A.G. Coleman says FCPS tax hike was unlawful; FCPS superintendent responds

FRANKFORT, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) – Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman says the Fayette County Public Schools Board acted unlawfully when it approved an occupational tax increase without proper public notice.

According to a news release from Coleman’s office, an official Attorney General’s opinion issued Wednesday found the school board failed to meet the state’s legal requirements for notifying the public ahead of its May 27, 2025, meeting, where the tax change was approved.

The opinion was requested by Sen. Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R-Lexington), who said she was responding to concerns from her constituents.

In the release, Coleman stated, “Tax and spend government is a danger to Kentucky’s future, especially when officials who should be accountable to Fayette County voters try to ignore the rules to raise taxes. If the Fayette County School Board members believe they need more of Kentuckians’ hard-earned dollars, they should clearly and publicly make their case before their own constituents.”

The Attorney General’s office notes that while its opinions are not legally binding, they are considered persuasive in Kentucky courts and public officials are expected to follow them.

ABC 36 News Now has reached out to FCPS, and received the following statement from Superintendent Demetrus Liggins:

‘In response to the Attorney General’s opinion regarding the May 27 vote on the occupational license tax, we respectfully but strongly disagree with the conclusions drawn, particularly because the opinion does not reference the relevant statute that governs this matter. Our legal counsel maintains that the opinion raises more questions than it resolves, and we believe there are reasonable differences in interpretation.

That said, we remain committed to honoring the spirit of the opinion. We have documented the public comments received at the May 27 meeting and will offer an additional opportunity for public comment at our upcoming June 23 Board meeting.

While others may be focused on political maneuvering, our focus remains squarely on student achievement and fulfilling our community’s expectation that we provide a world-class education to every child. We will continue working closely with the Fiscal Court and ensure that our efforts follow both the letter and spirit of the law, especially as we navigate this complex process that blends local and state policy.

We appreciate the community’s continued support of our public schools and our shared responsibility to invest in the future of our students.’ Demetrus Liggins, Ph.D., 

Superintendent, Fayette County Public Schools