This week in NKY government meetings, Alexandria Planning and Zoning will hear from Kroger, while Newport will approve and accept the transfer of the Purple People Bridge.
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?
Construction company selected for new Boone County public safety center
Boone County has chosen Pepper Construction, a Chicago-based firm with a Cincinnati office, to manage the construction of its new emergency management and public safety communications building. The decision, approved unanimously by the Boone County Fiscal Court, followed a vetting process of seven applicants led by Deputy Administrator Matthew Dowling and a selection committee. The county opted for a construction management approach, allowing Pepper to collaborate with designers early in the process to provide cost estimates and avoid delays—an alternative to the traditional design-bid-build method. The new facility, designed by SMP Architects, will consolidate the county’s emergency management and public safety communications operations under one roof at Conrad Lane and Bullitsville Road, adding to Boone County’s “Public Service Corridor.” At this stage, the county has approved Pepper’s pre-construction services fee of $18,000, with a guaranteed maximum price to be submitted later.
Read more about the project here.
Walton begins work on new wastewater treatment system
Walton is taking its first steps toward upgrading its wastewater treatment system, approving a $23,760 bid from Dirt Werks AG to clear vegetation and trees at the project site. The improvements come as the city’s sewer system operates at nearly 80% capacity, which led to a moratorium on new home and business connections, halting development. Following site clearing, technical testing will prepare for the installation of two new holding tanks—one to be built over the next two years, adding roughly 200,000 gallons of capacity (a 50% increase), and a second to be constructed decades later if needed. To fund the roughly $5 million project, Walton will introduce a 2% occupational tax on city workers starting in 2026, collected quarterly by Boone County for a 10% fee—an arrangement city officials say is comparable to hiring a staff member to manage collections in-house.
Read more about the new wastewater treatment system here.
Elsmere amends city loans, code of ethics, alcohol licensing
At its Sept. 9 meeting, the Elsmere City Council unanimously approved updates to the city’s loan program, code of ethics, and alcohol licensing regulations. The loan program’s borrowing cap was raised to $15,000, with repayment required in monthly installments over six years at no more than 3% interest. The council also amended its code of ethics to require elected officials to attend at least two-thirds of caucus, council, and special meetings, allowing written justification for absences but permitting removal for repeated noncompliance. Additionally, the council replaced a 1998 alcohol licensing chapter, creating an Office of Beverage Control under the city clerk and restricting alcohol sales between 2:30–6 a.m. on weekdays and 2:30–10 a.m. on Sundays.
Read more about the licensing here.
‘Bridging the Gap’ Covington rolls out plan for bridge project updates
Covington is preparing to launch “Bridging the Gap,” a new communications initiative aimed at keeping residents and businesses informed as the Brent Spence Bridge and KY-8 (4th Street) Bridge projects begin to reshape the city. City Manager Sharmili Reddy presented the plan to the Board of Commissioners, outlining steps including the creation of an online information portal, partnerships with local businesses and neighborhood groups, and regular updates via newsletters and social media campaigns. The goal is to centralize information, address community concerns, and ensure residents know whom to contact for assistance. Commissioners requested more detailed rollout timelines, with a follow-up report expected next week, though no official action was taken at the meeting.
Read more about the project updates here.
Independence considers lower tax rate amid rising property values
Independence city leaders are moving to cut the property tax rate by 12%, from .22 to .194, to help offset the impact of a nearly 24% rise in home values during the 2025 reassessment year. Mayor Chris Reinersman said the proposed rate would be the city’s lowest since 2007, though councilmember Greg Steffen pushed for a slightly lower rate of .189, with financial projections pending before the final vote on Sept. 15.
Read more about the tax rate here.
White’s tower, River Ridge renovations cleared by school board
The Kenton County Schools Board of Education unanimously approved design plans for major renovations at White’s Tower Elementary in Independence and River Ridge Elementary in Villa Hills. White’s Tower’s project, now moving to the bidding stage, is estimated at $11 million and will focus on replacing the HVAC system, updating ceilings, repainting, installing new hallway flooring, alleviating traffic “stacking” on Harris Pike, and adding a new entry canopy. Work will be phased to minimize disruptions to classes, with construction expected to begin in January 2026 and conclude by August 2027. River Ridge’s $4 million project is in its early design phase and aims to solve severe traffic congestion on Amsterdam Road by building a looping road and a new 90-space parking lot, along with drainage improvements, playground expansion, new sidewalks, and a walkway connecting to Sanctuary Village. Both projects emphasize student safety and minimizing disruption during construction.
Read more about the renovations here.
Independence awards contract to begin splash pad site preparation
The city of Independence has awarded a $349,120 bid to Ford Development Corporation to begin site preparation for its long-awaited $1.2 million splash pad project in Memorial Park. The project, first proposed in May 2024, has already cost about $700,000, including $350,000 for equipment, and requires additional site work due to the new location near the playground, which sits on a hill and will need leveling and retaining walls. Mayor Chris Reinersman emphasized that this marks the start of tangible progress after years of planning, with further bids for equipment installation to follow. The city is continuing to seek sponsorships to cover the remaining $600,000 but has approved the use of reserves if necessary. The splash pad will be centrally located near parking and restrooms, with a goal of completion by Memorial Day 2026.
Read more about the splash pad site preparation here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government
Newport Commission: Monday, Sept. 15
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Newport City Hall, 998 Monmouth St.
What you need to know: The commission will recognize retiring K9 “Kilo” for seven years of service. They will also give a proclamation to Southbank Partners for their partnership with the Purple People Bridge Company since 2005. The commission will hear a presentation from Bill Kinzeler and Alan Bernstein with River Roots.
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Edgewood City Council: Monday, Sept. 15
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Edgewood City Building, 385 Dudley Rd.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Mitchell City Council: Monday, Sept. 15
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at Fort Mitchell City Building, 2355 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here.
Fort Thomas City Council: Monday, Sept. 15
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Fort Thomas City Building, 130 N Fort Thomas Ave.
What you need to know: The city council will discuss the 2025 tax rate ordinance.
The agenda can be found here.
Union City Caucus meeting: Monday, Sept. 15
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1843 Bristow Drive.
What you need to know: The city will discuss Union Town Square updates and public works updates. It will also talk about the business licenses/payroll tax review.
The agenda can be found here.
Highland Heights City Council: Tuesday, Sept. 16
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Highland Heights City Building, 176 Johns Hill Road.
Alexandria Planning and Zoning Commission: Tuesday, Sept. 16
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Alexandria City Building, at 8236 W Main St.
What you need to know: The commission will hear and gather evidence and public comment regarding a zoning text amendment related to tattoo establishments in highway commercial zones.
It will also hear and gather evidence and public comment regarding an improvement
plan for a Kroger grocery store and fuel center located at approximately 39.55
acres east of Commercial Circle and approximately 3.24 acres at 7940 Alexandria
Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Caucus meeting: Tuesday, Sept. 16
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at the Florence Government Center, Council Chamber, 8100 Ewing Boulevard.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Campbell County Fiscal Court: Wednesday, Sept. 17
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Campbell County Administration Building,1098 Monmouth St., in Newport.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Fort Wright caucus meeting: Wednesday, Sept. 17
The meeting will be held at Fort Wright City Building, at 409 Kyles Lane.
The agenda can be found here.
Alexandria City Council: Thursday, Sept. 18
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at the Alexandria City Building, at 8236 W Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.