| Neighbors,
Yesterday, our mayor shared more detail on his proposed tax increase to resolve our city's impending $35 million budget deficit. This deficit is projected to increase to over $60 million in the next four budget years. His plan is to increase the tax on most individual and business insurance premiums, except automobile and health policies. You may see a line item on your insurance documents that identifies the tax on a particular policy. Currently, the insurance premium tax is 5%, but under Mayor Fischer's plan it will increase to 12.5% on July 1, 2019 then 13.5% in 2021 and finally 15% (the maximum allowed by state law) in 2023. For the average homeowner in Louisville, that will mean about $150 each year.
For this to go into effect, Metro Council must act by March 21st by approving this increase. The lack of public input and quick turnaround time is troubling to me and many of my colleagues, but clearly not everyone.
The mayor has responded to calls from the public and your elected officials to find a better way than cutting public safety or simply raising taxes on insurance premiums with the following three words: "tell me how". So, our office has been combing through the budget and we will be sharing our ideas with the mayor and Metro Council. If you have suggestions (and some of you have shared them already), please let our office and the mayor's office know.
Monday, at our first meeting of the Government Oversight, Audit, Ethics, and Appointments Committee, we began the process of reviewing appointments to boards and commissions in Louisville Metro. This important work to make sure those who hold public trust over important organizations like the Board of Health, MSD, the Arena Authority, Downtown Development District, and other governmental and quasi-governmental organizations are qualified and ready to serve.
On that note, if you or someone you know is interested in serving our city on one of the 80 boards and commissions, head over to this website and sign up. Not only do we need your help, but this is a great way to get involved in your city government.
Thanks,
 Brent T. Ackerson
26th District Councilman
Join me to celebrate reading and the importance of lifelong learning this Saturday at the Bon Air Branch of the Louisville Free Public Library. Sponsored by The Sickle Cell Association of Kentuckiana and the Youth in Action Network the 2019 African-American Read-in offers youth literacy programs, presentations by students on black leaders, and a discussion of African-American literary works. There will be free books to those who show up and commit to their success.
Bon Air Branch Library
2816 Del Rio Place
February 16, 2019 - 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Free books! Free books!
If you can't make it Saturday, join in the history and the fun at another library near you. Following are a series of events you and your family may participate in at nearby libraries that will help mark African-American History Month and celebrate the diversity of our city.
- Saturday, February 16, 11:00 a.m. – adults – Bud Dorsey and “Available Light” - An unforgettable afternoon “tour” through West Louisville through the eyes of a renowned photojournalist. Over three decades of pictures. Door prizes and refreshments. Shawnee Library, 3912 W. Broadway. 502-574-1722.
- Wednesday, February 20 – 10:15 a.m. – adult book discussion – “Kindred” by Octavia Butler. Jeffersontown Library, 10635 Watterson Trail. 502-267-5713.
- Saturday, February 23, 10:00 a.m. – children and their parents – Motown Dance Party for Children. Songs, dancing, bubbles, parachute play, and a morning snack. Southwest Library, 9725 Dixie Highway, 502-933-0029.
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Monday, February 25, 6:00 p.m. – adult book discussion – Dreams from my Father: A story of Race and Inheritance by Barack Obama. Fairdale Library, 10620 W. Manslick Road. 502-375-2051.
- Tuesday, February 26, 10:00 a.m. adults – Introduction to African-American Genealogy. Joe Hardesty, SAR Library Director, will lead a lecture, teaching how to learn to trace one’s family back to Emancipation and discover other resources that can be of tremendous help. Bon Air Library, 2816 Del Rio Place. 502-574-1795
Please call the Library to confirm events are still scheduled. Correct as of today, subject to change.
The League of Women Voters (LWV) is hosting Dinner & Democracy, a monthly community forum, on Monday, February 18, and on Tuesday, February 19 (repeat program from the 18th). The topic for discussion is How Clean is our Drinking Water? Environmental attorney Tom Fitzgerald will explore pollution in the Ohio River and the Role of ORSANCO (the Ohio River Sanitation Commission). The meetings will be at the Lang House, 115 S. Ewing Avenue.
- Monday, February 18 – dinner at 5:30 and program at 6:00 p.m. (reservations are not required and donations are accepted)
- Tuesday, February 19 – program is at 10:00 a.m.
Questions, please call 895-5218 or email lwvlouisville@gmail.com.
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Louisville has completed a Housing Needs Assessment and they want to hear your thoughts on their findings and recommendations. Come out to Bon Air Library to learn more.
Wednesday, February 27 @ 9:30 a.m.
Bon Air Branch Library
2816 Del Rio Place
Olmsted Parks Conservancy hosts park restoration volunteer opportunities in Seneca Park on Tuesdays from 1:30 – 4:30 p.m. Tasks may include invasive plant removal, mulching, painting or general park beautification. Gloves, tools and guidance provided. Dress for the weather and working outdoors. Limited space is available. Please register online atwww.olmstedparks.org
The New KY Drivers License:
Get Ready for Changes
Recently reports have come in that criminals are posing as Louisville Water employees to gain access to citizens' homes. The Water Company has put together a web page detailing what to look for if someone comes to your home saying they are a Louisville Water service technician. There is almost never a reason for a Louisville Water employee to need access to your home and the few exceptions to that will be when you specifically request their help (to test water quality or look for a leak).
If you are ever uncertain about whether a Metro Louisville or Louisville Water employee is who they claim to be, ask to see identification and for their employee ID number. All Louisville Metro employees have both of those pieces of information on them at all times. If still in doubt, call the police or call the Water company directly.
Plant a tree today.
Grow benefits that last a lifetime.
TreesLouisville, in partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation's Community Canopy program, is offering a limited number of FREE trees to homeowners.
By planting trees in your yards you can benefit your entire community.
- Trees help clean our water by reducing stormwater runoff and keeping chemicals, oil, and pollutants out of water supplies.
- Studies have shown that children and youth living in greener neighborhoods are calmer and healthier.
- Trees filter airborne pollution absorb carbon dioxide – improving our air quality and slowing climate change.
- Trees can reduce energy consumption by up to 20% each year, leading to money savings for you.
The Slow Food Bluegrass School Garden Grant supports a school garden project based in Louisville, KY with $5,000 distributed over the course of three years: $2,500 in year one, $1,500 in year two, and $1,000 in year three.
To be eligible for a Slow Food Bluegrass Garden Grant, applicants must be a (a) 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or (b) nonprofit (public or private) K-12 school, developing a student garden project focused on connecting and engaging children with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Priority is given to both limited-resource communities and to projects clearly demonstrating strong buy-in from stakeholders.
Please email your application to info@slowfoodbluegrass.org; applications are due by March 10th.
For more information please visit http://www.slowfoodbluegrass.org/schoolgardens/
For low-income families in Louisville, the City may provide home repairs in dire emergency situations. If you or someone you know has need for this assistance, please contact their office directly. Learn more from the program's website here.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Must be owner occupied for at least one year.
- Not available on rental property.
- Must meet income guidelines (See Intake staff)
- May receive assistance once in a five year period.
- Louisville-Jefferson County residents only
TYPES OF REPAIRS
- Furnace Repair or replacement (October-April only)
- A/C Unit- Repair or replacement (Requires medical statement, Available May-Sept. only)
- Electrical repairs/upgrades.
- Water Line repairs/replacement.
- Sewer Line repairs/replacement.
- Water Heater repair/replacement, Gas or Electric.
- Gas Line leaks.
For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 502-574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-rudy@louisvilleky.gov
For residents of the Urban Services District, Louisville Metro will be suspending weekly collection of yard waste from now through March 11, 2019. Individuals may request collection as needed through MetroCall at 574-5000.
The Louisville Free Public Library has much more to offer than just books you can check out. They offer free internet access, books on tape, CDs, DVDs, and many classes and events for kids, teens, and adults. Click the photo or name to see what programs are available:
2816 Del Rio Place 40220
(502) 574-1795
(502) 574-1771
*This location is undergoing renovations, and regular programs will be held offsite until Spring 2019. Please check their calendar for the latest information.
4800 Exeter Avenue 40218
(502) 479-6160 |
