This week in NKY government meetings, Kenton County Schools will consider the construction drawings for White’s Tower Elementary School renovation project, while Newport plans to discuss the Kentucky Route 8 Bridge Replacement Project
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?
NKY developer seeks rezoning to build 382 housing units near Union
Charter Commercial, a Crestview Hills-based developer, has proposed a 382-unit residential project called Union Landing on a nearly 40-acre parcel along Hathaway Road near Union. The plan, which requires rezoning from Suburban Residential One/Planned Development to Suburban Residential Two/Planned Development, would allow for mixed housing types, including 88 paired patio homes and 294 townhomes spread across 20 condominium buildings and two smaller buildings, averaging 9.7 units per acre. Fischer Homes is slated to build the units, which are not age-restricted but expected to appeal to downsizing baby boomers, with all residents joining a homeowners’ association. The next steps include a review by the Planning Commission’s Zone Change Committee on Sept. 17, followed by a full commission hearing on Oct. 1.
Read more about the project here.
Erlanger lowers property tax rate for eleventh consecutive year
Erlanger City Council has approved lowering property tax rates for the eleventh consecutive year, setting new rates at $0.244 per $100 of valuation for real property and $0.178 for tangible property, down from $0.247 and $0.198, respectively. Beginning Oct. 1, the city will also dedicate 12% of real estate tax revenue to its Park Improvement Fund, created in 2021 to maintain and enhance parks such as Eons Adventure Park. Residents who pay before Nov. 1 will receive a 2% discount, while unpaid bills at the end of 2025 will incur a 20% penalty plus interest.
Read more about the tax rate here.
Fort Wright joins statewide mutual disaster aid agreement
Fort Wright City Council unanimously voted to join the statewide mutual disaster aid agreement recommended by the Kentucky League of Cities, allowing municipalities to support each other during disasters like floods and tornadoes. Mayor Dave Hatter called the move a “no-brainer,” and City Administrator Jill Cain Bailey explained that the agreement ensures reimbursement for expenses when Fort Wright personnel assist in relief efforts. While the city itself rarely faces major disasters, the agreement positions Fort Wright to aid other Kentucky communities in need. The city joins several other Northern Kentucky municipalities, including Park Hills, Edgewood, and Independence, in adopting the measure.
Read more about the mutual disaster aid here.
Erlanger swears in Mark Collier as city administrator
Mark Collier was officially sworn in as Erlanger’s new city administrator during Tuesday’s council meeting, succeeding Peter Glenn, who is retiring after two years in the role. Collier, who previously served as Erlanger’s director of economic development and briefly as assistant city administrator, is also a founding member of LINK nky with a professional background in journalism, finance, and city government, including a term on Fort Thomas City Council. Mayor Jessica Fette praised him as a visionary leader well-prepared to step into the position, while Collier expressed his commitment to dedicating himself fully to serving Erlanger’s residents and employees.
Read more about the swearing in here.
Construction bid accepted for first phase of Eons Adventure Park
Erlanger has accepted a $484,144 bid from Jefferson Contracting to begin phase one of the Eons Adventure Park project, which will include intersection upgrades at Houston Road and Sycamore Tree Lane, new parking, storm sewer improvements, a sidewalk, and preparations for a dog park, with completion expected by mid-November. Funded through the city’s property tax-supported Parks Fund, the project is part of a larger $900,000 investment in the early stages of the park, which spans more than 1,000 acres across Northern Kentucky and will feature trails, canopy walks, and recreational amenities. Expected to create over 1,000 jobs and significantly boost local spending, Eons Adventure Park aims to connect communities through outdoor recreation, education, and cultural experiences.
Read more about the adventure park here.
Campbell County to buy land in Alexandria for new public safety complex
The Campbell County Fiscal Court has approved the $1.33 million purchase of two parcels at 1114 Racetrack Road in Alexandria to build a new public safety complex that will house the county police, emergency management, consolidated 911 dispatch, and coroner’s office. Officials said the current facilities are outdated and inadequate, with police and emergency management squeezed into an aging building, dispatch operating from a Newport basement, and the coroner renting space from a funeral home. The new complex will consolidate these services under one purpose-built roof, offering modern facilities, shared resources like conference rooms and training space, and long-term taxpayer savings. Leaders emphasized that the project will improve efficiency, enhance public safety, and replace facilities no longer meeting best practices.
Read more about the public safety complex here.
Highland Heights proposes ‘seventh-lowest property tax rate’ in NKY
Highland Heights held a public hearing regarding the city’s tax rate during Tuesday’s city council meeting.Bottom of Form During the hearing and the first reading of the proposed tax rate, City Administrator Michael Giffen recommended that the city maintain its current rate of 1.47. The second reading for the city’s tax rate will be Sept. 15.
Read more about the tax rate here.
Alcohol license fee increase possible in Highland Heights
Highland Heights heard an ordinance that could increase the alcohol license fee for businesses on Tuesday night. Bottom of FormAccording to City Administrator Michael Giffen, raising the alcohol license fee is a standard procedure that’s reviewed every five years. The ordinance had its first reading on Tuesday and will have a second reading during the next council meeting on Sept. 15.
Read more about the possible license fee increase here.
Elsmere to resume negotiations for new admin facilities
The Elsmere City Council allowed the mayor to proceed with a property acquisition for the new administrative facilities at their Sept. 2 caucus meeting.Bottom of Form Following discussions on changing the tax rate to be set at a later public hearing, the council passed a municipal order that authorizes Mayor Marty Lenhof to resume acquisition at 98 Garvey Ave. The mayor will continue negotiations with the property’s owner, Florence-based Prestige Marketing LLC, to add an office and other facilities to the city administration.
Read more about the new admin facilities here.
Sidewalk improvements under consideration in Covington
The Covington Board of Commissioners unanimously directed city manager Sharmili Reddy to develop a proposal for sidewalk improvements that can be implemented within the city’s current budget. The initiative, suggested by commissioner Tim Downing after he witnessed a wheelchair user struggle with an uneven sidewalk following Riverfest, aims to address accessibility and safety concerns without exceeding financial limits. Reddy will review city department data and present a plan to the board at a future date, though no specific timeline has been set.
Read more about the sidewalk improvements here.
Covington considers extending property tax deadline
The Covington Board of Commissioners is considering extending the city’s property tax payment deadline from Oct. 15 to Oct. 31 after Finance Director Bre Gaffney proposed the change to give residents more time to prepare and ease the quick turnaround for issuing bills. With little debate, commissioners placed the item on next week’s consent agenda, where it is expected to be approved.
Read more about the property tax deadline here.
Walton swears in former councilmember as first city administrator
Walton City Council has appointed John Wainwright as the city’s first-ever city administrator, swearing him in during a special meeting Tuesday evening. A former councilmember with professional experience as director of HR field operations at Cracker Barrel, Wainwright has also assisted Walton on projects like the Senior Center renovation. Mayor Terri Courtney praised his dedication and qualifications, noting his role will focus on policymaking, budgeting, personnel management, and representing Walton at state and county levels. The move follows more than a year of discussions sparked by financial oversight concerns after an investigation into former Mayor Gabe Brown, with city leaders confident Wainwright will help define and strengthen the new role.
Read more about the new city administrator here.
Covington eyes new strategies to keep small businesses thriving
The Covington Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to develop a long-term strategy for retaining businesses in the city, complementing existing efforts to attract small enterprises. Commissioner Tim Downing, who introduced the idea, emphasized the need for future commissions to take a broader view of business support. Currently, Covington offers a range of incentives, such as grants for building improvements, rent subsidies, and support for historic preservation, which have already helped local entrepreneurs thrive. At the latest meeting, the board reviewed several proposed incentives—including facade improvement grants, rent subsidies for small businesses, and a restoration grant for the Village Theater marquee—all of which are expected to pass. While staff will now create new recommendations for long-term retention, the board will revisit the topic in the coming months.
Read more about the new strategies here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Kenton County Board of Education: Monday, Sept. 8
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1045 Eaton Drive, Fort Wright.
What you need to know: The Kenton County Board of Education will consider the construction drawings for the White’s Tower Elementary School renovation project.
The agenda can be found here.
Independence City Council: Monday, Sept. 8
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5409 Madison Pike.
Newport Commission Special meeting: Monday, Sept. 8
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 988 Monmouth St.
What you need to know: The commission is holding a public hearing for the 2025 tax rate. They also plan to discuss an agreement with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Department of Highways, for the Kentucky Route 8 Bridge Replacement Project with Army Corps of Engineers approval.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Sept. 9
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 2950 Washington St, Burlington.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Sept. 9
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Historic Kenton County Courthouse, 5272 Madison Pike, Independence.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, Sept. 9
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Campbell County Comprehensive Plan Update Public Open Houses: Tuesday, Sept. 9 and Wednesday, Sept. 10
The open houses will take place at the Campbell County Administration Building, 1098 Monmouth St, in Newport.
Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, Sept.10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
What you need to know: Campbell County will host two public open houses to gather input on the draft comprehensive plan update, which will guide growth and development for the next 20 years.
The update covers unincorporated Campbell County and the cities of Crestview, Southgate, Silver Grove, Melbourne, and Woodlawn. It addresses land use, housing, transportation, economic development, public health, recreation, and infrastructure.
Dayton City Council: Tuesday, Sept. 9
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 625 2nd Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Villa Hills public hearing on proposed tax rate: Wednesday, Sept. 10
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 719 Rogers Road.
Bellevue City Council: Wednesday, Sept. 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 322 Van Voast Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Taylor Mill City Commission meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5225 Taylor Mill Road.
