Lexington · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Lexington public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Crisis response for 911 callers
Council referred a study of how to expand community paramedicine and crisis response services to committee — potentially changing how the city responds to non-emergency calls.
Federal grant for first-responder addiction recovery (Lexington CARES)
Nearly $500,000 in state funding expands the community paramedicine program, and a $70,000 extension continues UK's evaluation of the overdose outreach project.
Mental health court funding request
A district court judge told the council the mental health court is treating 45–50 people but only has funding for 25, and asked for opioid abatement money to expand capacity and reduce jail overcrowding.
Opioid abatement grants to 24 community agencies
Nearly $500,000 in state funding expands the community paramedicine program, and a $70,000 extension continues UK's evaluation of the overdose outreach project.
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.
Forensic DNA testing for unsolved homicides
The police department would get a two-year contract with DNA Labs International, a sole-source provider, for forensic testing on unsolved homicide and violent crime cases, at $193,150 in FY 2027.
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.