Note: Mayor George Bray was unable to attend this meeting.
Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project (BUILD Grant) Update
City Engineer Greg Guebert provided an update on the Paducah Riverfront Infrastructure Improvement Project also known as the BUILD Grant project. Crews began mobilizing in November 2024 with completion and a grand opening planned for this September. The commons area near the transient dock is expected to be completed in July.
The project includes a riverboat excursion pier, transportation enhancements that include bus shelters near the National Quilt Museum and Walker Hall and a reconfigured entrance for the Convention Center. It also features improvements along the river side of the floodwall between the Paducah-McCracken County Convention & Expo Center and Broadway. Earlier this year, the two concrete foundations, remnants of a former conveyor system to offload materials from barges, were removed to enhance the riverfront views.
Guebert shared images showing the project’s progress. In recent months, crews have installed support pilings and are now placing the pier’s decking, which consists of large pre-cast concrete panels. Work also is underway in the park area between the transient dock and the floodwall. Features for this area include terrace seating, concrete pavers, green space, and a decorative compass rose through the Harrison Street floodwall opening.
Background - In 2019, the City received notification that it would be receiving a $10.4 million Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant administered through the Maritime Administration (MARAD) to improve the riverfront. In June 2024, the City accepted a $3.5 million appropriation for the project outlined in House Bill 1 as approved during Kentucky’s legislative session. The City has an approximately $20.6 million construction contract with Jim Smith Contracting.
Household Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program Update
Public Works Director Chris Yarber provided an overview of March’s Household Bulk Item Collection Pilot Program. Residents were provided a no-cost opportunity to dispose of up to three large household items during their scheduled garbage collection week. Eligible residents could place items—such as furniture, mattresses, or appliances—at the curb by Sunday evening before their assigned week.
In reviewing participation, Public Works crews made 900 stops in March (approximately ten percent of the city’s households), collecting 61.65 tons of bulk items. The effort required 274 equipment hours, including use of the knuckleboom, as well as 375 staff hours.
Yarber said the program appeared successful from the Public Works perspective; however, public feedback will be crucial in determining its future.
To gather additional input, a SURVEY is available through May 3.
Budget Discussion
Over the next several City Commission meetings, the Paducah Finance Department will provide updates on the preparation of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget, which will take effect July 1, 2026.
At this meeting, Finance Director Audra Kyle presented an overview of anticipated General Fund expenses. The General Fund is the City’s primary operating fund. Kyle began by reviewing the current fiscal year’s General Fund expenses, which total more than $51 million. Approximately 68 percent of that amount is allocated to personnel costs.
Using current fiscal year expenses to project the upcoming budget, Kyle noted several pressures, including rising personnel costs—expected to increase by $2.2 million due to wage and health insurance increases—as well as inflation, higher contractual costs (particularly insurance), capital and infrastructure needs, and limited revenue flexibility.
As the Finance Department continues to work with individual departments, the City Manager’s Office, and elected officials, the focus will be on addressing these budgetary challenges while maintaining strong core services and fiscal responsibility.
The Fiscal Year 2026–2027 budget is scheduled to be introduced at the May 26 City Commission meeting, with adoption in June.
Additional Meeting Information
- On behalf of Mayor George Bray, Mayor Pro Tem Sandra Wilson presented a proclamation to Tree Advisory Board Chairman Jonathan Perkins and board members, Bonnie Dalton and Jinny McCormick, proclaiming April 24 an Arbor Day. To celebrate Arbor Day, Paducah Parks and Recreation is holding a free event from 5 until 7 p.m. on April 24 at Noble Park. The celebration, sponsored by Banterra Bank, includes a tree identification nature walk, arts and crafts, coloring contest, educational activities, and a tree planting.
- Assistant Director of Recreation Taylor Morsching and Assistant Director of Parks introduced two new employees for the Parks and Recreation Department: Destiny Coleman and Coleman Royal.
- McCracken County Circuit Court Judge Tony Kitchen conducted the swearing-in ceremony for the following Paducah Police officers: Jason Montgomery, Kraig Campbell, and Davin Perkins.
- The Board approved the reappointment of John Spurlin to the Code Enforcement Board.
- Municipal Order approved for a Fleet Maintenance Service Agreement between the City of Paducah Fleet Division and the City of Marion, Kentucky. Fleet will provide maintenance services for Marion’s vehicles at hourly rates.
- Municipal Order approved amending the contract with Tyler for law enforcement mobile site licenses.
- Municipal Order approved to apply for the Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant requesting $11,649. If awarded, the funds would be used for the purchase of three thermal monoculars.
- Municipal Order approved to apply for the Kentucky League of Cities Safety Grant in the amount of $2500. The funds will be used for personal protective equipment.
- City Clerk Lindsay Parish provided a welcome for the Kentucky Municipal Clerks 50th Anniversary Spring Conference. Approximately 115 clerks from across the state are in Paducah this Wednesday through Friday attending workshops at the Convention Center.
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