This week, due to the holiday weekend, many Northern Kentucky government meetings have been canceled. Here is what you missed from last week.
What happened last week in NKY government?
Florence passes budget, approves solar panel ordinance
The Florence City Council approved its 2025-2026 budget during a special meeting on June 17, setting general fund revenues at over $110 million and expenditures at about $64.7 million, with a 10% increase in the operating budget attributed to rising healthcare costs, bank fees, and the addition of several new city positions, including police officers and HR staff. The council also passed updated regulations on solar panels, following community feedback, although some members voiced concerns that the rules remain too restrictive; the changes passed in a 4–2 vote.
Read more about the budget and ordinance here.
Newport appoints interim superintendent
The Newport Independent School District has named Matt Atkins, a 2000 Newport High School graduate and current principal of Newport Primary School, as interim superintendent for the upcoming school year following the resignation of Superintendent Tony Watts. Atkins, a 19-year veteran of the district, was appointed during the June 25 board meeting and could be considered for the permanent role when the official search begins in January.
Read more about Atkins’ appointment here.
Erlanger secures $1.3 million from Kenton County’s Community Redevelopment Fund
The city of Erlanger has become the second municipality in Kenton County to receive funding from the county’s new Community Redevelopment Fund, following a June 24 agreement that allocates $1.3 million to the city, with Erlanger committing at least $145,000 in matching funds. The fund, created through a $5 million allocation from the Kentucky General Assembly, is designed to support redevelopment projects that spur economic growth, with a focus on transforming underperforming properties. Erlanger has 36 months to use the funds for property acquisition and development, though it has not yet selected a specific site. The Catalytic Fund, a nonprofit development group known for its work across Northern Kentucky, is partnering with the county to guide the project selection and funding process. Earlier this year, Independence was the first city to receive support from the fund, securing $900,000 for redevelopment.
Read more about the funding here.
Covington ratifies new economic development strategic plan
Covington has approved a new five-year strategic economic development plan aimed at guiding the city’s growth through 2030 by focusing on key sectors such as white-collar professions, manufacturing, life sciences, tech, tourism, and the creative economy. Developed by Camoin Associates, the plan is based on market data, stakeholder input, and community feedback, and emphasizes positioning Covington as a regional business hub while maintaining its character. Recommendations include hiring staff to manage major projects like the Central Riverfront Development and expanding the city’s economic development team. Housing was also highlighted as a critical component of economic success.
Read more about the plan here.
Newport’s Carothers Road, US 27 corridor project (finally) moving forward
After years of delays, Newport’s long-awaited Carothers Road and U.S. 27 corridor improvement project is finally progressing, following the Board of Commissioners’ June 24 approval of a settlement agreement with Gator Newport Partners for property sales and easements needed to move forward. The improvements aim to enhance traffic flow, pedestrian safety, and streetscape features from 11th Street to Southgate, including a bus turn-off expansion near PNC Bank. The city’s acquisition of necessary property has taken over two years and still awaits final court approval, though officials say this agreement removes the primary obstacle to advancing the project—despite no confirmed timeline for completion yet.
Read more about the project here.
Covington residents ask city to ‘get it right’ with federal money
At a public hearing on June 24, Covington residents shared their priorities for how the city should spend approximately $5.4 million in federal grant funding from HUD programs, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, infrastructure maintenance, green spaces, and housing equity. The feedback was part of the city’s annual planning process for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME programs, which fund housing assistance, public infrastructure, and community development. Residents like Pam Mullins and Samuel Phillips urged the city to focus investments in historically underserved neighborhoods and promote homeownership opportunities for Black and Hispanic families. City officials noted that public input—gathered through meetings, surveys and ongoing feedback—will shape final funding decisions, with additional comments accepted through July 10.
Read more about the public hearing here. Â Â
Fort Thomas passes budget, discusses future budgets and a pension issue
At its June 16 meeting, Fort Thomas City Council approved the 2025-2026 fiscal year budget, which includes $20.7 million in revenues and $28.2 million in total expenditures, reflecting a 12% increase in operating costs due to rising health insurance, wage hikes, and the addition of three new staff positions. While Mayor Eric Haas called the budget healthy, he and other officials raised concerns about long-term financial planning, noting that over $10 million in reserves had been used in recent years for major community projects like Tower Park and the Midway streetscape. Discussions about future tax increases and extended capital planning are expected. Additionally, the council launched an investigation into a $277,000 pension spiking issue flagged by the state, with City Administrator Matt Kremer tasked to report back within 60 days.
Read more about the budget and pension issue here.
Issues, concerns rise between Bellevue city leaders and local businesses
At Bellevue’s June city council meeting, tensions flared between city officials and residents—particularly members of the business community—over concerns about transparency, communication, and support for local businesses. Mayor Charlie Cleves publicly addressed and refuted several Facebook posts accusing the city of misusing funds, excluding organizations, and planning surveillance via Flock cameras, while defending recent city projects and business promotion efforts. However, multiple business owners voiced frustration, claiming they felt sidelined and unsupported, particularly criticizing the city’s marketing approach under contractor Melissa Morandi. Despite calls from business leaders for new leadership and a more inclusive strategy, council voted 5-1 to renew Morandi’s marketing contract, prompting some to call for a more transparent and competitive hiring process in the future.
Read more about the concerns here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Ahead of the long weekend, with the 4th of July celebrated on Friday, many government meetings have been canceled.
Here are the meetings still in the books for this week:
Campbell County Fiscal Court special meeting: Monday, June 30
The meeting starts at 10 a.m. at the Alexandria Courthouse at 8352 E Main St.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Monday, June 30
The meeting starts at 8:30 a.m. at 2950 Washington St.
The agenda can be found here.
Walton caucus meeting: Tuesday, July 1
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 40 N Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger City Council: Tuesday, July 1
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, July 2
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
