Lexington, KY - It's the time of year when the rains fall, lawns grow greener, and the flowers start to bloom. It's also the time of year when the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government starts the budget process and examining expenditures to tighten its proverbial belt.
While internal reviews and requests for dollars have been going on for the past six weeks or so, Mayor Newberry's budget address in last month's work session kicked off the official work. The mayor proposed for the 2009-2010 General Fund a $279 million spending plan, a 1.5 percent increase over 2009.
According to the mayor's office, this proposed budget overcomes a $27 million projected shortfall while requiring no new rate increases except for the water quality management fee mandated by the Environmental Protection Agency via the Consent Decree. The proposed budget also reflects a 9 percent reduction in operating expenses and does not require any withdrawal from the city's rainy day fund or cuts to the social service partner agencies.
Mayor Newberry's proposed budget also includes $70 million in bonds to address unfunded liability in police and fire pensions with an additional bond issue of $35 million anticipated in FY 2010. He also proposed a $6 million increase to meet collective bargaining agreements in police, fire and corrections. A public hearing regarding the mayor's proposed budget is set for public comment on Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. in Council Chambers.
In other news, the parking study at Chevy Chase continues. LFUCG Executive Director of Parking Gary Means reports that to alleviate the lack of parking for Chevy Chase employees, the management of the Chevy Chase Place lot behind Rite Aid has identified around 25 spaces that can be made available to merchants for employee parking. A cost for this parking has not yet been identified. Also, Mr. Means reports that National City has offered four spaces in the very back of their lot for use free of charge for employee parking. In a move I feel is very pleasing to residents who contacted me in concern, the Parking Authority has decided not to pursue any changes to the Residential Permit Parking program on South Hanover.
Evaluation of the new Pay & Display solar powered meters versus the old style single space meters will continue until the first week of May. A decision regarding their use will be made by mid-May.
And finally, I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate three 5th District neighborhood associations that were the recipients of Neighborhood and Community Sustainability Grants from the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government. The Fairway Neighborhood Association received $600 for tree planting; Shriners Neighborhood Association received $2,383 for tree planting; and the Chevy Chase Neighborhood Association received $2,500 for Lily rain barrels.
Chevy Chase Neighborhood Association representative Dave Medley says he sees the 42 rain barrels to be purchased with the grant funds as a way to reduce storm water runoff. "The Chevy Chase Neighborhood Association is very proud to be taking the lead in creating an environmentally sustainable community. The neighborhood hopes this project demonstrates our commitment to being green," Mr. Medley said.
Twenty-four neighborhood associations throughout Lexington received grant money. These neighborhood associations were honored by Mayor Newberry at a press conference on April 20. Lexington's Department of Environmental Quality set aside $50,000 for the grant program, which is in its first year.
Thank you to all the 5th District constituents who have contacted me in my first 100 days in office. I very much look forward to the days ahead.