This week, in NKY government meetings, Covington is discussing a common consumption area where alcohol could be legally consumed outside, while the Beechwood School Board will hold its first meeting since its former superintendent was barred from renewing his teaching certification.
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?
Neighboring residents split over proposed upscale event center in Union
The City of Union is considering a zone change that would allow for the development of Allora, a 13,000-square-foot upscale Italianate-style event center on Hathaway Road, proposed by Northern Kentucky Development Alliance—a group led by two experienced developers. Despite the venue’s detailed plans for elegant amenities like a grand ballroom, private bistro, and bridal suites, the Boone County Planning Commission narrowly recommended denying the request due to concerns about noise, traffic, and septic systems, especially given the site’s proximity to the Westbrook Estates neighborhood.
At a July 9 public hearing, the Union City Commission heard passionate arguments both for and against the project, with some residents praising its potential to elevate the community and others criticizing its location and compatibility with residential surroundings. The commission will vote on whether to approve or reject the zoning change at its July 21 caucus meeting, with a final decision likely at its August 4 meeting.
Read more about the proposed event center here.
Public Works director named Covington’s interim city manager
Keith Bales, Covington’s Public Works Director, was appointed interim city manager following the sudden resignation of city manager Ken Smith, which was accepted unanimously by the Covington Board of Commissioners during a special caucus meeting on July 8. Bales will serve in the role until Aug. 17 or until a permanent replacement is found. The decision came after a closed-session discussion and was added to the meeting agenda despite caucus meetings typically not involving votes. Bales, who joined the city in 2021 and became public works director in 2022, steps into the role amid an ongoing governmental transition; Covington voters approved a shift to a mayor-council system that will take effect in 2027. City officials thanked Smith for his service, though no public explanation for his resignation was given.
Read more about the new interim city manager here.
Boone County receives clean audit
Boone County Fiscal Court’s 2023/2024 budget passed a clean audit by the Kentucky State Auditor’s Office, with no findings of material weakness, significant deficiencies, or noncompliance. The audit, required annually by state law, reviewed financial statements, internal controls, legal compliance, and federal fund usage, including $12.2 million in federal funds. Boone County reported a $30.6 million (7.7%) increase in net governmental position, driven by higher occupational tax revenue and donated infrastructure, while expenditures declined by $2.2 million. Total program revenues rose by 13.9%, and fund balances across the county’s four major funds totaled $134.8 million. The General Fund saw a $5.6 million decrease due to infrastructure investments. Officials praised the audit outcome as a reflection of strong financial management and a growing local economy.
Read more about the clean audit here.
Medical cannabis cultivator coming to Erlanger after zoning change
The Kenton County Planning Commission has recommended a zoning change to allow a medical cannabis cultivation facility—Flower Power 5390, LLC—to operate on a 1.26-acre property off Dixie Highway in Erlanger, advancing the final decision to the city. The facility, located behind a Speedway on land owned by Henke Industrial, was previously zoned as community commercial but is now seeking industrial zoning to avoid future compliance issues. The 19,000-square-foot building, previously used for rigging and dispatch operations, is categorized as a Tier 1 cultivator site under Kentucky law. Although construction has not yet begun, Erlanger officials expressed support for the project, citing anticipated property improvements and increased revenue, while the planning commission imposed standard landscaping and structural conditions to align with city requirements.
Read more about the cannabis cultivator here.
Elsmere authorizes contractor for city welcome sign
The Elsmere City Council approved a municipal order allowing the mayor to contract with Centric Constructions Inc. to build a $49,175 welcome sign at 4517 Dixie Highway, with completion expected in 90 to 120 days pending a formal contract. The council also approved an interlocal agreement with Erlanger to share funding for a school resource officer at St. Henry Catholic Parish and School, with students recognized as residents of both cities during the school year.
Read more about the sign here.
Walton moves forward with hiring city administrator
Walton city officials are moving forward with plans to hire the city’s first full-time city administrator, aiming to begin accepting applications in the coming months and potentially fill the position by September. At a recent council meeting, Mayor Terri Courtney and council members emphasized the role’s importance in managing daily operations, grant writing, policymaking, and representing Walton at regional and state meetings—tasks often left unaddressed due to the part-time nature of current elected roles. The decision follows increased calls for oversight after a former mayor misused city funds, with officials hoping the new role will improve accountability and reduce legal and consulting expenses. The council is working on finalizing the job description and salary, while consulting with nearby cities like Union and Independence for guidance. The position, which would be appointed by the council and report to the mayor, is designed to provide long-term consistency regardless of election cycles.
Read more about the city administrator hire here.
What does the next 10 years look like for Southgate?
At its July 2 meeting, Southgate City Council reviewed a draft strategic plan developed with the Kentucky League of Cities aimed at guiding the city’s growth through 2035. Presented by KLC’s John Buchanan, the “Vision 25-30-35” plan highlights Southgate’s strengths—such as strong leadership and public amenities—while addressing key challenges, including limited space for development, the absence of a centralized business district, and infrastructure needs along US 27.
The plan outlines short-, medium-, and long-term goals focused on residential and business development, quality of life improvements, governance, and creating a downtown core through mixed-use development, enhanced green space, and community events. Recommendations also include hiring staff, completing key developments, improving communication, expanding walkability, and fostering regional partnerships. While some goals are aspirational, city officials expressed optimism, viewing the plan as a strong starting point for Southgate’s future.
Read more about the strategic plan here.
Car wash proposal on Turkeyfoot Road would require zone change
Local car wash owner Nathan Atkinson is exploring the possibility of opening a third Blue Roo Car Wash in Independence at 3901 Turkeyfoot Road, a site that would require a zoning change from residential to neighborhood commercial. At a July 7 city council meeting, Atkinson informally presented the idea to gauge interest before formally applying to the Kenton County Planning and Development Services, which would hold a public hearing and issue a recommendation before the council votes. While no council members voiced opposition, some raised concerns about traffic impacts near the busy intersection. City officials noted the site’s residential zoning is impractical, though a zoning change would allow for other commercial uses beyond a car wash.
Read more about the car wash proposal here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Beechwood Board of Education: Monday, July 14
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 54 Beechwood Road in Fort Mitchell.
Read about what’s been going on with Beechwood Independent Schools here.
The agenda can be found here.
Crescent Springs City Council caucus meeting: Monday, July 14
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Mitchell City Council: Monday, July 14
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 2355 Dixie Highway.
What you need to know: The council will hear Kenton County updates from Judge/Executive Kris Knockelmann.
The agenda can be found here.
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, July 14
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, July 15
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at Covington City Hall, located at 20 W Pike St, Covington.
What you need to know: The commission is considering an ordinance amending the Covington code of ordinances to utilize the city’s entertainment destination center license to establish the Covington Business District Common Consumption Area.
Read more about the consumption area here.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, July 15
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council: Tuesday, July 15
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 176 Johns Hill Road.
Erlanger City Council: Tuesday, July 15
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 505 Commonwealth Ave.
What you need to know: The council will discuss House Bill 160 on zoning regulations and manufactured housing
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, July 16
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright City council caucus meeting: Wednesday, July 16
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, July 16
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Villa Hills City Council: Wednesday, July 16
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 719 Rogers Road.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, July 17
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 West Main St. The agenda can be found here when it is published.
