Last week the Metro Council passed the Capital and Operating Budgets for FY-23. The combined budgets represent approximately $1.27 billion in funding, which is a significant increase from previous budgets due to infusions of federal dollars coming to our community through multiple economic and infrastructure programs. Following two months of hearings, the committee began its work amending the Mayor’s original proposal to address concerns brought forth through Council hearings as well as those priorities voiced to members of the Council through a multitude of ways by the citizens of our city.
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Last week the Metro Council passed the Capital and Operating Budgets for FY-23. The combined budgets represent approximately $1.27 billion in funding, which is a significant increase from previous budgets due to infusions of federal dollars coming to our community through multiple economic and infrastructure programs. Following two months of hearings, the committee began its work amending the Mayor’s original proposal to address concerns brought forth through Council hearings as well as those priorities voiced to members of the Council through a multitude of ways by the citizens of our city.
Amendments made by the Metro Council increased funding for paving by $10 million bringing our total commitment to fixing streets to over $31 million annually. This investment makes clear our commitment to fixing our infrastructure as over the past seven budgets we have moved our commitment to paving from less than $3 million eight years ago, to now over $30 million. In addition to increasing paving funding we have also increased investments in fixing sidewalks, parks and other buildings by significantly increasing our investments in each of these areas.
Although much focus was placed on infrastructure, the Metro Council also made efforts to seek improvements in the way we try to help those who are homeless or in need of the most basic of assistance. This budget increased funding for the “Another Way” program which travels our community picking up persons who are soliciting assistance on roadsides and gives them opportunities to earn a day’s wage while also being linked in with important government services. The Metro Council also added funding for five additional persons in the Resilience and Community Services Department (RCS) to improve Metro’s ability to quickly address new homeless person encampments that are established in the Metro.
While much of this article has been focused on new projects and services, I want to take a moment to make one thing clear – these additions were made working within the revenues proposed within Mayor Fischer’s budget proposal. Meaning we found ways to improve this budget through finding efficiencies and cuts rather than through increased taxes or taking on additional debt.
Beyond increasing our investment in infrastructure, our other main goal entering the FY23 budget process was to challenge the operating assumptions made by Mayor Fischer. This will ensure that we do not find Metro Government in need of higher taxes or deep cuts due to unrealistic economic projections or increased operational expenditures taken on through many of the new American Recovery Program (ARP) programs created over the course of this year.
The final FY23 budget is a significantly better budget than what we started with in late April. While there are always things that I would like to see changed, after 45 hours of hearings and significant bipartisan cooperation, we have a budget that better reflects the ideas and values of the people of Louisville Metro. This budget will bring improved roads, additional investments in public safety as well as funding that will hopefully start to reverse annual loss of police officers that has left our force much smaller than we were five years ago.
Highlights of the Metro Council’s FY23 Budget Amendment
- Increased funding in paving by $10 million annually to a total of $30 million.
- Increased funding for sidewalk repair by $1.25 million to a new total of $3.25 million
- Reduced the number of positions created within the Mayor’s Budget Proposal
- Increased investments in Libraries through an additional $200,000 for new books and e-books as well as additional hours for some branches.
- Increased investment in Parks through more than $5 million, including continued work in Charlie Vettiner Park, McNeely Lake Park, Des Pres Park, Cox Park, Long Run Park, Bill Lile Running Creek Park, Iroquois Amphitheatre, Jefferson Memorial Forest and many other parks throughout Louisville Metro.
- Reserving additional funding to ensure that slower than projected growth will not result in future needs for tax increases or budget cuts.
Highlights of the Passed FY23 Capital and Operating Budget Includes:
- Funding for new training center for LMPD as well as funding to open a new LMPD Headquarters in Downtown Louisville
- No additional taxes or fees are planned as part of this year’s budget.
- Additional funding for programs associated with mental health, crime prevention as well as jobs programs are funded to help address challenges following government shutdowns due to COVID regulations etc.
- Funding set aside for matching up to $100 million in Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill projects that may be awarded to Louisville Metro through grants.
- Support for expansions at both Waterfront Park (Phase IV) and the Louisville Zoo (Kentucky Trails Expansion)
A copy of the final budget will be published online in the coming week. To review the current budget proposal with amendments please use the following link: https://louisvilleky.gov/government/management-budget
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Saturday, July 2, at 5:00pm
Riverview Independence Festival at Riverview Park
(8202 Greenwood Road)
Enjoy live music, food, an expanded splash park and a firework show to light up the night! You won't want to miss the excitement!
The event is free to the public and will feature live music from JD Shelburne, Sheryl Rouse and the Unlimited Show Band and Appalatin.
Fireworks at 10:00pm
For more information Click Here
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Fanfare for the 4th
Musical Visions of America
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Saturday, July 2, 3:00pm
Beargrass Christian Church
4100 Shelbyville Rd
$23 Gen, $20 Sr, $5 Student
Multimedia choral cinema presentation of thefounding, expansion, and refinement of America.
Enjoy this American historical retrospective and revel in the power of stirring patriotic songs and visuals.
Ruth Newman, Multimedia Specialist
Cultural Pass event: FREE for Cultural Pass holders + 1 chaperone
Show each Pass to cashier and receive free tix. Doors open 2:00pm
LouisvilleChorus.org
502-968-6300
 Bring the family out to the annual Fourth of July celebration at Louisville's Waterfront Park! Family-friendly activities will be offered from 5 to 9 pm throughout the park. Starting at 5 pm visitors can also enjoy a diverse lineup of musical artists at the mainstage.
Listen to Cincinnati-based funk band Freekbass, dance to R&B-Soul artist Zaniah or enjoy the psychedelic instrumental grooves of Casey Powell. Between each set, DJ Always will be mixing popular tracks to provide an evening of continuous musical entertainment. There will be food and beverages available for purchase as well as a beer tent for the adults. T
he firework show happening over the Ohio River will begin at 9:45 pm.
For more information Visit Waterfront Park
 Louisville Metro Animal Services (LMAS) today announced the shelter is operating at maximum capacity and is taking proactive steps to reduce the kennel population by waiving adoption fees for all dogs and cats, and waiving redemption fees for all unclaimed pets. As the city’s only open admission shelter for stray animals, LMAS has taken in 850 more animals this year compared to last year.
“We’re asking the public to help us remain a shelter that doesn’t euthanize homeless pets simply because we are out of room,” said Ashley Book, interim shelter director. “Right now, our priority is reuniting stray pets and their owners, and finding homes for the high number of adoptable shelter dogs and cats sitting in our kennels. We expect a high volume of pets to be turned over to LMAS over this long holiday weekend because we know fireworks and pets do not mix well.”
The shelter is requesting help from adopters, fosters, rescue partners, rescue organizations, and is waiving all adoption fees. All adoptable pets have been vaccinated, dewormed, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. Fostering helps free up kennel space, and the shelter is seeking both new and existing fosters.
“LMAS has worked very hard to maintain its status as a No Kill Shelter for time and space. We’re asking owners who are searching for a missing pet to visit the shelter. If you are planning to add a new four-legged friend to your family, make Animal House Adoption Center your first stop,” said Book.
Approved adopters can also foster-to-adopt select adoptable dogs. Adoption fees are waived but there is still a review and approval process. Jefferson County residents must also purchase a one-year, renewable pet license - a requirement of the Louisville Animal Ordinance. LMAS’ Animal House Adoption Center is located at 3516 Newburg Road. Walk-ins are welcome from 12-6 p.m. daily.
Redemption fees are waived for unclaimed pets through July 6. Owners can claim their impounded pet Monday-Saturday from 12-6 p.m., at the LMAS Harshaw Family Foundation Shelter, located at 3528 Newburg Road. Redemption fees will only be waived for pet owners with no previous violations, and cover microchipping, licensing and vaccination fees. Court fees will not be waived. LMAS will work with owners who have outstanding balances and want to reclaim their pet.
To view adoptable pets at LMAS or stray pets currently at the shelter, visit louisvilleky.gov/animalservices.
All shows are free to attend and run from 6-10pm. Bring a cooler, picnic basket or grab some food from the 7th Division Grill.
Highview Park is located at 7201 Outer Loop.
Please enter through Briscoe Lane.
Remaining Shows:
July 8 - Johnny Berry and the Outliers (country) with
Jordan Rainer (country)
July 22 - From Paris (pop/rock) with School of Rock (pop/rodk)
August 5 - Thumper and the Plaid Rabbits (pop/rock) with
Sam Varga (pop/rock)
Sponsorship and Vendor Packages Available
Sponsorship packages and vendor space to fit any budget is available. Contact John Grantz at john@mediaeventsusa.com for more information.
For the most up to date information visit FridayFest Facebook Page
 Cooper Chapel Road Section III – Road Extension Project Beulah Church Road to Bardstown Road
The Plan/History & General Information:
The project involves the design and construction of Cooper Chapel Road from Beulah Church Road to Bardstown Road. The design includes 2 driving lanes with a raised median, bike lanes, sidewalks, and a shared use path. The project-length is approximately 3 miles. Click the links below to see a map of the proposed roadway alignment, and the proposed typical section.
Design History / General Information:
- The preliminary design is 100% complete.
- Final design for right-of-way plans is 100% complete. Final design for structural plans is in progress.
- Delays to the purchase of right-of-way were experienced with the discovery of Kentucky Glade Cress (identified as a threatened species in 2014) along the proposed alignment of Cooper Chapel Road. A mitigation strategy for the Kentucky Glade Cress was developed and is being implemented.
- Right-of-way acquisition is in progress and is anticipated to be complete in the fall of 2023. Once all properties are clear, utility relocation and construction are anticipated to begin in the fall of 2024.
For questions, comments, and additional information, please contact: Mache’ Readus Wright, Project Manager Metro Public Works
502-574-3884 or Mache.Readus-Wright@louisvilleky.gov
Click the links below to view the attachments:
Proposed Roadway Alignment
Proposed Typical Section
 For more information and 2022 schedule for visit Metro Public Works
Always Remember to Lock Your Car and Remove All Valuables, it's the Easiest Way to Prevent Crime
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Click Here to view LMPD's interactive crime mapping tool.
If you see crime occurring, please contact the Louisville Metro Police Department. Call 911 for emergencies. Call 502-574-7111 for non-emergency related help or to find a towed vehicle.
Call 574-LMPD to report crime tips. |
