By Patricia A. Scheyer
NKyTribune reporter
TAYLOR MILL
Taylor Mill commissioners held both a special meeting and public hearing this week.
The meeting was held first, and the first reading of the tax rates was held, although there was no vote on the first reading. The new tax rates are $.367 per $100 of assessed value for real property, and $.529 per $100 of assessed value for personal property. The first reading of the waste collection rate was held, introducing the rate at $256.43.
Tom Koehler and Judith Reis were both reappointed to the Board of Adjustments.
CAO Devon Golden said she wanted to do some more research on the subject of Covington’s effort to do improvements on Winston Avenue. Covington received an OKI grant to do the work, and Taylor Mill would like to extend the work to help their portion of the road.
Commissioners approved an application for Local Assistance Road Program, or LARP, program.
They also approved an SD-1 private cost share program for the property at 358 Millstream Avenue.
Commissioners discussed procedures in preparation for the Scott Homecoming parade, which will be held on Friday, October 23, at 6 p.m.
Next was a public hearing on the Land and Water grant which was bestowed on the city.
There has to be a public hearing so that people can approve of what the city will be doing with the money. The plan is to put the money into repaving 1.5 miles of walking trails in Pride Park, and the installation of two pickle ball courts in the park. Only four people came to the hearing, so the work will go ahead. The grant is a 50/50 match, so the city has budgeted $125,000 for the project.
CAMPBELL COUNTY
Joe Heil, a Campbell County resident, came to the Fiscal Court meeting this month to plead for people to support a constitutional amendment which will be on the ballot in November.
The amendment prevents a governor from pardoning or commuting sentences for 60 days before a gubernatorial election. Heil said that he and Senator Chris McDaniel are hoping to get the word out about this amendment so that no governor can pardon and commute sentences like Governor Matt Bevin did at the end of his term.
County Administrator Matt Elberfeld held the second reading of an ordinance which certifies that quality manufactured homes can be considered equal with other single family homes, especially in unincorporated Campbell County.. Commissioners voted to approve the ordinance, which is driven by the need for affordable housing.
The first reading of an ordinance was held which changes the zoning of 944 Clay Ridge Road, a 6.27 acre parcel, from Agricultural One to Residential three.
Another first reading of an ordinance corrects a typo about the length of heating for a property maintenance code from October 15 to April 15, instead of the other way around.
A resolution was approved that allows the county to enter into an agreement with the Department for Local Government to replace the play area at the AJ Jolly main campground area. They have received a Land and Water grant which is a 50/50 match, and the county will be responsible for $77,890.10 for the project.
Commissioners approved a memorandum of agreement with the Northern Kentucky Area Development District for $63,712 for operations in 2027, and $5,000 for the Tai Chi wellness program at the senior Center.
NEWPORT
Newport city commissioners listened to a speech honoring retired Battalion Chief Jeff Stahl. He was presented with a special shadow box of memories of his time in Newport.
Cheye Calvo, President and CEO of Educate NKY, and Jenny Watson, Vice President of Early Learning, came to the meeting to present the city with a check for $15,000 for Read Ready Newport.
A public hearing was held for the new proposed tax rates. The new rate for real property is $2.31 per $1000 of assessed value, and for personal property the rate is $2.73 per $1000 of assessed value. This is the compensating rate plus four, and the real property rate is higher than last year’s rate of $2.24 per $1000.
Commissioners passed the second reading of an ordinance approving the issuance of bonds in a maximum aggravate principal amount not to exceed $12,500,000 for 1) the acquisition and construction of several projects such as improvements to festival park, utility and sidewalk improvements on route 9, various renovations and improvements to the purple people bridge, and improvements and renovations to the floodwall, municipal parks, and roadways, and 2) the purchase of 9 parcels of real property.
Commissioners listened to the first reading of an ordinance listing the new tax rates for the year. The rate for real property is 15.2 cents per $100 of assessed value which represents a slight decrease from last year.
They also heard the first reading of the commissioner’s ordinance which adds the city arborist to personnel within the Planning and Development department.
A commissioner’s order passed authorizing money for membership in Southbank Partners.
Another commissioner’s order passed authorizing City Administrator John Hayden to enter into an agreement with DWA for the purchase of various playground equipment upgrades at Mansion Hill Park.
ELSMERE
Elsmere City Attorney Greg Voss held the second reading of the tax rates. The 2026- 2027 tax rate for real property is $.161 per $100 of assessed value, and $.117 per $100 of assessed value for personal property. There is another rate, $.132 per $100 of assessed value for street tax.
Fire Chief Paul LaFontaine came to tell council that the tax rate for the fire district is the same as last year, at $.20 per $100 of assessed value.
Police Chief Russell Wood gave a report, saying that at the last caucus meeting concerns were brought up about traffic on Wermeling Drive and Autumn Road, so he sent out several officers to watch the areas. He reported that there were no violations on Wermeling Drive, and on Autumn road there was one violation and one warning given.
Chief Wood said if someone brings him an issue, he is going to address it and get back to them with an answer.
Attorney Voss also reported on political signs. He said any sign that is six square feet or smaller is allowed in a residential neighborhood, and any signs 12 square feet or less can be in non-residential areas. Anyone who violates the law can be subject to fines and penalties.