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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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%.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Fire Engine 22 refurbishment
Rather than wait 2-5 years and spend up to $1 million on a new fire engine, the city is refurbishing its 2001 Engine 22 for about $499,000 — roughly half the cost of new.
Copperleaf Apartments sewer extension
A sewer extension contract clears the way for 80 new apartments at 207 Copperleaf Blvd., with the developer paying construction costs and the city collecting $160,000 in combined fees plus about $8,500 a month in future sewer revenue.
$12.05 Million Bond Issue for Downtown and Parks Projects
A proposed $12.035 million bond would fund downtown and parks master plan projects, including reimbursing the general fund for the Lazy River at the Aquatic Center, paid entirely by the insurance premium tax.
Flock license plate reader cameras
The city's 19 Flock cameras generated 24 million plate reads in six months, and residents packed the chamber demanding the contract end over privacy and Fourth Amendment concerns. The board couldn't agree — a termination motion failed 2-3 — but the contract expires January 17, 2027, and a Flock rep may be invited before any renewal decision.
Forks of Elkhorn sewer extension interlocal agreement
The county wants city sewer participation in a $3.3 million extension to Forks of Elkhorn: a $100,000 sewer department investment plus a waived application fee, in exchange for about 115 new ratepayers a year.
Transit bus shelters and stop upgrades
Only 26 of 129 bus stops have shelters. Transit is awaiting grant funding for 11 more, wants more benches citywide, and is exploring an advertising policy to pay for them.
Logan and Todd streets intersection safety
Multiple residents described crashes, near-misses, and blind visibility at this intersection in South Frankfort, asking for a four-way stop and crosswalks. The roads are state-maintained, but speakers cited state law allowing cities to act, and officials say they're pressing the state for a traffic study.
Fire Station 1 construction update
The new fire station is on track to finish the last week of December, $249,000 under budget, with a January ribbon-cutting and community event.
Downtown amplified music and café permits
Competing amplified music downtown has drawn complaints. Staff proposes adding decibel, distance, and time limits to café permits, with suspension or revocation for violations.
Short-term rental concentration in South Frankfort
The city's short-term rental program is capped at 42 units, and neighbors on Paul Sawyer Drive fear that approving more permits could eventually pull their entire street of 18 houses into the special district. Residents support owner-occupied homes but worry about investment rentals.
Duckers townhome development on Village Drive
A developer wants to add ten townhomes to the long-running Duckers neighborhood, using a shared driveway to avoid the cost of building a real street. Neighbors worry about density, drainage, rodents, and property values; technical sewer and stormwater questions are still open.
Multi-generational farm rezoning at 2075 C0 Road
A landowner wants agricultural zoning so family members working the farm can each build a home on the 17-acre property. Staff say it matches the comprehensive plan, though septic limits will cap how many homes actually get built.
Transit fare suspension and ridership
Free fares nearly doubled July ridership (13,015 vs. 7,068), but some riders are just riding to ride, crowding out commuters. The board held off on extending the suspension and will study the data before a September committee meeting.
Parcel C riverfront linear park
The city is spending about $91,000 on 30% design plans for a Broadway linear park so it can chase an October grant, keeping momentum on the riverfront vision alongside the event center development.
Flock camera contract renewal
The city's Flock license-plate camera contract is up for renewal and must come back for a vote. A former commissioner defended the program's crime-solving record and funding, while commissioners say public input will be taken before the vote.
Police repeaters and E-911 agreement with county
Dispatch radio repeaters still need funding, and the city manager is working with the county judge on a renewed E-911 agreement that would also cover capital costs and fix the 75/25 split. A new quote and work session update are coming.
Second Street School pedestrian safety
Kids walking and biking to Second Street School have had close calls due to the lack of a private driveway; a meeting is being set up to make it safer.
Sewer plant expansion and BRIC funding
The city bought land at 856 Kentucky Avenue to expand the sewer plant and is lining up consultants to reapply for up to $20 million in FEMA BRIC grant money after the federal program was restored by court order.
Pedestrian occupancy ordinance on arterial roads
A new ordinance would bar pedestrian occupancy on arterials and state rights-of-way, with $20-$100 fines. The sponsor says it's about safety on narrow medians, not outlawing panhandling, and wants a grace period.
FY 2025-26 Budget Amendment
A mid-year fix to the current budget adds about $2.39 million in revenue and $1.08 million in spending to the General Fund.