This week in NKY government meetings, Campbell County Planning and Zoning will review a new public safety facility, while Covington looks to purchase a tractor-drawn ladder truck for the fire department.
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 still working to clear snow off roads
After Northern Kentucky saw inches of snow over the past few weeks, the City of Southgate has continued working to keep roads safe despite ongoing challenges. Many residents rely on street parking, making snow emergencies difficult, and public works crews are still clearing snow piles left from earlier plowing while facing equipment maintenance needs and delayed salt deliveries. City officials say they have enough salt for now and are preparing for more snow and rain by ensuring roads and storm drains are clear to prevent flooding. The fire department has also seen increased demand, including a high volume of EMS calls and the need to clear snow around homes so stretchers can be safely used. City leaders encourage residents to monitor the city website and Facebook page for updates as winter weather continues.
Read more about the snow clearing here.
Fort Wright Police Department reports low crime, collisions on Madison Pike
The Fort Wright Police Department presented its 2025 report at the February council meeting, outlining a busy year marked by high traffic collision volumes, community programs, and limited staffing. With 13 sworn officers, 15 patrol vehicles, and a $2.15 million budget, the department handled 7,620 service calls in 2025, including 786 traffic collisions—most occurring along Madison Pike, where problematic flashing yellow lights near I-275 ramps have contributed to severe crashes. Chief Jonathan Colwell noted that much of the criminal activity involved non-residents, describing Fort Wright as a largely transient area for policing. Beyond enforcement, the department hosted well-attended community initiatives such as Senior Scam Training and two “Cram the Cruiser” donation drives, and plans to expand outreach in 2026 with a women’s self-defense class and additional scam trainings, efforts city leaders praised given the department’s small size and heavy workload.
Read more about the reports here.
Boone County judge/executive candidates outline vision for county at Tea Party forum
Candidates for Boone County judge/executive took center stage at a packed Northern Kentucky Tea Party forum in Burlington, where incumbent Gary Moore and challenger Chet Hand outlined contrasting visions despite sharing Republican affiliations and experience on the fiscal court. With the GOP primary in May set to effectively decide the race, Hand framed his candidacy around generational change, limited tenure in office, conservative fiscal policy, stricter adherence to the county’s comprehensive plan, and skepticism of long-serving politicians, while Moore emphasized his nearly three decades of experience, record of public safety investments, tax rate reductions, infrastructure improvements, and economic development successes. The forum highlighted a clear choice for voters between continuity and experience versus a call for course correction and long-term planning driven by new leadership.
Read more about the candidates for Boone County judge/executive here. Â
Campbell County brings in jailer to answer ICE detainee concerns
Following residents’ concerns over Campbell County’s ties to ICE, county officials brought Jailer Jim Daley before the fiscal court to address questions about detention contracts and enforcement practices. Residents across Northern Kentucky have urged their counties to end agreements that allow local jails to house ICE detainees through U.S. Marshals contracts, prompting Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery to facilitate a follow-up discussion after a contentious January meeting. Daley confirmed the county jail does not participate in the 287(g) program or any agreement allowing local officers to enforce immigration warrants, nor does the county police department, emphasizing that ICE serves its own paperwork and detainees are treated the same as other inmates. Officials also explained that federal inmates, including ICE detainees, are excluded from the public jail tracker due to regulatory interpretations, and noted that the county’s two-year U.S. Marshals contract automatically renews.
Read more about the concerns here.
Union agrees to sell city hall property to Christ Hospital for $900K
After announcing that Christ Hospital will open a $16 million ambulatory center in Union by 2027, the city revealed it has also agreed to sell its current city hall property to the hospital as part of related development plans. The Union City Commission approved the sale of the city building at 1843 Bristow Road to Christ Hospital for $900,000, declaring the property surplus as the city prepares to move into a new facility at Union Town Square, now under construction. Under the agreement, the city can continue operating out of the building rent-free until at least June 30, 2027, avoiding the need to relocate early while allowing Christ Hospital to secure land for long-term expansion. City officials said the deal supports economic development, benefits the city financially—far exceeding the property’s appraised value of about $300,000—and aligns with Christ Hospital’s goal of consolidating ownership of the surrounding block for future growth.
Read more about the sale here.
Alexandria approves updated agreement with NKY SWAT
The Alexandria City Council has formally reaffirmed the city’s participation in the Northern Kentucky SWAT team by approving a new interlocal agreement following recent organizational and bylaw changes. Alexandria originally joined the regional team in 2023, then known as the Kenton County Regional SWAT, which dissolved its long-standing SWAT unit to merge into the larger force. The updated agreement reflects the team’s expansion to serve agencies across Campbell and Kenton counties, prompting a name change to Northern Kentucky SWAT and a restructuring of its executive board, now led by the longest-tenured sheriff, Campbell County Sheriff Mike Jansen. Alexandria Police Chief Lucas Cooper praised the team’s effectiveness and recent national accreditation, calling it a valuable, high-quality resource for the city.
Read more about the updated agreement here. Â
Erlanger officials push back on state property tax exemption proposal
Erlanger officials are pushing back against proposed state legislation they say could significantly impact local finances, with city administrator Mark Collier telling council that staff have been actively engaging state lawmakers during the legislative session to protect the city’s interests. The concern centers on House Bill 75, sponsored by local representatives, which would amend Kentucky’s constitution to allow homeowners to exempt their primary residence and vehicle from all property taxes after 2028. Mayor Jessica Fette said most local leaders oppose the measure because property taxes account for roughly a quarter of municipal revenue, and she has raised concerns directly with legislators. While supporters have pointed to Colorado as a model, city officials note that Colorado’s exemptions are limited and targeted, unlike the broad exemption proposed in Kentucky, which would ultimately go before voters in the 2028 election if approved by the legislature and governor.
Read more about the push back here.
More renovations are coming to Kenton County Schools
The Kenton County Board of Education approved multiple renovation-related actions this week as part of its ongoing 2023–2027 District Facility Plan, advancing projects at Kenton Elementary, Taylor Mill Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary. The board approved updated design plans for major renovations at Kenton Elementary, including HVAC upgrades, roof replacement, interior and exterior improvements, and safer roll-out gym bleachers, with construction expected to run from April through August 2027 at a projected cost of just over $17 million. Design development also moved forward at Taylor Mill Elementary, where HVAC work will be the primary focus alongside interior improvements and a roof replacement, with total project costs estimated at around $18 million and construction anticipated to begin after the school year. Additionally, the board awarded a roughly $4 million bid to Ashley Builders Group for site expansion work at River Ridge Elementary, aimed at easing traffic congestion through a new loop road and parking lot, with completion targeted for August.
Read more about the multiple renovations here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government?
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, Feb. 9
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike.
The agenda can be found here.
Park Hills City Council: Monday, Feb. 9
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.
The agenda can be found here.
Newport Board of Commissioners special meeting: Monday, Feb. 9
The meeting starts at 4 p.m. at 998 Monmouth St.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss a progressive design-build agreement with Prus Construction regarding Festival Park improvements.
The agenda can be found here.
Campbell County Planning and Zoning meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth St. in Newport.
What you need to know: The Campbell County Fiscal Court is requesting advisory review for a new public safety facility on Race Track Road in unincorporated Campbell County.
Read more about the facility here.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 5272 Madison Pike in Independence.
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
What you need to know: The commission will discuss an order to purchase a new tractor-drawn ladder truck for the fire department.
The agenda can be found here.
Dayton City Council meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 625 2nd Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Elsmere City Council meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
The agenda can be found here.
Florence City Council caucus meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here.
Walton City Council meeting: Tuesday, Feb. 10
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 40 N Main St.
The agenda can be found here.
Bellevue City Council meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 322 Van Voast Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Taylor Mill City Council meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5225 Taylor Mill Rd.
The agenda can be found here.
Boone County Board of Education meeting: Thursday, Feb. 12
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 99 Center St. in Florence.
The agenda can be found here.
Ludlow City Council Meeting: Thursday, Feb. 12
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.