This week in NKY government meetings: Newport will discuss improvements to James Taylor Park in partnership with Corporex; while Edgewood is weighing changes to Kroger’s Sunday alcohol sales hours.
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?
Southgate Fire Chief John Beatsch inducted into Kentucky Firefighters Hall of Fame
Southgate Fire Chief John Beatsch, a longtime member of the city’s fire department with 53 years of service, has been inducted into the Kentucky Firefighters Association Hall of Fame, becoming the sixth Southgate firefighter to receive the honor — the most of any city. Recognized for his decades of community service and leadership within the association, Beatsch has served as both vice president (2016) and president (2019–2021) of the organization, extending his presidential term to two years during the COVID-19 pandemic. A Southgate native from a family of firefighters, he began as a cadet in 1972, and his contributions were celebrated by city officials and residents. Other Southgate inductees include Ray Muench, Simon “Sie” Jewel, William Conway, Monica Rath, and John Daley.
Read more about the hall of fame induction here.
Dayton moves ahead to complete $2.2 M Riverfront Commons trail project
Dayton has secured federal funding to complete its $2.2 million Riverfront Commons River’s Edge Hiking and Biking Trail, with 80% of costs covered by federal SNK grants and 20% from the city’s capital improvement fund. The 1.5-mile section will run along the river from O’Fallon Avenue to Bellevue’s border and east to Mary Ingles Highway, forming part of a planned 20-mile trail linking eight Northern Kentucky cities. After pandemic-related delays, cost overruns, and a redesign that combined the final two phases, Cincinnati-based Prus Construction was awarded the bid to complete the project, with construction expected to start this fall and finish by spring 2026. The city also plans to enhance its levee-top trail to connect with the new path, creating a three-mile riverfront loop. Mayor Ben Baker called the project’s progress a long-awaited milestone after nearly a decade of work.
Read more about the project here.
After deficit fears, Newport Schools now forecasts balanced budget
After projecting a $3.9 million budget deficit for fiscal year 2026 earlier this year, the Newport Independent School District now expects to end the year with a $1.19 million surplus. Financial challenges began last fall with a $1.9 million shortfall, prompting the board to transfer $1 million from investments and later hire former finance director Tete Turner in March to help stabilize the budget. Through adjustments to the 2025 starting balance, additional revenue, and expense management, the district ended fiscal year 2025 with $3.66 million. The improved outlook, aided by grant transfers, anticipated tax revenue, and lower-than-expected expenses, follows months of staff cuts and leadership changes, including the departure of former Superintendent Tony Watts. District officials say the updated figures are conservative, data-backed, and reflect a more intentional, collaborative approach to managing funds while prioritizing students.
Read more about the projected budget here.
RV, boat storage clears hurdle in Kenton County after two years of debate
After nearly two years of debate, the Kenton County Fiscal Court voted 3-0 on Aug. 12 to amend its zoning code to allow the storage of campers, boats, and recreational vehicles as a conditional use in Rural Commercial Zones in unincorporated areas. The compromise measure—supported by Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann and Commissioners Joe Nienaber and Beth Sewell—permits such storage without a principal building or with one up to 15,000 square feet, but requires board of adjustment approval and adherence to strict development controls to preserve rural character. The change, prompted by a 2023 request from Arf Enterprises LLC, faced significant opposition from residents concerned about sprawl, traffic, and landscape impacts. Initially proposed as a permitted use, the amendment was revised to a conditional use following public hearings, staff recommendations, and planning commission feedback. Proponents say the measure balances private landowner rights with community interests.
Read more about the boat storage here.
Walton to update salaries for city employees for first time since 2018
Walton City Council voted 4-1 in favor of the first reading of an ordinance to update the city’s personnel and pay classification plan for employees and non-elected officers, raising minimum and maximum pay rates for the first time since 2018. The plan, which excludes raises for the mayor and council members, covers positions in city hall, public works, the treatment plant, and the senior center, and also sets a $70,000–$130,000 salary range for a future city administrator—a role the city plans to fill to assist with policymaking and representation at higher-level meetings. Mayor Terri Courtney said the adjustments are overdue, while Councilmember Sherry Gaskill opposed the measure over salary concerns. A second reading and vote are scheduled for Sept. 9 before the changes can take effect.
Read more about the updated city employee salaries here.
Elsmere to raise resident city loans, update attendance requirement
At its Aug. 12 meeting, the Elsmere City Council held first readings of two ordinances—one raising the maximum city loan amount for residents from $10,000 to $15,000 to match the existing business loan cap, and another amending the city’s code of ethics to require elected officials to attend at least two-thirds of caucus, council, and special meetings, with written documentation required for absences. The attendance rule update follows long-standing discussions, partly spurred by past criticism of a former council member’s repeated absences. Both ordinances are set for a second reading and potential adoption at the September council meeting.
Read more about the city loans and the updated attendance requirement here.
Florence’s new sign program to ‘promote inclusivity’
Florence City Council has unanimously approved a new Persons with Disabilities Signage Program, allowing residents with a medically diagnosed disability—or their caregivers—to request installation of a “Person with Disability Area” sign in residential neighborhoods to alert motorists. Developed by Human Services Administrator Katie James and Public Services Director Eric Hall, the program aims to improve safety and inclusivity. Applicants must submit a one-page form with certification from a licensed healthcare professional; approved requests will be handled by public services, and denials can be appealed. The application will soon be available online.
Read more about the new sign program here.
Covington ‘committed to finding answers’ as residents speak out against police action on bridge
At its first public-comment session since the July 17 arrests of 15 people during a protest on the Roebling Bridge, Covington City Commission heard from residents criticizing police conduct, use of force, and de-escalation tactics. The arrests—stemming from a Cincinnati protest over the ICE detention of former chaplain Ayman Soliman—initially included felony rioting charges, many of which have since been reduced or dismissed, though some remain and are headed to court or a grand jury. Video from the incident, including footage of Officer Zachary Stayton punching a protestor, has fueled concerns, especially given Stayton’s prior excessive force lawsuit settlement. Mayor Ron Washington and commissioners pledged a thorough investigation, with police reviewing extensive body cam footage and promising to release it after redaction. While officials expressed support for the police, they acknowledged community concerns and stressed the need for transparency, accountability, and patience until the investigation concludes.
Read more about the public comments regarding the police action on the bridge here.
Boone County weighs faster zoning approvals — cutting 90-day process to just 21 days
Boone County is considering adopting an “alternative zoning map amendment” process that would shorten the approval timeline for certain zoning changes from 90 days to 21, allowing the Boone County Planning Commission’s recommendation to become final unless an objection is filed within that period. Discussed at the Aug. 5 fiscal court meeting, the change is aimed at streamlining approvals for non-controversial projects, potentially saving applicants time and legal costs, while keeping the traditional process available if requested. Supporters, including Judge/Executive Gary Moore, say it would reduce unnecessary delays, but Commissioner Chet Hand and others raised concerns that residents might miss the shorter response window and lose opportunities for public input. The proposal would not affect text amendments and still requires planning commission oversight; further discussion and public engagement are expected before any decision is made.
Read more about the faster zoning approvals here.
Don’t park within two feet of someone’s driveway in Fort Mitchell
Fort Mitchell City Council has amended its code to prohibit parking within two feet of any public or private driveway, enabling police to issue $20–$100 citations for violations after a rise in blocked driveways. Mayor Jude Hehman said the change ensures officials can act when residents are trapped in their driveways. Similar parking restrictions exist in other Kenton County cities, though distances vary, with Fort Thomas and Covington also using a two-foot rule, while Erlanger requires eight feet. The Fort Mitchell Police Department will begin enforcing the new rule immediately.
Read more about the parking rule here.
Rifle incident sparks push for better emergency alerts in Park Hills
At its Aug. 11 meeting, the Park Hills City Council discussed improving emergency communications after an Aug. 2 incident in which a man fired a rifle during a dispute on Exter Drive before surrendering to police. A resident questioned how those without landlines would be alerted in similar situations, prompting Police Chief Cody Stanley to highlight existing systems like Kenton County’s CodeRED and the city’s Reach Alert, which requires residents to sign up. Officials noted that Reach Alerts send citywide notifications and cannot target specific streets, while county emergency management can send localized alerts. Stanley said the department plans a publicity campaign to boost CodeRED enrollment and will share more details on the incident at the next meeting.
Read more about the incident here.
What’s happening this week in government meetings:
Campbell County Board of Education: Monday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 101 Orchard Lane in Alexandria.
The agenda can be found here.
Newport Board of Commissioners: Monday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall, located at 998 Monmouth St.
What you need to know: The board will discuss authorizing and directing the mayor to enter into and execute a professional services agreement with Corporex Development and Construction Management, LLC, regarding James Taylor Park improvements.
The agenda can be found here.
Edgewood City Council: Monday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at the Edgewood City Building, located at 385 Dudley Road.
What you need to know: Kroger is asking for consideration of changing alcohol sales times for Sundays. Currently, they are open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sundays and they would like to match those hours for customer convenience.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Commission Caucus: Monday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss the 2025 tax rate and Union Town Square updates.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council: Monday, Aug. 18
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 130 N Fort Thomas Ave.
What you need to know: The council will present proclamations for Jim Beineke and Dan Fehler for 40 years of volunteerism.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St.
What you need to know: The fiscal court will discuss a resolution relating to the Boone County Fiscal Court establishing the 2025 ad valorem tax rates for the county.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Board of Commissioners caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, Aug. 19
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Erlanger City Council: Tuesday, Aug. 19
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, Aug. 20
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, Aug. 20
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 409 Kyles Lane.
What you need to know: The council will discuss residential parking policies on city streets.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Southgate City Council: Wednesday, Aug. 20
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 122 Electric Ave.
Villa Hills City Council: Wednesday, Aug. 20
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 719 Rogers Road.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, Aug. 21
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 8236 W Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
