Public Shares Views on Lexington Mayor’s Proposed $531 Million Budget

Citizens Voice Concerns at Council Meeting

In a recent Lexington-Fayette Urban County Council meeting, residents voiced their views on the proposed budget of over $531,000,000 submitted by Lexington Mayor, Linda Gorton. Among those presenting their thoughts were representatives from nonprofit organizations like the local NAACP and Fayette Alliance, shedding light upon areas requiring priority investments.

NAACP’s Call to Prioritize Gun Violence and Hunger

According to Whit Whitaker, president of the Lexington-Fayette NAACP, more investment is needed to address ongoing gun violence and food insecurity in the city. Whitaker argued that the proposed budget should incorporate plans to reduce gun violence over the next three years.

“Surviving victims of gun violence, wear the hearts on their sleeves, and unfortunately, a lot of those hearts are bloody and with pain,” Whitaker emphasized. According to him, local services have not adequately addressed the needs of victims and survivors of gun violence.

The NAACP representative further argued for increased funding for the city’s food insecurity program, which assists victims of gun violence and others in obtaining essential groceries.

Rick Day’s Plea for Equitable Compensation

Another concerned citizen, Rick Day, suggested the addition of a fund in the proposed budget. “I am going to suggest that you add to this budget a sum of money to correct the inequities and other problems in your county government’s compensation system,” Day proposed during the meeting.

Fayette Alliance’s Suggestions

The Fayette Alliance also had a contrary view. According to its executive director, Brittany Roethemeier, the nonprofit civic organization proposes a different use for the city’s infrastructure investment fund. “Fayette Alliance would recommend that the infrastructure investment fund be expanded to allow funds to be used for housing development, as opposed to only economic development projects,” said Roethemeier.

Overview of the Future Measures

In response to the public hearing, the city council noted that the final budget may see changes based on the public’s comments. The council still has until the end of June to propose amendments to the Mayor’s current draft. For a more in-depth look at the budget, constituents can visit the official council website.