Winchester City Commission Meeting - September 3, 2025

The Winchester City Commission met on September 3, 2025, at 4:00 PM, with a break for a downtown tour, and reconvened at approximately 5:30 PM. Key actions included ratifying a county decision on EMS funding, approving two downtown business relief programs tied to the Main Street High Side construction, and passing the first reading of an electric franchise fee increase. Public comments raised concerns about city-county relations and the splash pad admission fee.

Consent Calendar

• Departmental and Agency Reports: Approved unanimously.
• Minutes: Approved for August 5, 2025 (special and regular) and August 19, 2025 (special and regular).
• Orders:
  • Appointment of Billy Vanichet to the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission (four-year term).
  • Funding of $3,000 from the Downtown Development Investment Fund (DDIF) for a Main Street High Side business support grant to Betsy's Boutique (18 N Main St).
  • Approval of a $6,000 new business stipend grant (paid quarterly over 12 months) for a business at 17 S Main St.
  • Approval of unit costs and bid award for the FY2026 paving program.
• Personnel Orders:
  • Amendment of Taser policy (section 18 of police department rules).
  • Educational certification incentive salary increases.
  • Acceptance of resignation of EMS Lieutenant David Hacker.
  • Promotion of Marcus Jones from Operator 2 to Operator 3.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Mike Rogers (131 High Biscus Lane, Clark County resident): Expressed frustration with ongoing city-county disputes over EMS funding, urging both bodies to collaborate and put citizens first. He also voiced concerns about the new splash pad project, criticizing the $5 per child admission fee as a barrier for low-income families, and questioned the lack of free access, fencing, and restrooms. He noted that only $6,139 has been raised in community fundraising, far below expectations, and suggested the Greater Clark Foundation could provide an endowment. He reported that 795 children used the splash pad over Labor Day weekend.
• Patty Columbia: Shared similar concerns about the splash pad fee, stating that many families cannot afford $5 per child, effectively creating an access gap. She questioned how the fee was set and urged the city to pursue additional grants or community sponsorship to cover costs. She read an email from a grandmother expressing disappointment. She also noted that surrounding counties do not charge admission to their splash pads.

Discussion Items

• EMS Funding Agreement with Clark County: City Manager Whitney presented the county's response to the city's offer. The county chose Option 2 for three ambulances (keeping their 10% chassis investment; city pays 61%, county 39% – $304,200) and for the striker contract (starting with only city contribution for the last quarter of FY25 and all of FY26). The commission discussed the ongoing county reluctance to pay full share, with Commissioner Cox noting the county is “cherry picking” benefits. The chief emphasized the need for a final agreement to focus on service. The motion to ratify the county's decision passed unanimously (5-0).
• Main Street High Side Business Support Grant and Beer Cheese Relief Fund: Administrator Whitney presented two programs to assist businesses impacted by construction. The business support grant that was modified to provide a one-time lump sum of $3,000 per business (rather than $750 quarterly) within the DDIF district, with a simplified application (narrative allowed). The Beer Cheese Relief Fund provides up to $10,000 per business (60% of documented losses), funded by $100,000 from beer cheese festival revenues. Eligibility: Main Street businesses between Broadway and Lexington, 50%+ walk-in traffic, open at least 20 hours/week, and must remain open 6 months after construction. An independent CPA will review financials; an advisory committee of downtown stakeholders (excluding applicants) will recommend approvals. The mayor committed to issuing checks by October 24. Discussion clarified that the $3,000 grant is a subset of the $10,000 total. Both items passed unanimously (separate votes).
• Electric Franchise Ordinance (First Reading): An ordinance to establish a non-exclusive electric franchise with a 3% franchise fee (up to 5% reservation) for KU. Current fee is ~1.75%. The city budgeted for 3% expecting ~$500,000 additional revenue. Commissioner Cox opposed, arguing that residents are already facing rising utility costs (KU seeking 11.5% rate increase, homeowners insurance doubled) and that relief is needed. He noted that even without the increase, KU's rate hike would bring $150,000 extra. The motion passed 4-1 (Commissioner Cox dissenting).
• Ordinance for Ad Valorem Tax on Motor Vehicles and Watercraft (Calendar Year 2026): Passed unanimously without discussion.

Key Outcomes

• EMS Funding: Ratified the county's choice on ambulance and striker contract options. Motion passed 5-0. Staff to notify fiscal court.
• Downtown Business Relief: Business support grant program approved; Beer Cheese Relief Fund approved. Applications to be available by September 4; DDIF board to review by September 23; commission approval on October 6; checks by October 24.
• Electric Franchise Fee: First reading passed (4-1). Ordinance will return for second reading.
• Ad Valorem Tax Ordinance: Passed.
• Public Direction: The commission agreed to draft a letter to the Parks Board urging reevaluation of the splash pad admission fee, with emphasis on accessibility for low-income families. Commissioner Chenault will raise concerns at the next Parks Board meeting (last Monday of each month). Community members offered to sponsor children and raise funds.
• Closed Session: The commission voted to enter closed session for property acquisition (KRS 61.810) with Commissioner Chenault recusing himself from one item due to his wife's ownership of property on Lincoln Street. The meeting adjourned following closed session.