Mayor Linda Gorton unveils $539 million budget proposal for Lexington’s 2025-26 fiscal year

April 15, 2025

ABC 36 Digital Staff,

Source: City of Lexington

LEXINGTON, Ky. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) — Mayor Linda Gorton has proposed a $539.2 million General Fund budget for the City of Lexington’s 2025-26 fiscal year, outlining investments in public safety, infrastructure, parks, and support for the city’s most vulnerable residents. The budget proposal does not call for new taxes.

According to a fact sheet released by the mayor’s office, the budget reflects an anticipated 5.6% growth in revenue and includes an $18 million bond issue and $47 million in planned capital spending.

Among the major highlights in Gorton’s proposal is a $3.4 million allocation to battle snow and ice, a notable line item given recent winter storm challenges. In addition, public safety agencies would see significant upgrades under the plan.

The proposed budget includes:

$3.2 million for new police patrol vehicles
$4.8 million for replacement fire department vehicles, including a heavy rescue vehicle, two fire engines, and one emergency medical vehicle
$3 million to design a new Fire Training Academy

Gorton’s plan also puts an emphasis on parks and community services:

$8 million for a new parks capital fund to support projects across the city
$400,000 in seed money for the proposed Lexington Children’s Museum
$28 million in sewer improvements, including building renovations

On the homelessness front, the budget includes funding for a new Encampment Coordinator in the Office of Homelessness Prevention and Intervention, along with $60,000 to expand the city’s panhandling program by adding service days each week.

Infrastructure improvements also factor into the plan:

$1.2 million for improvements along the Mason Headley corridor
$500,000 for recycling system upgrades
$250,000 for a second-phase study on a proposed solar farm at the Haley Pike landfill

Additionally, the mayor is proposing $216,000 for a cell monitoring system for Community Corrections, aimed at increasing safety and efficiency at the Fayette County Detention Center.

Mayor Gorton’s spending plan must still be reviewed and approved by the Urban County Council. If passed, it would take effect July 1, marking the beginning of the new fiscal year.