her family.
Read more about the honoree here.
Bellevue introduces new assistant city administrator
Sam Shelton has been named the new assistant to the city administrator in Bellevue, taking over for Pierce Turner, who is leaving for a position in Erlanger. Shelton, a Fort Thomas native known for his bow ties and enthusiasm for Northern Kentucky, brings seven years of experience in Fort Thomas city government, where he worked on projects related to code enforcement, public relations, economic development, and event planning. Introduced by City Administrator Frank Warnock at a recent council meeting, Shelton holds a bachelor’s in public relations and a master’s in public administration from NKU. He plans to complete current projects in Fort Thomas before officially starting in Bellevue, where he aims to apply his experience and knowledge to benefit the community.
Read more about the new assistant city administrator here.
What’s happening this week in local government?
Crescent Springs City Council: Monday, June 23
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
What you need to know: The Crescent Springs City Council will hold a second reading on its new fiscal year budget.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Mitchell City Council: Monday, June 23
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 2355 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, June 23
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, June 24
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center.
What you need to know: The fiscal court will discuss the reorganization of the Kenton County Police Department.
The reorganization includes the creation of the Law Enforcement Navigators program in Kenton County to provide mental health and social services to residents of Kenton County. The department would establish four Law Enforcement Navigator positions. If approved, the reorganization would also include establishing one additional school resource officer position at Saint Agnes School in Fort Wright.
Additional information can be found here.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, June 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Covington City Hall, located at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The Covington City Commission will hold a second reading for the new fiscal year budget.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, June 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Government transition meeting: Thursday, June 26
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall
More information about the meeting can be found here.
Ludlow City Council special meeting/council meeting: Thursday, June 26
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
The meeting agenda can be found here when it is published.
