Frankfort · issues
Civic issues
Topics getting the most attention in Frankfort public meetings, ranked by how frequently they come up.
Unified Development Code review
The city is rewriting its zoning code; the draft should go public in late April or early May with a July goal for legislative adoption.
E-911 dispatch service agreement with Franklin County
The city and county are rewriting the 1991 agreement that governs shared 911 dispatch, with a proposed joint oversight board to give both sides an equal voice before the county's budget season.
FY 2026-27 City Budget Revenue Appropriation
The rate drops from 19.5 to 18.8 cents per $100 of assessed value, offsetting higher property assessments so most homeowners' city tax bills should fall.
Weekend transit gaps and Ride United program
United Way's Ride United program, backed by a $10,000 city grant, will use Lyft rides to fill gaps when buses don't run on weekends, with a 48-hour advance booking number coming.
New aerial ladder truck for fire protection
The city's new aerial ladder truck arrived at Station 3 after nearly two years, replacing a truck downtown, at a final cost of about $504,721 fully paid.
Flock automated license plate reader cameras
A resident urged the board to stop expanding, decline renewals, and remove the city's Flock surveillance cameras, citing privacy concerns and documented misuse elsewhere in Kentucky.
General Obligation Bonds Series 2026B for downtown and parks
The city is moving to borrow about $12.05 million to fund downtown master plan and parks master plan projects — debt backed by the city's taxing power.
Riverfront development committee
A new committee with at least two elected officials will push riverfront development forward, with the order up for approval at the October voting meeting.
Broadway linear park and ORL grant
The board advanced a $1.25 million federal grant request for the Broadway linear park, with a ~$1.05 million local match, and discussed seeking community partners to reduce the city's share.
East Frankfort Park community plaza and LWCF grant
A proposed $1 million community plaza next to the new pickleball courts — restrooms, shade, game courts — funded half by a $500,000 federal grant, half by bond money. Commissioners discussed scaling it back if the grant comes in smaller.
FY2027 employee health insurance renewal
City and employee health premiums rise about 9% next year, but a new pharmacy vendor should cut generic copays from $15 to $10 and keep international sourcing for expensive drugs.
Gas franchise ordinance and fee
Frankfort wants its first gas utility franchise — Columbia Gas would pay 3% of gross revenues annually for a 10-year franchise, with possible increases to 5%.
Neglected and abandoned properties program
Code enforcement ran 756 active cases this year — most started proactively, not by complaint — and three foreclosures are underway under the neglected property program.
Flock license plate reader contract
The city will not renew its Flock camera contract after privacy concerns from residents. Commissioners said they'd reconsider if state or federal parameters are adopted.
College Park historic designation
The city may pursue National Register status for College Park, the first Frankfort subdivision developed by Black residents (1958). It's honorary and unlocks preservation tax credits of 30% on qualifying rehab work.