News Summary
The Lexington City Council has approved a historic budget of $540.2 million to enhance transportation and technology in the city. This budget includes significant funding for various initiatives including a pilot micro-transit study, a downtown bus service, and improvements to pedestrian safety. Mayor Linda Gorton described the budget as generally good, though tight, as it seeks to address community needs while facing fiscal challenges.
Lexington City Council Approves Record Budget to Address Transportation and Technology Needs
The Lexington City Council has officially approved an increase of $985,424 to Mayor Linda Gorton’s proposed budget, bringing the total to $540.2 million. This marks the largest budget in the city’s history. The budget is set to take effect on July 1 and will run for one year. This budget represents a 7% increase from the budget two years ago and is the first time the city’s budget has exceeded $500 million.
Mayor Gorton described the budget as “generally a good budget” that addresses various community needs although it remains tight. The majority of the budget increase will be financed through pre-funding or carryover funds from the previous fiscal year.
Budget Allocations
The approved budget includes several key allocations aimed at enhancing transportation, technology, and pedestrian safety:
- $250,000 for Lextran to pilot a micro-transit study, which will function similarly to rideshare services like Uber or Lyft but funded by the government. Previously, Lextran spent $75,000 on a feasibility study for this initiative. However, the General Manager of Lextran has expressed concerns that the allocated amount may be insufficient for a successful year-long pilot study.
- $250,000 for a downtown connector pilot bus service intended to operate from 4 p.m. to midnight on weekends from April to October in 2026.
- $250,000 dedicated to improving pedestrian safety by connecting existing sidewalks, bringing the total funding for pedestrian safety initiatives to $1.25 million. Details about the specific areas targeted for these sidewalk projects have not yet been released.
- $90,000 allocated to bolster technology jobs in Lexington, based on a study conducted by the economic development firm TEConomy. This funding will facilitate collaboration between technology employers and local schools, with the potential for seeking an additional $540,000 later in the year.
Personnel Allocations
The budget also includes several personnel allocations:
- $145,424 for a deputy director of accounting position funded by the general fund.
- $40,001 for an additional social worker in the Fire Department’s Community Crisis Co-Response Team, supported by a reduction in overtime pay.
- $99,923 to convert two part-time horticulturist positions to full-time roles.
- $20,160.32 for a part-time recreation supervisor position at Black and Williams Community Center, funded by reallocating savings.
Concerns have been raised by Mayor Gorton regarding the long-term salary and benefits costs associated with the newly added personnel. Even though Gorton had previously vetoed personnel expenses added by the council, sources indicate that she will not veto these new allocations.
Next Steps
The council conducted its first reading of the budget on Tuesday, and a final vote is scheduled for Thursday, which will officially ratify the budget. With these budgetary amendments, Lexington aims to enhance its community services and infrastructure significantly, addressing critical areas like transportation and public safety.
This comprehensive budget demonstrates a commitment by the Lexington City Council to invest in the city’s future while navigating the fiscal challenges faced in prior years.
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Additional Resources
- Kentucky.com: Lexington City Council Approves Record Budget
- WLTX: Lexington Traffic Study
- Spectrum News 1: Landmark Budget Proposal in Lexington
- Boston Globe: Funding Challenges in Lexington and Concord
- NBC Boston: Transportation Funding Fails to Pass Legislature
