Lexington City Council has made significant financial decisions during a recent four-hour hearing, allocating a total of $20.4 million from a budget surplus. The council voted on Tuesday to earmark $8.5 million for a new city hall, $1.5 million for council projects, and $1 million in one-time bonuses for city employees.
These measures come after the city’s fiscal year, ending June 30, showed a surplus exceeding $213 million, much of which has already been designated for various needs. The council chose to focus on enhancing local infrastructure, employee well-being, and community support.
A notable initiative includes a partnership with Undue Medical Debt, a national nonprofit, that aims to relieve medical debt for low-income residents. Vice Mayor Dan Wu stated this partnership could potentially unlock over $100 million to assist thousands struggling with medical expenses, a burden that often affects their credit and access to care.
The decision to allocate $8.5 million for a new city hall marks a crucial step in a decades-long quest for an updated city government center. The city has issued a request for proposals from developers to remodel or rebuild on the current Main Street property, with responses due by December 4. City officials are considering various financing options, including public-private partnerships, borrowing, and state tax credits.
In addition to the city hall project, more than 1,000 city employees will receive bonuses ranging from $250 to $1,000, depending on their salary levels. This effort aims to recognize the work of city staff not covered by union contracts.
Moreover, the council has set aside $3.1 million for critical upgrades at the Lexington Fire Department Training Center, which has long been a priority for the department. These funds will enable renovations aimed at modernizing training facilities to better prepare firefighters.
In keeping with ongoing projects funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, the council also approved $500,000 to extend legal representation for tenants facing eviction, alongside a similar amount for small nonprofit grants. Council members expressed the importance of supporting various community programs as federal funds are set to expire in December.
Looking ahead, the public is set to vote on a parks tax on November 5, which could generate an estimated $8 million annually for capital projects in local parks. Many council members suggested postponing certain park enhancements until the outcome of this vote is determined.
Overall, the Lexington City Council’s recent decisions reflect a commitment to city infrastructure, employee support, and community health, driven by a substantial budget surplus and new funding opportunities.
