Editor’s Note: The NKyTribune is offering one free op-ed posting from NKY candidates in major races in which there is opposition for the November 3 General Election. All candidates may send op-ed’s of 1000 words or less to be published before November 1. The commentary should be positive about the candidate and his/her positions. Candidates are asked not to wait until the last minute — submissions will be published in the order in which they are received.
Residents of Southgate:
My name is Jim Hamberg. It is my sincere privilege to serve you and your family as Mayor of the City of Southgate. Southgate has been my home since 1986. My family’s roots here run deep.
My maternal grandfather, Albert Immegart built the home across from the John R. Little VFW Post. My great-aunt and great-uncle, Ruth and Roy Immegart built the red brick home next to this house and my great uncle Fred Immegart built the yellow home on Electric Avenue across from the VFW parking lot.
I lived in Woodland Hills from 1986 to 1996 before moving to Snowshoe Drive, where my wife, Joyce and I have lived since 2003.
Southgate is noted as the second safest city in Kentucky in 2024 and 2025 according to Safewise. For years, Southgate has had one of the highest property tax rates in Northern Kentucky. Costs of street improvements, employee compensation and public safety continue to increase. We as taxpayers cannot continue to absorb annual tax increases indefinitely to offset those costs by standing still.
To reduce the burden on taxpayers, we must continue pursuing several strategies:
• Effective code enforcement
• Periodic reassessments conducted by the Campbell County PVA
• Responsible residential and commercial development.
We established code enforcement to maintain and preserve neighborhood appearance and help homeowners and business owners increase property values.
New development also expands Southgate's tax base, generating additional revenue that helps fund city services without relying solely on higher property taxes.
One of the most significant projects in our city’s history is the development of the former Beverly Hills property, now Memorial Pointe. The 79-acre development includes:
• Luxury condominiums
• Single-family homes
• Luxury apartments
• An assisted living and memory care unit.
Prior to construction, the city received less than $30,000 annually in property taxes from this site. Since construction began, Southgate’s property, personal property, insurance, fire and payroll tax revenue from the development has increased and is expected to continue growing as additional homes, condominiums and Trilogy come online. In 2025, unfinished Memorial Pointe brought low six figures in taxable revenue. At completion, Memorial Pointe is estimated to be valued at $62 million.
Prior to approving the Vicinity luxury apartment complex, City Council desired a high-quality development unlikely to create excessive demands on police and fire services. To support their desire, only for Vicinity did Council approve a 30-year Industrial Revenue Bond (IRB). Since opening, police and fire calls to Vicinity have remained minimal.
IRB’s apply to property taxes only. Insurance tax, payroll tax, fire tax, and personal property tax continue to be paid at 100%.
Because of the Memorial Pointe development and other fiscal management efforts, Southgate's property tax decreased from $5.29 per $1,000 of assessed value in 2025 to $4.45 in 2026.
Another major investment is the development of the former Sunrock property by Fischer Homes and Grand Communities, a subsidiary of Fischer. The project includes approximately 575 residential units consisting of:
• Patio homes
• Condominiums
• Luxury apartments
• High-end single-family homes
Understanding the long term potential return, Council approved a 40-year IRB. Council approved a 40-year IRB to help offset infrastructure costs associated with street, water, and sewer placement.
The following are estimates from the Catalytic Fund who assisted in this process. Over the:
• First year of excavation the city is expected to receive an estimated $57,113 in payroll tax
• First 10 years of construction, the city would receive 33% of property-tax revenue at $4,381,120.
• Years 11 to 15, 43% at $3,547,112. (Payroll taxes are not included after construction ends)
• Years 16 to 20, 52%, or $4,564,175
• Years 21 to 25, 62%, or $5,873,470
• Years 26 to 30, it is 71%, at $7,416,543
• Years 31 to 35, it is 81% or $9,380,422
• Years 36 to 40, it is 90%, or $11,691,021
• After year 41, the city will receive 100% of the property taxes and continue at 100% of all of the other taxes
Sunrock is estimated to generate a combined $46,853,863 in property, insurance, personal property, and payroll taxes for Southgate over the 40-year term. At completion, the development is projected to be valued at approximately $129 million.
The above represents a sizeable investment in Southgate’s future compared to the less than $5,000 in annual property taxes the city previously received from this property. The value of the Memorial Pointe and Sunrock developments will continue to rise year after year as they appreciate providing additional tax revenue. This will be reflective through the reassessment by the Campbell County PVA…
Serving as Mayor is far different than serving on City Council. It demands forward-thinking with commitment to maintain and improve our city every hour of every day. This election is about leadership, experience, proven results, and a clear vision for Southgate’s future. I hope you will vote and I trust you will choose your Mayor and Councilmembers wisely.
I invite you to learn more about my record, accomplishments, goals, and endorsements by visiting: https://jimmovingsouthgateforward.org
If you have questions or would like to speak with me directly, please contact me at: 859-781-1658 or at berger2000@msn.com .
It’s an honor to serve as your Mayor and I would be grateful for the opportunity to continue moving Southgate forward and I ask for your vote on November 3rd.
Jim Hamberg is a candidate for re-election as Mayor of Southgate.