Note: Mayor George Bray was unable to attend this meeting.
Paducah-McCracken County 911 Administrative Board Budget Presentation
Jeff Parker, chairman of the Paducah-McCracken County 911 Administrative Board, provided a presentation about the upcoming fiscal year 2026-2027 budget for the Paducah-McCracken County 911 Service which operates as a division of the Paducah Police Department.
The expenses for the current fiscal year are approximately $3.34 million. The proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, which begins July 1, is approximately $3.49 million, a 4 percent increase. The difference between the two budgets is due to health insurance costs for personnel and for expenses related to the five 911 towers including property insurance, fuel, electricity, and security.
In reviewing revenue sources for the proposed budget, the 911 Parcel Fee is expected to generate $2.56 million. The remaining revenue sources include Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) from the state and interest income for a total revenue of $2.987 million. The shortfall between revenue and expenses is $503,962 which will be split equally between the City and County.
Amendments to Clarify the 911 Parcel Fee Ordinance
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved amendments to the 911 parcel fee ordinance to clarify definitions and processes. The amendments shift assessments from only 'occupied' parcels to all 'occupiable' parcels. They clarify the scope of fees and assessable categories, refine property classifications, formalize the appeals processes, and update administrative provisions to promote fairness, consistency, and long-term stability in funding joint 911 services.
- Fee Applicability: Shifts assessments from 'occupied' to all 'occupiable' parcels and includes residential storage structures and government/public housing units.
- Refined Property Classifications: Reclassifies medical facilities as commercial and clarifies definitions for residential, commercial, public use, and mixed-use parcels.
- Standardized Appeals Process: Formalizes hearing rules and establishes a clear path for judicial appeal.
- Administrative Updates: Removes expired first-year rental rebate provision, confirms annual CPI-based fee adjustments, and updates section numbering.
Community Project Funding Grant for The Branch Stormwater Project
The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved a Municipal Order authorizing the application for a Community Project Funding grant, specifically an EPA STAG Clean Water Grant, requesting $1.76 million for The Branch Parallel Pipe Conveyance Project. The grant requires a 20 percent City match ($440,000) bringing the total estimated project cost to $2.2 million. If awarded, the funds would be appropriated within the federal fiscal year 2027 budget. This project was identified in the 2018 Stormwater Master Plan as a top ten priority project.
City Engineer Greg Guebert explained that the Branch project addresses stormwater issues caused by an undersized underground pipe system. During heavy rain, water overflows from existing pipes, flows along Branch Street, collects near the railroad, and enters the combined sewer system through old culverts—causing street flooding and straining Pump Station 1.
To reduce these impacts, the plan includes installing a new large-diameter pipe parallel to the existing storm sewer, rebuilding the inlet at the southern end of Branch Street, and reconstructing upstream detention basins to manage peak flows. These improvements will reduce overland flooding and limit excess water entering the combined sewer system.
Budget Discussion
Over the next few City Commission Meetings, the Paducah Finance Department will provide information regarding the preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget which will go into effect July 1, 2026. At this meeting, Finance Director Audra Kyle introduced new employee, Controller Lauren Delaney.
Delaney reminded the Board and public of the Paducah Open Finance online portal. The site, which launched in 2024, provides City of Paducah financial information that is updated weekly regarding expenditures and revenue types. It also provides budgets from several prior fiscal years. To learn more about the portal and the City’s commitment to financial transparency, visit Financial Transparency.
The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget is scheduled to be introduced at the May 26 City Commission meeting with adoption in June.
Boards and Commissions
- Appointment of Laren Ashley Gentry and Jennifer Coad to the Paducah Civic Beautification Board.
- Appointment of Kathleen McHaney, Kathy Musser, and Jessi Fletcher to the Paducah Creative & Cultural Council.
- Reappointment of Amanda Johnson to the Historical & Architectural Review Commission (HARC).
Additional Meeting Information
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the Engineering Department to release an invitation to bid for the removal, repair, and replacement of Pump 3 at Pump Station #11.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the Mayor to execute a contract with Deloitte for a cybersecurity assessment.
- Municipal Orders approved authorizing the City Manager to release a request for proposals for cameras and for electrical needs to support the first phase of a parks camera project. The focus for the first phase will be Noble Park, Brockenborough Rotary Health Park, and Coleman Park.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the application of a Kentucky Division of Waste Management Household Hazardous Waste Grant for 2027’s Spring Clean Up Day requesting $58,805. As a reminder, this year’s Spring Clean Up Day will be Saturday, April 18.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the City Manager to sign a contract amendment with TetraTech for environmental services associated with the Brownfield Assessment Cooperative Agreement. This amendment is to increase the budget for additional Phase I assessments.
- Municipal Orders approved to authorize a request for proposals for municipal solid waste services. The City currently has a contract with GFL Environmental for the transportation of solid waste and recyclables collected by the City’s solid waste division. The current contract with GFL expires September 26, 2026.
- Municipal Order approved authorizing the employment agreement with Jason Montgomery to serve as a security police officer at City Hall. Montgomery retired in 2020 from the Paducah Police Department.
- Ordinance approved amending Paducah Code of Ordinances Section 126-3. The revision allows medical cannabis facilities to use branded colors and logos in their signage but not allow any depictions of cannabis or cannabis products. No neon lighting will be permitted.
- Ordinance approved for the three-year agreement between the City of Paducah the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (ASFCME) Local 1586. This agreement is effective July 1, 2026.
- Ordinance approved for the three-year agreement between the City of Paducah and the Paducah Police Bargaining Unit. This agreement is effective July 1, 2026.
- Ordinance introduced for the consensual annexation of 224 Berger Road.
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