The Budget

"As the City Administrator, I consider it one of the best budgets the city has had in many years."

A city budget is a blueprint.  It is the thumbprint of city leadership and what they prioritize and value.

On June 17th, the Hopkinsville City Council voted and adopted the city’s new Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget. As the City Administrator, I consider it one of the best budgets the city has had in many years.

A city budget is the legal product of the city council. The budget is compiled and introduced by the mayor, but once it is sent to the council, it is completely theirs. This year’s budget was the outcome of a year-long conversation based upon the primary needs of each department and how it would best help the staff serve the public. The budget process included detailed meetings with department heads, agency leaders and the general public via a Budget Town Hall Meeting.  A diverse group of residents covering a broad swath of the city came to the council chambers to add their valuable input on how their tax dollars should or should not be appropriated.

A city budget is a blueprint.  It is the thumbprint of city leadership and what they prioritize and value. The budget sets strict guidelines for the mayor and department heads to expend tax dollars. The best budgets invest in the future of a community with measurable outcomes that advance the highest quality of life for every resident.

The budget included a 3% COLA increase and additional funding to the city’s health trust which means staff will not see any increase in individual health insurance costs. There is additional funding for continuing education and staff training that will allow city employees to expand their knowledge and experience in their specific jobs. Moreover, there are operational and capital investments that will amplify our departments’ ability to serve every neighborhood within the city. Also, the council provided funding for additional legal assistance and demolitions to rid the city of blighted structures and vacant lots and to recapture portions of the nearly $13 million in liens for property violations. Such appropriations are a tremendous commitment to cleaning up the city and increasing residential quality of life, as well as increasing and stabilizing inner-city property values.  It is a serious investment and I cannot thank them enough. With that in mind, here are several highlighted items provided by department heads to show how this funding will directly support service delivery.

Listed below are just a few highlights of specific appropriations and how such funding will help our department heads and their teams best serve the city’s residents:

Fire Department: Funding for a second set of bunker gear for all firefighters. The gear will significantly reduce our team’s exposure to harmful contaminants and enhance their overall safety. Comprehensive physicals, with cancer screenings, that promote early detection of occupational health risks. Additional fire fighters for the city’s new Fire Station Five will improve response times, expand coverage and help to meet the needs of a growing community.

Police Department: New cruisers to ensure our officers are patrolling in safe, reliable vehicles. Updated body camera systems, which enhance transparency, build public trust, and support court proceedings with clear audio and video evidence of professional, accountable policing.

Public Works Department: Increased funding for street paving and sidewalk construction. Capital purchases of heavy equipment. Park enhancements for repairs and landscaping. Upgrades to the Thomas Street Community Center.

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