Kenton County to consider Prus Construction for new park, more in NKY gov

This week in NKY government meetings, Kenton County will discuss accepting Prus Construction for Kenton County New Park in Independence.

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?

Fort Thomas weighs sidewalk ban for e-bikes, high-speed scooters

Fort Thomas City Council has begun considering an ordinance that would ban electric bikes and high-speed scooters (over 20 mph) from sidewalks while still allowing low-speed scooters, and requiring all riders to walk their bikes or scooters in the business district. The proposal, introduced at an April meeting, aims to improve pedestrian safety, with modest penalties including fines and possible impoundment for violations. Council members emphasized the rule is mainly for enforcement when issues arise, while also discussing aligning helmet requirements with state motorcycle laws for those under 21. Community input highlighted both safety concerns and the benefits of biking, with some residents urging more infrastructure like bike lanes and others asking the city to consult experts before finalizing the measure. The council plans further discussion and outreach ahead of a final vote in May.

Read more about the proposed bike law changes here.

Covington to vote on more incentives for Fischer HQ relocation

Covington officials are set to vote on additional job incentives and tax breaks for the Fischer Group as it plans to relocate its headquarters from Erlanger to a redeveloped site at 525 Scott Street by 2027. The project, which involves expanding the former First District Elementary School building, has grown in cost to an estimated $20.9 million, prompting the need for public support to close a financing gap. In exchange, the company aims to create about 500 full-time jobs over the next decade with salaries ranging from $90,000 to $119,000. Incentives already include reduced payroll and occupational tax rates, and the latest proposal would allow the company to receive annual tax increment financing (TIF) refunds—up to $140,000—based on job creation and payroll levels, tying public benefits directly to the project’s economic impact.

Read more about the incentives here. 

Florence City Council rejects QuikTrip development off Burlington Pike

The Florence City Council unanimously rejected a proposal to build a QuikTrip convenience store and gas station at the former Frisch’s Big Boy site on Burlington Pike, citing conflicts with the Boone County Comprehensive Plan and unresolved traffic concerns. Despite earlier support from the Boone County Planning Commission, council members pointed to an incomplete traffic study, new state requirements on access points, and uncertainties about road capacity and safety near a busy Interstate-75 exit surrounded by high-traffic businesses. Additional concerns included the potential impact on pedestrians in a walkable area and increased congestion on nearby streets, leading the council to deny the project ahead of a planning commission deadline.

Read more about the QuickTrip rejection here. 

Newport mulls 7% pay increase for police amid contract talks

Newport officials are proposing a 7% pay increase for police officers as they finalize the final two years of a union contract, aiming to improve recruitment and retention amid regional competition. The increase, which would apply from new recruits through the rank of sergeant, is intended to make starting salaries more competitive while maintaining Newport’s stronger pay at higher ranks. City leaders and Fraternal Order of Police representatives say the raise is necessary to attract qualified candidates and keep experienced officers, emphasizing public safety as a top priority. The proposal has passed a first vote and, if approved again, will raise personnel costs in upcoming fiscal years and require adjustments to the city’s budget.

Read more about the police pay increase here.

What’s happening this week in NKY government? 

Cold Spring City Council meeting: Monday, April 27

The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike. 

The agenda can be found here. 

Crescent Springs City Council meeting: Monday, April 27

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 739 Buttermilk Pike. 

The agenda can be found here. 

Park Hills City Council meeting: Monday, April 27

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road.

The agenda can be found here.

Kenton County Fiscal Court, Tuesday, April 28

The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at 1840 Simon Kenton Way in Covington. 

What you need to know: The Kenton County Fiscal Court will discuss selecting Prus Construction for the Kenton County New Park in Independence. The 225-acre property, which previously housed the shuttered Fox Run Golf Course, is adjacent to the 78-acre Lincoln Ridge Park. A full packet of information is available here.

The agenda can be found here. 

Covington Commission meeting: Tuesday, April 28

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.

The agenda can be found here. 

Florence City Council meeting: Tuesday, April 28

The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd. 

The agenda can be found here. 

Boone County Fiscal Court budget caucus meeting: Tuesday, April 28

The meeting starts at 3 p.m. at 2950 Washington St. in Burlington.

What you need to know: The Boone County Fiscal Court will hear a presentation of the proposed fiscal year 2027 operating budget.

The agenda can be found here.