Lexington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lexington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Street racing ordinance and code enforcement review (committee report)
The Social Services and Public Safety Committee reviewed a proposed street racing ordinance with civil penalties and vehicle impoundment, plus a code enforcement equity review. No action was taken yet.
Mental health services for first responders
The council advanced two contracts aimed at people in crisis: $77,221 for The Champion Therapy Center to support 911 callers in crisis, and $50,000 for a full-time embedded mental health clinician for firefighters and 911 dispatchers.
AED mapping and cardiac arrest survival
A cardiac arrest survivor and her care team asked the council to promote the free Pulse Point AED app so bystanders can find defibrillators fast — cities that map AEDs have seen survival jump from under 10% to over 60%.
Police body camera and technology renewal (Axon)
Council approved buying NEOGOV background check software ($16,951), applying for a $130,393 federal justice grant for police training and equipment, and adding Accela e-Permit Hub software ($167,750).
AI data center moratorium and Flock cameras
A congressional candidate urged the council to extend the AI data center moratorium by at least a year and to end the Flock license plate camera program, saying most residents oppose both.
E-911 funding shortfall
911 service is funded mostly by shrinking landline fees while most emergency calls now come from cell phones. The city is studying property-based or water-meter fees, as other Kentucky cities have done.
Gun Violence Survivor Support Services
Kenya Ballard will continue as survivor liaison, helping people seeking gun violence survivor supports through ONE Lexington, under a $20,000 agreement through June 2027.
Mental Health Court Support Through NAMI Lexington
NAMI Lexington will keep assisting people in Fayette Mental Health Court under a $270,000 agreement funded from the FY2027 General Fund.
Additional police sergeant position
The council fast-tracked and approved an ordinance adding one sworn police sergeant to the Division of Police, effective immediately.
Police and fire training incentive grants
The city accepted nearly $8 million in combined state grants to supplement firefighter and police pay and training, with no local match required for the fire grant.
Homeless street outreach expansion
The Hope Center street outreach contract was rebid with ten city-funded staff, added medical partnerships, and evening/weekend hours. Residents can connect someone to outreach by calling 311.
Inmate medical and mental health services
The county jail needed a new healthcare provider after the last one stopped performing, leading to an emergency $11.8M one-year contract now headed for final approval July 1.
New fire apparatus purchase
Council moved up and approved the $2.6 million Axon body camera and taser purchase, plus grant applications for paramedic training, carbon monoxide detectors, hazmat response gear, and a possible federally funded fire station.
Proposed new fire station grant
The city will pursue a federal grant of up to $12 million to build a new fire station improving response times, including around Bluegrass Station — but it comes with a 30% local match if awarded.
Carbon monoxide and smoke alarm programs
Fire officials are seeking a $47,500 federal grant to add carbon monoxide detectors to their free alarm program — residents could request one for their home.
E-911 shift pay differential study
Dispatchers' shift pay differentials will be studied in committee after concerns raised during the budget process.
Courthouse Roof Replacement
The Circuit and District Courthouses get a full roof replacement at $3.66 million — fast-tracked at the administration's request.