 In late 2024 members of the Metro Council led by Councilman Scott Reed (District 16) and Anthony Piagentini (District 19) held a press conference to announce their efforts to have the Kentucky Auditor of Public Accounts, Allison Ball, conduct a comprehensive review of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD).
This request was made following another year in which MSD sought the highest possible rate increase without having to come to the Metro Council for a vote. Over the seven year leading up to the Audit, the MSD Board requested the maximum 6.9% increases allowed without requiring a Metro Council vote.
This request was made after information about executive compensation, benefits, questions regarding sponsorships as well as concerns about purchasing agreements were brought to the attention of the members of the Metro Council and members of the State General Assembly.
Following the fall 2024 press conference, Representative Bauman, Representative Nemes, and Representative Witten began working on changes to KRS that would have prohibited sponsorships and other activities as well as look at capping the amount MSD would be allowed to increase their rates.
That legislation passed the house, but could not get through the Senate prior to the end of the session, but it did result in MSD administrators agreeing to change their sponsorship plans as well as recommending a much smaller increase in the next two years. This work along with work by then State Representative Kevin Bratcher, sought to improve oversight for the organization.
People across Southwest Louisville work hard for their money, and they deserve to know MSD is treating every dollar on their bill with that same respect.
The findings outlined in the State Auditor’s report raise serious concerns, including:
● Senior staff pay increases that substantially outpaced increases for other employees.
● More than $6 million in employee bonuses for tasks described as part of regular job duties.
● More than $430,000 in vehicle stipends for senior executives from fiscal years 2022–2025, roughly $14,000–$16,000 per executive annually.
● Inadequate oversight of credit card purchases, with safeguards against unnecessary spending that were ineffective or rarely followed.
● Questionable purchases such as a “Most Admired CEO” photo plaque and rushed shipping for $809
● The use of sole-source purchasing that bypassed competitive bidding.
● Public dollars contributed to nonprofits, including $500,000 to the Louisville Water Foundation, where some MSD executives also served as directors.
What makes these findings especially frustrating is hearing from neighbors who have struggled to get a clear answer, a returned call, or meaningful progress on problems they have repeatedly reported to MSD. My office has shared in that frustration while pushing for answers and follow-through. If MSD can find the money to reward its leadership, residents should not have to work this hard to get basic communication and effective service.
When families are being asked to pay more, they deserve clear answers about how their money is being spent. MSD’s leadership and board have a responsibility to explain these decisions and demonstrate how they will address the findings.
My neighbors deserve an MSD that responds when they need help, maintains the infrastructure they depend on, and spends their money responsibly. The people paying the bills deserve to be treated like a priority.
We have a fantastic stretch of fall weather ahead, and this would be a fun way to spend an evening close to home!
Jack’s Lantern Trail at Iroquois Park is open nightly through November 1! Take a walk through the woods, enjoy the glowing pumpkins, and make an evening of it with family or friends.
Sunday–Thursday: 6:30–10 PM
Friday & Saturday: 6:30–11 PM
🎟️ Tickets and details: https://jackolanternlouisville.org
 
 Have a kiddo who loves to create? Metro Arts Center is offering a FREE Art Club for ages 7–14 right here on Dixie Highway! All skill levels are welcome to try new projects and make some friends along the way.
Scan the QR code on the flyer or call 502-937-2055 for more information!
 Do you know which JCPS school board district you are in now? It may have changed!
This year, JCPS school board district lines were redrawn, and all five seats will be on the ballot in November.
Here in Metro Council District 12, THREE of those five school board districts cover parts of our community! Terry Road and Greenwood Road mark the splits north to south and east to west.
Want to see which school board district your neighborhood is in? Visit the link below, look for “Find a Board District”, and enter your address.
https://www.jefferson.kyschools.us/page/board-of-education/
 Do you know your area’s LMPD beat number?
LMPD’s Third Division covers a large part of South and Southwest Louisville, including Auburndale, Fairdale, Iroquois, Iroquois Park, Kenwood Hill, PRP, Southland Park, Southside, Yorktown and Valley Station.
Take a look at the attached map and see if you can find your neighborhood and beat number. It is a helpful way to better understand how the Third Division divides and patrols our part of the city.
Learn more about the Third Division here: https://www.lmpd.gov/169/Third-Division
 Have a meeting coming up? I would love to join you!
Whether it’s an HOA, neighborhood association, nonprofit, school club, seniors gathering, church group, or another community organization, I always appreciate the opportunity to stop by, listen, answer questions, and hear what’s on your mind.
Just reach out - I would be glad to come to you!
 Our city and our schools are in great need of more Traffic Guards.
LMPD is currently hiring, and we would love to see more of these positions filled across Louisville. These are the folks helping our kids and families safely cross the street before and after school every day.
If you know someone who may be interested, please pass this along. I have included the application link below to make it easy to apply.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/louisvilleky/jobs/5419123/traffic-guard-school-crossing-guard
 From my first day in office, I have made this commitment clear: We are going to fight to bring a community center to District 12.
Southwest Louisville deserves a place where neighbors can gather, kids can learn and play, seniors can stay active, families can connect, and our community can continue to grow together. Other areas of our city have spaces like this, and I believe it's time our community does too.
This process does not happen overnight. Projects like this take time, planning, and a lot of partnership. I am committed to seeing it through every step of the way, but I also want this to be something that is shaped by the people who will use it every day.
That's where you come in.
Would you take just a few minutes to complete this survey and share what you would like to see in a future community center? Your input today can help shape a space that serves our families for generations to come.
Survey: Click HERE
This is our opportunity to dream together about what the future of Southwest Louisville can look like. Let's build something our community will be proud of for many years to come.
Free Family Membership to Kentucky Science Center
Did you know that families who receive SNAP or WIC benefits are eligible for a FREE one-year Community Access Membership to Kentucky Science Center?
Enjoy unlimited admission to Kentucky's largest hands-on science museum and inspire a lifetime of learning through interactive exhibits, science demonstrations, and family experiences.
To learn more or apply, visit: www.kysciencecenter.org/cam/
 
 Text-to-911 is officially available in Jefferson County!
This is a great option for anyone deaf, hard of hearing, or someone with a speech disability. There might also be scenarios when an injury, medical condition, or situation could warrant a text instead of a call.
While this is a great additional tool, the best course of action is to call 911 if you can. Text if you can’t.
I have had several people ask about recycling, the Waste Reduction Center, what can be dropped off, and what it costs. Instead of digging through websites, I put together a couple of “one-stop shop” graphics you can save to your phone and refer back to whenever you need them.
One of my goals while representing District 12 - and the community I have proudly called home my entire life - is to make local government more accessible and easier to navigate. My hope is to take information that already exists and present it in a way that’s clear, practical, and convenient to use.
If there are other topics you would like to see turned into a quick reference guide, let me know.
 
If you see a pothole, let us know!
How to contact Metro 311
-Metro311 Mobile App
-Call 311 or (502)574-5000
-Email metro.311@louisvilleky.gov
Include a photo if you can take one safely. Precise locations are needed (not just a broad street name). Help us keep District 12 safe!
Follow up with our office at Jonathan.joseph@louisvilleky.gov or call us at (502)574-1112
Got empty pill bottles?
After washing them out, consider dropping them in the donation bin right inside the front doors of the Southwest Government Center to help Metro Animal Services.
Drop-off is available Monday through Friday from 9 AM to 4 PM.
All events are expected to run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and no appointment is necessary. Residents can simply drive up, drop off medications and drive away.
Tentative 2026 Drug Take Back Dates & Locations:
• August 22 — Metro Fleet
• September 19 — Sun Valley
• October 17 — Metro Fleet
• November 14 — UofL Shelby Campus
There are dozens of Boards and Commissions in Louisville that exist to support and advise our local government. One of the most important duties that our citizens can perform is serving on one of these Boards or Commissions, and we need to increase the South End representation. If ANY of the Boards and Commissions seem of interest to you, or you have a unique background or specialty that you can use to give back to your community, we encourage you to apply. Please reach out to our office if you have any questions or to let us know that you submitted an application.
To learn more about Boards and Commissions, click HERE.
Interested in starting a Neighborhood Watch in your area? Let's make it happen!
It's simple: fill out a quick application (reach out to our office and we can send it your way), and once it's approved, Public Works will place a complimentary sign in your neighborhood within two weeks.
Need more than one sign? Additional ones are available for $55 each.
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