Paducah City Commission Meeting Summary – April 28, 2026

The Paducah City Commission met on April 28, 2026, at 21:58 UTC (local time). The meeting included a proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Month, public comments in support of a dental clinic project, approval of a development agreement with Hamilton Properties for the Maharry Medical College phase one, approval of a fire department psychological support contract, adoption of an annexation ordinance, a budget discussion, and a presentation on mental health initiatives. All votes were unanimous (5-0) unless noted.

Proclamation

• Mayor Bray read a proclamation designating May as Mental Health Awareness Month, emphasizing the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Amina Watkins (432 North Fifth Street, Lowertown) spoke in support of the Maharry Medical College dental clinic project. She highlighted the history of Dr. Andrew W. Morton Sr., the only African American dentist in Paducah for decades, and emphasized that the project aligns with the South Side revitalization plan. She noted the closure of Dollar General, reducing access to basic needs, and that dental access is limited, especially for Medicaid patients. She thanked Dr. Hamilton for six years of determination and urged the commission to vote in favor.
• Leontine Garnett (715 South 22nd Street, Elmwood Court) expressed support, stating she has a state medical card and has been unable to find a dentist in Paducah accepting Medicaid for 18 months. She noted the closest options are in Lexington or Louisville with long wait times. She compared the need for health care to infrastructure and sports parks.
• Tamra Tracy (no address given) voiced strong support for the Maharry clinic, stating dental care is critical for self-worth, nutrition, and basic health. She urged the commission to support the project.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the April 14, 2026 meeting.
• Reappointment of Shirley Walker to the Forest Hills Village Board of Directors (term expires May 6, 2028).
• Reappointment of Edward Box to the Civil Service Commission (term expires May 13, 2029).
• Personnel actions.
• Municipal order approving a contract with Municipal and Contractor Sealing Products ($51,000) for pump station 5 pipelining.
• Municipal order approving change order #2 with Jim Smith Contracting (+$41,974) for the Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project.
• Municipal order approving a contract with Terry Rechart LLP ($75,000) for audit services for FY ending June 30, 2026.
• Municipal order adopting contract modification #6 with A&K Construction (-$119,800, new total $50,936,790.92).
• Municipal order authorizing bids for playground equipment and resurfacing at Cobb Park.
• Municipal order authorizing bids for shade canopies at Noble Park Pool and Tennis Courts.
• Municipal order authorizing a Kentucky Fire Commission training facility grant application up to $50,000 for a four-story fire training drill tower.
• Municipal order authorizing payment to Mobile Communications of America ($51,076) for software purchase and installation.

Discussion Item: Maharry Medical College Development Agreement

• City Manager introduced the item. Dr. Eddie Hamilton, project sponsor, presented the vision for phase one of the Maharry Medical College development at 1034 Walter Jetton Boulevard. The project repurposes his family’s former 10th Street Market (built 1904) into a faculty dental clinic staffed by Maharry Medical College. The clinic will have six operatories (three dental, three hygienist) and will serve all patients regardless of ability to pay, partnering with Kentucky Care. Dr. Shere Farmer Dixon, Dean of Maharry Dental School, recounted the college’s history: founded in 1876 after Samuel Maharry was helped by freed slaves in Kentucky; the dental school started in 1886. Approximately 80% of Maharry graduates provide primary care in underserved communities.
• Dr. Hamilton discussed financial sustainability: a nonprofit (Civic Pathways Group) will raise funds, provide income guarantees for dentists, and pursue grants (e.g., rural health transformation program). A feasibility study by the University of Kentucky is due by May 2026. He emphasized that Maharry needs to be financially viable to sustain the clinic. Commissioner Smith asked how the clinic will overcome low Medicaid reimbursement; Dr. Hamilton responded that creative partnerships, government support, and fundraising are key. Commissioner Wilson expressed appreciation for the project’s health benefits and its role as a linchpin for South Side redevelopment. Mayor Bray noted the historic nature of the vote. The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to adopt the municipal order approving the development agreement.

Discussion Item: Fire Department Psychological Support Contract

• Fire Chief Kyle presented a contract with Dell Health Consulting ($59,400) for a 12-month program to improve internal relationships and provide organizational health support. Dr. Jacobs, a clinical psychologist, outlined the plan: an organizational health assessment, targeted mental health support, leadership development, and cultural assessment. The program will involve all rank-and-file members. The commission voted unanimously to approve.

Ordinance: Consensual Annexation

• An ordinance was adopted to annex 0.371 acres at 224 Berger Road, contiguous to the city limits. The vote was unanimous.

Discussion Item: General Fund Budget Overview

• Finance Director Audrey Kyle presented a high-level review of general fund revenues for FY 2026 and projections for FY 2027. The “big four” revenues (payroll tax, insurance premium tax, real estate property tax, business license) comprise 82% of general fund revenue. Property tax ($6.7 million) met budget; business license collections were affected by IRS disaster relief deadline shifts and an inflationary threshold adjustment (from $3.5M to $5.13M). Insurance premium tax is projected flat at $7.2 million. Payroll tax is projected at $20.9 million, with 3% growth expected for FY 2027. The gap between revenues and expenditures is growing over time, creating budgetary pressure. The city manager’s office is in final budget preparations with commissioner meetings upcoming.

Discussion Item: Mental Health Awareness Month Initiatives

• Pam and Stephanie Wilcox from HR presented the city’s mental health awareness efforts. The city applied for the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health, a national recognition program. The city achieved a Gold level (score 89/100), missing Platinum by 11 points. Categories: workplace culture (100%), mental health benefits (77%), caring beyond compliance (74%), holistic wellness (81%). Opportunities for improvement include paid parental leave, part-time employee benefits, substance use education, remote/flexible work, and peer support. External awareness activities include a news release, green lighting of City Hall, a social media campaign with the theme “More Good Days Together,” and 988 crisis lifeline wraps on two PATS buses. Internal activities include t-shirts with the Bell Seal, educational seminars by Dr. Jacobs (May 6, 15, 21, and a supervisor session on May 27). The commission expressed appreciation.

Key Outcomes

• Unanimous approval (5-0) of the Maharry Medical College development agreement phase one.
• Unanimous approval (5-0) of the fire department psychological support contract with Dell Health Consulting ($59,400).
• Unanimous adoption (5-0) of the annexation ordinance.
• Consent agenda items approved unanimously.
• Budget discussions to continue with individual commissioner meetings.
• Mental Health Awareness Month activities to proceed with the Gold Bell Seal recognition.
• The commission entered closed session for discussion of proposed litigation (no action to follow).