Paducah City Commission Meeting – March 24, 2026

Mayor Pro Tem Tim Wilson chaired the meeting in Mayor Bray's absence. Commissioners Henderson, Smith, and Thomas were present. The meeting covered the 911 budget presentation, approval of routine consent items, several municipal orders and ordinance amendments, introduction of a voluntary annexation, and a kickoff of the FY2027 budget discussion with a demonstration of the city's financial transparency software.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of minutes from March 10, 2026.
• Receive and file documents.
• Appointments to the Civic Beautification Board (Lauren Ashley Gentry, Jennifer Coe), Creative and Cultural Council (Kathleen McCaney, Kathleen Musser, Jesse Fletcher), and reappointment of Manda Johnson to the Historical and Architecture Review Commission.
• Personnel actions and multiple municipal orders including: bid release for pump station repair; contract with Deloitte for cybersecurity assessment ($40,000); RFP for parks cameras phase one; IFB for electrical work for parks cameras; application for KY Household Hazardous Waste Grant ($58,805) and interlocal agreement with McCracken County; contract amendment with Tetra Tech ($15,000); and RFP for municipal solid waste services.

Discussion Items

• 911 Budget Presentation: Jeff Parker presented the Medica McCracken County 911 administrative board budget, highlighting a projected shortfall of $503,962. One‑time expenses included property insurance ($33,500), shelter fuel/propane/electricity, security ($70,000), and tower remediation ($75,000). The shortfall is split equally between the city and county; the city budgeted $250,000. Revenue from parcel fees and CMRS is trending better. Commissioners asked clarifying questions and expressed appreciation.
• EPA Stag Clean Water Grant (Municipal Order A): Greg (Engineering) presented the Branch parallel pipe conveyance improvement project, identified in the 2018 stormwater master plan. The project addresses flooding and water quality, with a total cost of $1,760,000 and a city match of $440,000.
• Police Security Officer (Municipal Order B): Chief Lair explained that retired officer Jason Montgomery would be hired as City Hall security officer, requiring a one‑year employment agreement per Kentucky retirement rules. He starts April 2 and will undergo training. The position was reclassified, not added.
• 911 Parcel Fee Ordinance Amendment: The ordinance clarifies applicability (shifts from “occupied” to “occupiable”), reclassifies medical facilities as commercial, defines residential storage and government housing, and formalizes the appeals process.
• Medical Cannabis Signage Ordinance: Amends zoning definitions to allow medical cannabis dispensaries to use logos/symbols/branded colors on signage, with restrictions (no neon, no off‑premises freestanding signs). The Planning Commission recommended approval.
• AFSCME Labor Agreement: Authorizes a collective bargaining agreement with AFSCME Local 1586, effective July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2029.
• Police Bargaining Unit Agreement: Similar three‑year agreement for the Paducah Police Department Bargaining Unit.
• Annexation Introduction (224 Burger Road): Josh (Planning) presented a consensual annexation of 0.371 acres at 224 Burger Road, to be zoned R‑2 (high density residential). The 45‑day notification to fiscal court ends April 23; final reading scheduled for April 28.
• Budget Discussion and Financial Transparency Software: Finance Director Audra Kyle introduced new Controller Lauren Delaney, who demonstrated the city’s online financial transparency portal. The portal shows revenue and expense budgets by fund, with drill‑down capabilities and historical data back to FY2023. City Manager noted that while finances are sound, revenue growth is flat while personnel costs rise. A series of budget discussions will follow at subsequent meetings, with a budget message in mid‑May and adoption by early June.

Key Outcomes

• Consent agenda approved unanimously (4-0).
• Municipal Order A (EPA Grant application) approved (4-0).
• Municipal Order B (Police Security Officer agreement) approved (4-0).
• Ordinance amending 911 parcel fee adopted (4-0).
• Ordinance amending zoning for medical cannabis signage adopted (4-0).
• Ordinance authorizing AFSCME labor agreement adopted (4-0).
• Ordinance authorizing police bargaining unit agreement adopted (4-0).
• Ordinance introducing annexation of 224 Burger Road introduced for first reading; final reading and vote scheduled for April 28, 2026.
• Budget process kicked off; individual commissioner budget meetings to be scheduled; transparency portal available to the public.