For the sixth consecutive year, the Kenton County Fiscal Court lowered its real property tax rate, continuing responsible financial management while maintaining funding for essential county services.
On Tuesday, the Fiscal Court approved reducing the County’s real property tax rate from 11.5 cents to 11.3 cents per $100 of assessed value.
The Fiscal Court also lowered the tangible personal property tax rate from 16.0 cents to 15.6 cents per $100 of assessed value. The County’s motor vehicle tax rate will remain unchanged at 15.8 cents per $100 of valuation.
Kenton County’s real property tax rate has been reduced every year since 2020, when the rate was 15.9 cents. The 11.3-cent rate is the County’s lowest real property tax rate since 1983.
“Every dollar matters to our residents, and we are always looking for responsible ways to manage our budget while continuing to provide the services our community depends on,” Judge/Executive Kris Knochelmann said. “The combination of fiscal responsibility and quality service is why people and businesses continue to choose Kenton County as a place to live, work and invest. That is a balance we will continue to work hard to maintain.”
“During my time on the Fiscal Court, I can say Kenton County has never been in a stronger operating and financial position,” Commissioner Beth Sewell said. “It is a privilege to once again lower the County’s portion of their property tax bills, while continuing to provide the high-quality services our residents have come to expect. We can do both, and that is a testament to the responsible financial management that has put Kenton County in this position.”
Dr. Jon Draud echoed Commissioner Sewell’s remarks: “As I prepare to say goodbye to my career in public service, I am proud to know that this Fiscal Court is leaving Kenton County a better place than when we found it. We have worked hard to strengthen the County’s finances, position ourselves for long-term growth and make sure we are prepared for the future, all while keeping taxes low and helping families afford to live, work and raise their children here.”
Commissioner Joe Nienaber, who joins Commissioner Draud in retiring at the end of 2026, said the reductions reflect the Fiscal Court’s responsibility to taxpayers.
“Residents trust us to make every tax dollar count,” Nienaber said. “Being able to consistently reduce the County’s share of the property tax burden while continuing to deliver high-quality services demonstrates that we are honoring that trust.”
The Fiscal Court’s tax rates apply only to the County’s portion of a property tax bill. The Fiscal Court does not set tax rates for other taxing agencies, including school districts, the Northern Kentucky Health Department, public libraries and fire protection districts.