District 7 E-Newsletter--February 14, 2019

Councilwoman Paula McCraney 601 W. Jefferson Street (502) 574-1107
Councilwoman Paula McCraney

Councilwoman McCraney
601 W. Jefferson Street
(502) 574-1107
Email Councilwoman McCraney

Links

Visit the District 7 Website


Phone Numbers of Interest

Air Pollution: 574-6000
Animal Services: 363-6609 or 361-1318
Anonymous Tipline: 574-LMPD (5673)
Brightside: 574-2613
Jefferson County Clerk's Office: 574-5700
Legal Aid: 584-1254
Metro Call: 311 or 574-5000
Metro Parks: 456-8100
Metro Police: (Non Emergency) 574-7111 or 574-2111
Metro Safe: 572-3460 or 574-7111
MSD: 587-0603
PARC: 569-6222
Poison Control: 589-8222
Public Works: 574-5810
Solid Waste Management (SWMS): 574-3571
TARC: 585-1234
Veteran's Affairs: 595-4447

In this issue...

valentines

District 7 Budget Talk Scheduled February 23

city seal

Yesterday Mayor Fischer and others announced a proposed ordinance to increase the insurance premium tax on some lines of insurance. The proposed ordinance does not raise the rate for vehicles or health insurance. The fee for other lines of insurance would increase to 12.5% in the next fiscal year, 13.5% beginning in July 2021, and 15% beginning in July 2022. I will not take a position on this proposal until I have heard from District 7 constituents.

It has been reported that the increase in pension costs to the Kentucky Retirement System amounts to $10 million in additional expense each year. The city paid $76.7 million in FY18, before the state changed pension assumptions, and will pay an estimated $136 million in FY23.

Mayor Fischer presented the following rationale for the proposed tax increase:

  • Louisville Metro is in the unenviable position of having a $50 million dollar additional pension obligation in its annual budget to be paid over the next several years.
  • Louisville/Jefferson County Metro Government cannot absorb this significant expense without looking at new revenue or cutting existing services.
  • Louisville Metro wants to continue to provide services to its residents without sacrificing the quality and quantity of such services, from police and fire protection to emergency services, to road paving and infrastructure repair and improvements, community centers, libraries, affordable housing and parks, and the services provided in conjunction with our other government and nongovernment partners.
  • In order to keep the positive momentum in Louisville and ensure we meet the needs of our residents, Louisville Metro is forced to take the unprecedented position to raise revenue.
  • Metro cannot continue essential governmental operations with this pension obligation being handed down to us by KRS.

The mayor and others believe that an increase in the insurance premium tax is the most viable option for Louisville Metro to continue with the same level of services.

budget talk

As a member of the Budget Committee, I am collecting data and input regarding the budget shortfall.  Toward that end, I am inviting constituents to join me for a Budget Talk on Saturday, February 23 from 10 a.m. until noon.

This will be an opportunity for citizens from District 7 to ask questions and make suggestions as we work together to find solutions to the city’s impending budget deficit.  I’m truly looking forward to hearing from District 7 constituents on this important budget issue.The Budget Talk will be held at the St. Matthews Community Center, 310 Ten Pin Lane.

Joining me to answer questions and receive suggestions will be the following:

  • David James, President, Metro Council
  • Bill Hollander, Chairman, Council Budget Committee
  • Daniel Frockt, Chief Financial Officer, Mayor’s Office

River Road Closed due to Flooding—Stay Safe

flooding

With the city’s recent heavy rains, a number of local roads remain closed due to flooding. This includes River Road at Blankenbaker heading west.

It’s never worth the risk to walk or drive through flood waters! Just six inches of moving water can knock a person down; 12 inches can sweep away a vehicle. When roads become flooded, find another way. #TurnAroundDontDrown


Councilwoman McCraney Co-sponsors Tax Assistance

taxes

With tax time quickly approaching, District 7 Councilwoman Paula McCraney was pleased to provide $500 to co-sponsor tax assistance this year through the Louisville Asset Building Coalition, Inc. (LABC) to coordinate the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA).

This free service helps families and individuals by keeping an average of $300 in their pockets, while also supporting our local economy. This important assistance was provided last year to more than 8,600 citizens most in need throughout our community.

  • To qualify, household income must be under $64,000
  • Assistance is available at eight locations across Louisville
  • Sites will be open through April 15, 2019

Schedule your appointment now by calling 305-0005 or online at http://louisvillekyvita.cascheduler.com .

Check out the full list of services provided at https://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/p3676bsp.pdf .

Planning to file your own taxes? The LABC website offers two options to self-file online. The “Turbo Tax Freedom Edition” is available if you have $33,000 or less in income. The software has well-designed interview questions that guide you through the process of making decisions about your filing status, inputting your income and making decisions about deductions and tax credits for which you may qualify. The other option is “My Free Taxes” which is available if you make $64,000 or less. This program is developed by H&R Block and also uses an interview process. Please visit, https://labcservices.org/index.php/free-tax-help/free-online-tax-filing, for more information.


The New KY Driver’s License: Get Ready for Changes


Kentucky is making significant improvements to increase the security of the identity credential you rely on most through the Confident Kentucky initiative. Following a statewide rollout starting in March 2019 and ending in May, all driver’s licenses, permits and personal IDs will have new security features and will be moving to an eight-year lifespan and have new pricing.

Once available in your county of residence, the next time you renew your current credential or if you are a first-time cardholder, you'll choose a credential in one of two new versions: Standard or Voluntary Travel ID credential. Voluntary Travel ID versions have all the benefits of a standard credential plus they are federally accepted to board U.S. domestic flights and access restricted federal facilities once REAL ID enforcement begins nationwide on October 1, 2020. Documentation is required when applying for a Voluntary Travel ID, if you are a first-time cardholder or if you want a standard credential and your personal information has changed. Be confident you'll arrive prepared when applying for a new credential by following the steps below or choosing from the menu of resources.

March 19-March 26 is the tentative date for the Jefferson County roll-out of the new license process.

CLICK HERE for more information https://drive.ky.gov/confidentKY/Pages/default.aspx

license

Plant a tree. Rake in some cash.

Trees!

Get a “treebate” of 40% on eligible tree purchases.

You can beautify your home, lower your energy bill and help preserve Louisville’s tree canopy, and save money while you do it.

Storms, insects and other factors have dramatically impacted Louisville’s tree canopy. What’s more, Louisville continues to lose trees at an alarming rate, nearly 54,000 trees a year.

When you dig in and help the Louisville tree canopy, TreesLouisville and the Division of Community Forestry want to help you. Purchase and plant an eligible tree in Jefferson County, and while funds last, you’ll receive a “treebate” of 40% of the purchase price per tree.

 You’ll be saving more than money: you’ll be saving our precious tree canopy for generations to come.

 Check out all the details at: https://treeslouisville.org/Rebate/


Meet the Council at Café LOUIE 2019

You can meet your legislators at the Louisville Free Public Libraries in 2019. The purpose of Café LOUIE is to provide constituents and their elected representatives a chance to engage and get to know each other in an informal setting.

From 9:00 am to 10:00 am each Saturday morning through March 30, attendees will be able to meet and interact with their elected officials who will be given a brief time for prepared remarks and to answer a few pre-selected questions submitted by attendees. The focus of these meetings is engagement through personal conversations.

Councilwoman McCraney will attend the Café LOUIE event on Saturday, March 23 at Northeast Regional Library, Lyndon City Hall, 515 Wood Road.

For a complete listing of Café LOUIE events, please click here

louie

Metro Emergency Repair Program

Does your home need important repairs? Assistance is available to homeowners who meet specific criteria for certain household repairs.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:

  • Must be owner occupied for at least one year
  • Not available on rental property
  • Must meet income guidelines
  • May receive assistance once in a five-year period
  • Louisville-Jefferson County 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 electri
  • Gas line leaks

For further information contact Jackie Wilson-Rudy at 502-574-5850 or Jacqueline.Wilson-rudy@louisvilleky.gov.


Clearing the Air—2019 Air Pollution Control District Workshops Provide Opportunities for Updates and Input

Following up on last year’s inaugural workshop series, the Louisville Metro Air Pollution Control District (APCD) returns with a new slate of “Clearing The Air” seminars beginning February 18, 2019.

The goal of “Clearing the Air” is to give the public an inside look at the APCD, everything from the science of air pollution to the laws and regulations that protect our health from harmful emissions. The workshops also give the community a place to voice their concerns about air quality.

The 90-minute workshops will be held monthly through November at the Louisville Free Public Library, 301 York St. There is no cost to participate.

air

New Way to Report Illegal Dumpers


dumping

See Something Say Something!

We all know that illegal dumping--putting waste on property that is not licensed as a disposal facility--is an eyesore that is expensive to clean up, diminishes quality of life, discourages economic development and even sends plastic debris into our waterways.

That's why people caught dumping along our city's alleys, sidewalks, fields and roadsides are subject to fines and impoundment of any vehicle used in the dumping. That's where citizens can help with the problem. If you witness illegal dumping while it's happening, report it.

We've developed a new online form you can use to tell us where it happened, describe the vehicle(s) involved, preferably with license plate number(s), and even upload pictures. Of course, you can always call Metro Call 311 or 574-5000. For more information about illegal dumping, including a link to the reporting form, visit our illegal dumping webpage.

Got Junk? Don't Forget FREE Resident Junk Drop Off

junk

The Louisville Metro Waste Reduction Center at (636 Meriwether Avenue) provides a means for all Louisville/Jefferson County residents to properly dispose of tires and household bulk waste including metals, appliances, electronics, tree limbs and stumps up to three feet in diameter, unbagged yard waste, construction debris and furniture. 

Up to three household junk items may be dropped off at no charge per day. If there are more than three items a fee will be charged as outlined on this site: https://louisvilleky.gov/sites/default/files/public_works/pdf_files/wrc_prices_2-1-16.pdf.

Hours of Operation: Tuesday - Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5 :00p.m. Saturday: 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 


PSC Hearing on LG&E Rate Increase

The Kentucky Public Service Commission has scheduled a public hearing in Louisville as it considers a rate increase request from LG&E. (Case number 2018-00295)

The information session and hearing will be held Thursday, February 21st, 5:30 p.m., at Jefferson Community & Technical College (JCTC), Health Sciences Auditorium, 110 W Chestnut St. in Louisville. A 5:30 p.m. information session will be followed by public comments at 6:30 p.m.

LG&E has asked for a rate increase, to be applied in the fixed meter charge rather than in the usage charge. That means you cannot decrease the charge by conservation.  Many people believe high fixed charges also negatively impact lower-income people.

Read more about the LG&E proposal in this WDRB article - and mark your calendar for the February 21 meeting.


Happening in District 7

Neighborhood Meetings

Councilwoman McCraney is interested in attending neighborhood meetings to share updates on the Metro Council and discuss any questions or suggestions residents might have. If you serve on an HOA board, suburban city council, etc. and would like Councilwoman McCraney or someone from her office to attend, please contact the District 7 office at 574-1107. We will work with you to get it scheduled at the most convenient time for everyone.

At the Library . . .

With the St. Matthews Library currently closed for renovations. patrons are encouraged to visit the Crescent Hill or Middletown branches—or any area locations. For patrons’ convenience, the Middletown Library is offering Sunday hours from 1–5 p.m. until St. Matthews reopens this spring.

Storytimes will continue to be held at the St Matthews Community Center, 310 Ten Pin Lane, until the branch reopens. Toddler Storytimes are Wednesday at 10:15 a.m. and Thursday at 11:15 a.m. Preschool Storytime is Wednesday at 11:15 a.m. and Baby Storytime is Thursday at 10:15 a.m.   Remember to check the Library’s website at www.lfpl.org for the most up-to-date information.

Progressive Dinner Planned on February 28

Thursday, February 28th--Two tours with transportation provided by Mint Julep.  $65 plus tax and gratuity  

  • First-Course is select appetizer & cocktail at The River House Restaurant and Raw Bar.
  • Second-Course is the main dinner & cocktail at Varanese.
  • Third-Course will be dessert & a cocktail at The Levee at River House.  

Call to make your reservations today; there is limited seating on each tour.  502-897-5000.


JUST FOR FUN

Random Word of the Week

Petrichor          

Pronunciation: pet-ri-kuhr

Definition: The pleasant smell outside after it rains.

Used in a sentence: The air was ripe with the pleasant, dewy petrichor of the post-rain afternoon.

Quote of the Week

"When you’re 20 you care what everyone thinks. When you’re 40 you stop caring what everyone thinks. When you’re 60 you realize no one was ever thinking about you in the first place."  ~Winston Churchill

Life Hack of the Week

 Have a rusty nut, screw or bolt that won’t budge? Pour a little cola on it and dry it off. You may need to repeat a few times, but the rust will be gone.