Paducah City Commission Meeting - June 9, 2026

The Paducah City Commission met on June 9, 2026, at City Hall. The meeting opened with roll call (all five commissioners present), an invocation, and the Pledge of Allegiance. A brief Citizens Academy graduation ceremony was held, recognizing residents who completed a nine-week program on city operations. The commission then proceeded to the consent agenda, discussion items, and votes on key municipal orders and the 2027 budget.

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes of the May 26, 2026 commission meeting.
• Received and filed various documents.
• Appointed AJ Patel to the Convention and Visitors Bureau (term expiring Dec. 31, 2027) and Tanya Shelton to the Creative and Cultural Council (term expiring March 24, 2029).
• Approved personnel actions including the FY2027 position/pay schedule and job grade schedule.
• Awarded a contract to CJ Mahan Construction for pump station 11 pump repair ($245,025).
• Approved Change Order #3 with Jim Smith Contracting for the Riverfront Infrastructure Project ($130,382.28).
• Authorized a contract extension for endpoint detection services with Kroll Incorporated ($134.30 per endpoint).
• Declared surplus property at 5065 Concord Avenue for public auction.
• Approved amendments 11 and 12 to the consulting agreement with Federal Engineering for 911 radio upgrade support (up to $120,000).
• Approved an employment agreement for Police Officer Joseph Hayes.
• Authorized a contract with Upper Town Heritage Foundation for operational support of the Hotel Metropolitan and Purple Room.
• All consent items were approved unanimously by roll call vote (5-0).

Discussion Items

• Surplus Property Sales (South Side Development): The commission approved two municipal orders declaring properties at 718 Jones Street and 709 Jones Street as surplus. The first property (2-bedroom/2-bath, 1,100 sq ft) was sold to Sheila Kirkendall/Teddy Bear Development for $100; the second (3-bedroom/2-bath, 1,300 sq ft) was sold to John B. Vontismar/Fly by Night Inc. for $1. Both buyers will use city incentives to develop the properties. City staff noted these are the first such sales on that block and expressed hope for further density. Votes: 5-0 each.
• City Hall Stabilization Project: The commission approved a $842,500 contract with PFGW Architects for design, engineering, and construction administration for the City Hall Stabilization Project. The project addresses canopy and podium structural issues, water infiltration, and stormwater drainage. Estimated construction cost is $8 million (conceptual). Discussion included the possibility of pursuing historic tax credits (up to 20% of eligible expenses), with Melinda from the city noting that since the city has no tax liability, credits would need to be sold. Commissioner Wilson suggested evaluating the fountain repair separately. The project design is expected to take about a year, with construction following. The contract was approved 5-0.
• 2027 Fiscal Year Budget: The commission adopted the ordinance for the FY2027 budget (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027). Total revenues across all funds: $95,622,341. General fund revenues: $50,713,352; appropriations: $51,882,954 (using $2,169,602 in reserves). Mayor Bray noted a requested increase to the street budget (funded by general fund dollars), emphasizing the importance of streets and sidewalks. City Manager confirmed the street budget has nearly tripled over five years. The budget ordinance passed 5-0.
• 911 Parcel Fee MOU (Introduction): An ordinance was introduced (first reading) authorizing a memorandum of understanding with the McCracken County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA). The PVA will assist in calculating and administering the city’s 911 parcel fee, providing a database for tax bills. The city will pay 4 cents per parcel (about $520 annually for 13,000 parcels). Commissioner expressed support for transparency. The ordinance will require a second reading and vote at a future meeting.

Key Outcomes

• All consent calendar items and the three municipal orders (surplus property sales and City Hall design contract) were approved unanimously (5-0).
• The FY2027 budget ordinance was adopted unanimously (5-0).
• The 911 parcel fee MOU was introduced; final adoption pending.
• City Manager reminded the public of the 911 system unveiling celebration on June 10 at 10 a.m. and the Juneteenth holiday closure on June 19.
• The commission voted unanimously (5-0) to enter executive session to discuss litigation and a business proposal; no action was expected afterward.