Lexington council sets FY2027 tax rates, approves $3.18M in social service contracts
The Urban County Council set property tax rates for fiscal year 2026-2027 and approved $3.18 million in social service contracts at recent meetings. The council also scheduled a public hearing on the tax rates for Aug. 27 and placed several major spending items on the docket for future votes.
Tax rates set for FY2027
At the Aug. 18 work session, the council unanimously set FY2027 ad valorem tax rates at Option 2 for the General Services and Urban Services funds. It also set the public health tax rate at 0.0243 and the soil/water conservation rate at 0.001. A public hearing on all rates is scheduled for Aug. 27.
Social service contracts approved
At the Aug. 11 work session, the council approved $3,177,745 in Purchase of Service Agreements with 30 Extended Social Resource (ESR) Program grantee agencies. Other approvals included:
- $900,000 contract renewal with Hazen and Sawyer for the sewer program
- $519,200 Kentucky Transportation Cabinet grant for traffic improvements
- $135,000 contract with Riggs Ward Design for an outreach trailer
- $61,288.30 Bluegrass ADD local dues agreement
- $50,000 agreement with You Matter Kentucky for Juvenile Treatment Court
- $11,700 payment for an OSHA civil penalty
- $10,177.50 for Code of Ordinances republication
Other council actions
At the Aug. 18 work session, the council approved the Aug. 13 council meeting docket, placed a rezoning at 500 Southland Drive from P-1 to B-1 on the docket, and placed an ordinance prohibiting parking in bike lanes on the docket. It also referred mental health support for first responders to the Social Services & Public Safety Committee and approved a $500 tree plaque at the Charles Young Center honoring Carl White.
The Aug. 13 council meeting agenda included first-reading ordinances on property tax rates, a $135,000 contract for interactive outreach tools, a zoning change, and a Sick Leave Bank program. Minutes have not yet been published.
Committee reviews
The Social Services & Public Safety Committee on Aug. 11 approved its June 9 meeting summary and heard a presentation on a proposed drag racing ordinance with civil penalties up to $4,500 and vehicle impoundment up to 60 days, but took no action. It also heard updates on the Village model for older adults, code enforcement equity, and youth services.
The Environmental Quality & Public Works Committee on Aug. 18 approved its June 16 meeting summary and received updates on the Neighborhood Traffic Management Program, a proposed Quick Build Program, the Traffic Engineering Manual, and Urban Forestry programs. No votes were taken on those items.
Coming up
The Urban County Council will meet Aug. 25 to consider a $2,512,545 animal control contract, a $3,770,202 grant for the East Hickman Pump Station, a change order increasing the New Senior & Therapeutic Center contract to $17,532,658.04, and a $127,000 agreement with the U.S. Geological Survey for stream gauges. The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee will also meet Aug. 25 to review July finances and the local impact of federal policy.