This week in NKY government meetings, a one-acre plot in Crescent Springs is causing debate as city leaders prepare to decide whether a 17-unit townhouse plan can move forward.
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?
NKU to cut down remote work, offer buyouts to tenured faculty
Northern Kentucky University will implement a new policy on Jan. 1 requiring administrators, staff, student-workers, and other non-faculty employees to work on campus five days a week, significantly limiting remote work except for faculty and advisors. Employees may request up to two “flexible work” days per week—with strict eligibility requirements, annual reviews, and multiple layers of approval—but cannot appeal denials. The policy follows extensive feedback and was described by President Cady Short-Thompson as a compromise balancing flexibility and institutional needs. The Board of Regents also approved a voluntary buyout program for tenured and tenure-track faculty and administrators, prompting concerns about workload and campus culture, as well as updates to non-discrimination policies that add protections against antisemitism.
Read more about the return to office and buyouts here.
Covington to investigate safety, monetary costs of drinking area
The Covington Board of Commissioners voted 2–1 to begin evaluating the financial and safety implications of creating an outdoor drinking area, despite the issue not appearing on the meeting agenda and being raised only at the meeting’s end by Commissioner James Toebbe. Toebbe and Mayor Ron Washington supported the motion, while Commissioner Tim Downing opposed it over concerns that it would divert limited staff resources; Commissioner Shannon Smith was absent, and Commissioner Tim Acri recused himself. The evaluation will involve police, fire, and public works officials assessing costs and safety requirements for a potential common consumption area, a proposal that has divided residents and businesses since April. Although Washington voted in favor, he later acknowledged the strain on understaffed city departments and emphasized the need for detailed information before moving forward.
Read more about the considerations for the drinking area here.
Newport Schools extend finance consultant contract through school year
The Newport Board of Education approved an extension of its consulting contract with former finance director Tete Turner, adding up to $20,000 in additional work through July 2026 after the original $25,000 contract—intended to help assess a projected $3.9 million budget deficit—was fully utilized. Turner’s continued role will focus on smaller-scale financial cleanup following last year’s extensive budget review, which ultimately confirmed the district had a balanced budget. During the meeting, resident Max Long questioned why the shorter new contract was nearly as costly as the year-long original, but Board Chair Ramona Malone emphasized that $20,000 is a maximum amount, not an expectation, and that Turner only performs work specifically directed by the board.
Read more about the finance consultant contract here.
Florence Fire/EMS team honored for response to postpartum emergency
Two Florence Fire/EMS first responders, Captain Chris Fuhrmann and paramedic Lauren Goldfuss, were honored with St. Elizabeth Healthcare’s revived “Crew of the Quarter” award for their swift, collaborative response during an August mutual-aid call involving a mother suffering a life-threatening postpartum hemorrhage and a critical newborn. Recognized by hospital emergency department staff, the pair worked alongside the Elsmere Fire Department to stabilize the mother while Elsmere personnel cared for the baby, actions credited with helping both patients reach the hospital and recover in good condition. The commendations were presented during the Nov. 18 Florence City Council caucus meeting, where fellow firefighters turned out to support their colleagues.
Read more about the EMS team here.
Fort Thomas tables roundabout proposal
During a nearly three-hour meeting Monday night, Fort Thomas City Council debated a proposed state-funded roundabout at Highland and Grand Avenues, drawing strong objections from residents and multiple council members who argued the intersection is too tight, too busy with pedestrians, and potentially unsafe for such a design. Although the idea emerged from a Kentucky Transportation Cabinet analysis suggesting a roundabout could work, councilmembers Andy Ellison and Jeff Bezold voiced firm or conditional opposition, with Bezold urging exploration of alternative safety measures. Residents also pushed back, citing concerns about pedestrian traffic and urging the city to seek broader public input before moving forward. In the end, council opted to table the proposal for further consideration.
Read more about the roundabout proposal here.
Fort Thomas considers scaling down Merchants & Music Festival
At Monday night’s Fort Thomas City Council meeting, the appearance of the Merchants & Music Festival on the agenda prompted strong resident concern over its potential cancellation, as the beloved free event at Tower Park faces scrutiny due to rising costs. Council member Adam Blau urged the city to consider scaling back the festival—whose 2025 headliner alone cost $85,000—as a necessary financial measure, while the council reviewed its $165,000 proposed budget and discussed alternatives such as increased sponsorships, local performers, and a smaller footprint. Residents, including Annie Brown, argued that while cost reductions may be reasonable, canceling the festival would be shortsighted given its broad community appeal. With planning deadlines approaching, council members stressed the need for timely decisions and scheduled a special meeting for Dec. 1 to further determine the event’s future.
Read more about the festival considerations here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Cold Spring City Council meeting: Monday, Nov. 24
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Crescent Springs Council meeting: Monday, Nov. 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike.
What you need to know: The city is revisiting a 17-townhouse concept plan for a small, one-acre site in Crescent Springs, which came before the city council after Council Member Jeannine Bell Smith appealed the Kenton County Planning Commission’s earlier approval, prompting an open discussion among officials, the landowner, and developers.
Though no action was taken at the least meeting, tensions emerged when the landowner’s attorney asked three council members who had previously opposed the project to recuse themselves, a request the city’s legal counsel did not support. The proposal—revised from an unrealized 2007 plan—calls for two buildings with reduced setbacks, rear-entry garages, and a new stormwater detention basin, with developers arguing that variances are necessary to produce economically viable, higher-quality units.
The council will vote on the concept plan on Nov. 24, after which developers would need to submit a final plan if it is approved.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills: Monday, Nov. 24
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 25
The meeting starts at6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
The agenda can be found here.
Thursday, Nov. 27, is Thanksgiving Day, and city buildings are closed.