[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6632302,"mediaKeyId","2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695","parentId",2675184,"title","United Way brings ALICE data tools to Lexington to map households above the poverty line but still struggling","audioSeconds",284,"startMs",4157000,"endMs",4441000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695&start=4157&end=4441","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695/thumbnail_4157000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6632302/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/United-Way-brings-ALICE-data-tools-to-Lexington-to-map-households-above-the-poverty-line-but-still-struggling","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632302-8559003026ae98a61f94d5dbee989015/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177777&Signature=IIMZUS0A78HrlPU291qCXSwSdJ3gYSczoR994PNb0eHykAG03cnehtlmLDedUGEVD6fxhvvS~im7iyDNt5BEv3PY-cJ5Ks0Cws6Y3BwjS1Z9kkaPjxDSVUD3ZgOili7KlhyhsvSOXzzYQXOx6fE76NapBUmcv9NaWFwEbxIPqoZ1YF7IcMp5VkHxKdBy9fea6Gz4aOUhrKbq8MvxJPe7qgVsDFXIY4bujKRoxPOHYyFplYmUa46iAUTurrWrugQHTzLfee7ZhHPEazmZ0hB~IetKHcCDCs09fGj9CEkNtVy21L9574Euo5hL~-K9xEnhXpEr0vJ1r~mkNZMmAZ4Jeg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Lexington","date","2025-03-18T00:00:00Z","article","United Way of the Bluegrass and United for ALICE representatives briefed the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18 about the ALICE research initiative, a data suite aimed at identifying households that are working but still struggle to afford basics such as housing, childcare, transportation and health care.

Timothy Johnson, president and CEO of United Way of the Bluegrass, introduced the effort and said ALICE offers a different lens than the federal poverty measure to inform budgeting, policy and local investments. “ALICE represents a growing number of households who are working but struggling to afford the most basic of needs like housing, childcare, transportation, and healthcare,” Johnson said.

Kieran Garioso, president and CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey and CEO of United for ALICE, described the methodology and national tools the initiative offers: updated county and tract‑level ALICE metrics, an ALICE Essentials Index to track cost pressures on basic household budgets, a wage‑calculator tool that estimates a living or survival wage by household composition and regional cost, and mapping and analytics for policymakers and service providers. Garioso said ALICE data now cover all 50 states and more than 3,000 counties.

Why it matters: committee members said ALICE metrics can supplement existing data to better target subsidies, affordable‑housing policy and workforce supports. Several members expressed interest in follow‑up technical briefings and in using the wage tool for local policy work.

Highlights and local context

- Scope and methodology: Garioso said ALICE originated in New Jersey in 2009 and uses publicly available sources — primarily the American Community Survey — with a national panel of researchers to update methodology each summer.

- National and local figures: Garioso said ALICE plus poverty households represent a substantial share of U.S. households (the presentation cited about 41% nationally). United Way staff also cited a national figure of roughly 54 million households that are ALICE or below; the presentation materials include national and county maps and local data slices.

- Tools and partnerships: ALICE provides a wage calculator and an Essentials Index that track how much of a household’s income is consumed by basics. United for ALICE partners with entities such as the Federal Reserve regional banks, FEMA and higher‑education partners to use the data for benefits‑cliff modeling, disaster planning and targeting student supports.

- Kentucky launch and funding: presenters said the Humana Foundation provided support to bring ALICE data capacity to Kentucky and that local United Way and public partners will coordinate a local rollout.

Committee reaction and follow‑up

Councilmember Sheehan said she tested the wage calculator during the meeting and found the city’s Fayette County survival wage for a family of three was about $16 per hour on the tool for the survival budget; staff offered to provide a data‑dive session for council to walk through county and neighborhood‑level results.

Ending: United Way staff asked the committee to signal interest in local partnership; committee members indicated they want more technical briefings and an ALICE data dive for staff and council to explore how the metrics could inform affordable‑housing policy, workforce development and nonprofit funding.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Lexington - Budget and Finance and Economic Development Committee on 2025-03-18 1:00 PM - Mar 18, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","United Way representatives introduced the ALICE research initiative to the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18, describing tools that map households that are working but unable to cover basic needs.","taxTitle","Lexington City, Fayette County, Kentucky","taxId",5707,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632311,"Finance team reports tighter revenues, steady personnel costs; dedicated funds carry sizable balances",329,163000,492000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695&start=163&end=492","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695/thumbnail_163000.jpg","/articles/6632311/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Finance-team-reports-tighter-revenues-steady-personnel-costs-dedicated-funds-carry-sizable-balances","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632311-d17e6910974be497d4dce6ebff8ba457/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177777&Signature=Ex1jq~Xb2zsRfCLpXoug2tDcl4toG8hveLZYkRDZQiiWA8NDVES5YyPQxYEIDIkcgI149d2dzuwbzGm1YeSaCqUUt~J4ccO1aT2gQQegpbc7Bhnx-zIzrdjvkEXJaoPYom1c5s0XUvWtvKHShaiQCUUtPhOLFH6d3abDUFMFmZNEPjBUg1W9Z0CPCsJWdUU8wctLh8~FL4P4LkY5BnYTODaIIGnGXfDXtKHmfGgfLaWm-AEvrgikJX29XLlTAGceVZe8JHcSTdBF46gpT4ANDlevr5LSyHMTy2Gi6lhcRhIvlDJ3mgkVUor7KuoVd50mRV0tjTpKClly5nPxCHr8eA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government finance staff reported to the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18 that general fund revenue collections are running modestly ahead of budget through the first eight months of the fiscal year while operating and capital spending timing has produced a narrower surplus than in recent years.

The presentation outlined month-to-month and year-over-year trends and provided the first public, quarterly-format view of several dedicated funds, including the urban services fund, sanitary sewer, water quality and landfill funds. Finance staff said most variances reflect timing and encumbrances rather than newly emerging structural gaps.

Wes, a member of the finance team who presented the revenue slides, said revenue collections are “exceeding the budget through the first 8 months of the year” but added the margin is smaller than in recent years. “Snug is the term that we've used a few times,” Wes said, describing the narrower positive variance compared with the post‑COVID revenue boom.

Why it matters: the committee is beginning budget season and members said they need this level of detail to assess carryforwards, reallocation requests and the health of funds that are capital‑heavy or legally restricted.

Key takeaways

- Revenues and payroll: Finance staff reported payroll withholding is approximately 2.5–2.6% above budget for the year to date and roughly 5% higher year over year. A recent mailing issue produced a one‑month timing variance of about $100,000 in payroll withholding that staff said has been resolved.

- Personnel and payouts: Director Luker and others said personnel expenses remain close to budget (within about 3%). CAO Sally Hamilton observed the city is still “$5,600,000 under budget in personnel,” noting the city increased staffing and compensation in the FY‑25 budget and that higher spending this year partially reflects those additions. Finance staff cautioned that some payout categories (sworn vs. non‑sworn leave payouts) can create year‑to‑year movement.

- Insurance and franchise fees: Insurance revenue is about $760,000 over budget year to date. Franchise fee payments included one late payment that staff said has now been received and will reduce the reported negative variance in a future month.

- Operating categories and encumbrances: Professional services and repairs and maintenance are the primary operating variance drivers; much of those lines are encumbered on contracts and will be spent later in the fiscal year. Director Luker said capital spending is “hit or miss” based on project timing.

Other funds (urban services, sanitary sewer, water quality, landfill)

Commissioner Hensley presented a new, quarterly format for several dedicated funds that are restricted to specific uses and “roll” their balances forward year to year rather than being reallocated at fiscal year end.

- Urban services fund: The fund is formed from refuse collection, street lighting and street cleaning revenues, and most of its property‑tax revenue is collected by Dec. 31. The fund began the year with about $25.9 million and staff reported an almost $28.0 million balance in the December report; the refuse activity contains most of that balance. Street lights were reported in a positive position by roughly $800,000 after prior rebalancing.

- Sanitary sewer and water quality: These funds operate with an operating and a construction component and are the primary funding source for system rehabilitation, pump station maintenance and consent‑decree work. Commissioner Hensley said sanitary sewer entered the year with a $24.6 million fund balance and water quality with about $29.5 million. She also said the city expects significant capital obligations tied to consent‑decree requirements; in her remarks she cited “what we believe is a hundred million dollar obligation between now and 02/1930” as the period staff used for long‑term planning in the slide deck.

- Landfill fund: Because the landfill has an active facility, state and environmental rules require retention of a portion of cash for post‑closure or remediation needs. The landfill entered the year with a roughly $39.0 million fund balance. Staff had budgeted for a roughly $2.0 million negative position in December but reported being about $1.2 million positive at that date.

Questions and next steps

Committee members asked for follow‑up on specific lines, including fines and forfeitures (Councilmember Sheehan) and whether fines are timing or behavioral changes; staff said they will research division‑level activity and return with more detail. Councilmember Gray asked about the higher year‑to‑date personnel spending compared with last year; staff explained that FY‑25 budgets and additional positions drove higher spending while year‑to‑date balances remain positive against the FY‑25 personnel budget.

Commissioner Hensley told the committee these dedicated funds will be reported to the committee quarterly going forward and invited feedback on the new presentation format.

Ending: Staff said they will provide March reporting in back‑to‑back months for the committee to compare the Dec. 31 snapshots with March activity, and they encouraged committee members to request line‑level follow‑up if desired.","Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government finance staff reported to the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18 that general fund revenue collections are modestly above budget through the first eight months while several dedicated funds carried multimillion‑dollar balances into the fiscal year.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632306,"Parks fund policy proposes $7.1M first‑year capital slate, prioritizes accessibility and engagement",959,2228000,3187000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695&start=2228&end=3187","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695/thumbnail_2228000.jpg","/articles/6632306/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Parks-fund-policy-proposes-71M-firstyear-capital-slate-prioritizes-accessibility-and-engagement","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632306-bf66fac8001da63540f472918ea75b95/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177777&Signature=VlbweK2i0khq~dk3nExJQWH75Q66XpyoAlSTjA5mFLZwENayXJXUiof-8n8iwEdet3cUJ9McEmsBSwcaDzqwttjeTkpod3pSYvcDJ-HhuiruXXOVd1ZyKCJZInGY7c8HcF0ZbePy2RbLHYcjiRI2aK1FeR~RzMXQ-ZyVXZp0Nu0qB2IMDFIgkk2NGEnDRaTBbH88FwM2EmJ9ccTqjR0VUyCoKhJcS0t-waqMrw-xqY6tWyas03A7HpyQ7HDBMmncrFgtB0u-BDQ5if8ZEKOiuS214AQb3v7UiAVWGjesn0hmVmiku~03Pe-1mMO1I8hPhkhC~aHMHw4LNBq2vokC9w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Lexington parks officials presented a parks fund policy and a proposed year‑one capital program to the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18, asking for committee feedback on governance, prioritization and public engagement.

Director Conrad told the committee the policy would create a dedicated funding source for park improvements and guide prioritization using the parks master plan, a social needs index and other data‑driven tools. “The policy is built on 3 core principles — accessibility, engagement, and accountability,” Conrad said.

Why it matters: the parks fund is intended to provide stable, accountable capital funding for park projects across the city; the committee will see the projects again as part of the annual budget process and the parks team said it will provide ongoing public reporting and project tracking.

Details of the policy and proposed Year 1 slate

- Fund and governance: Parks staff identified the parks fund (4031) and said the mayor, council and administration would retain approval authority; the fund’s projects would be presented through the normal budget process and require council approval for spending.

- Principles and eligibility: The policy emphasizes geographic equity and prioritizes projects that support accessibility (Americans with Disabilities Act standards), inclusive design, multigenerational uses and cultural sensitivity. Eligible investments focus on capital construction, repair and replacement.

- Ineligible uses: The presentation listed personnel costs, programming, operating expenses and land acquisition as ineligible for this dedicated parks fund; the parks acquisition fund remains the vehicle for land purchases.

- Public engagement and transparency: Parks staff outlined a community engagement matrix to match outreach intensity to project type, and proposed a parks‑fund website with an interactive map, project tracker, mockups and FAQs. Parks said it will produce an annual report and work with internal audit on oversight.

- Year‑one projects: The department proposed 14 projects at an initial cost of $7,100,000 with an $800,000 contingency. Staff said the slate was intentionally spread across districts and will be revised in future years as the master plan, community input and delivery timelines are refined.

Committee questions and implementation notes

Councilmembers pressed for detail on how projects were chosen and how engagement with seniors, youth and neighborhood groups will be ensured. Conrad and staff said project selection uses the master plan, life‑safety priorities and prior assessments, and that the parks team will use community centers, schools and door‑to‑door approaches where needed to reach underrepresented residents.

Councilmember Lynch asked about a $300,000 estimate to complete ADA restrooms at Winnie Young; Conrad said the department expects that allocation to make the restroom compliant. Councilmember Legree asked about integrating the city’s EngageLex platform; Conrad said parks is exploring integration for online participation tools.

Ending: Parks staff said the proposed project list will appear in the budget and that staff will refine public‑facing materials, timelines and engagement plans before construction funds are accessed (staff noted some projects require design and will not begin until funding becomes available in early 2026).","Parks staff presented a parks fund policy and a proposed first‑year capital package on March 18 that emphasizes accessibility, community engagement, and accountability. The policy would govern a dedicated parks fund (4031) and staff proposed 14 initial projects totaling roughly $7.1 million plus an $800,000 contingency.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632291,"Votes at a glance: committee approves Feb. 18 summary and swaps two agenda items",3971,185000,4156000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695&start=185&end=4156","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695/thumbnail_185000.jpg","/articles/6632291/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Votes-at-a-glance-committee-approves-Feb-18-summary-and-swaps-two-agenda-items","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632291-712a4fb7e42807c14e1cd2195b83ea70/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177777&Signature=W~qPECsMMsGDK0YqL4ftCGpEWlinstrbfS-hK4B5cqEEBo2B4eqofBn4f2Yaw3cRX8ptnfTQbiS32ejBPms3lnoDYYDhuGU3vCJDEzZHFw5xgMC~cOzk0sJrP9dLlKpJqpEyAWFl0uvzPnmrRgidZ0or~jCNdi8MlXKSv98wfi-EQes6HnAsUoaE5kivgpBhiq~COE8tiwOFdk8lt0NddnVqd-nXjF69ugkpXIDj5PX7LTalutDgrJd-UBgJHrTM2Le4cAv5K3EcOq1pL6AWn8vULy1D8WDddbEMU6RYZ-yHUoNEfQ4~8Q05UhcuRruvfelEqE1g1P3A5-FMNa2ycg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","At the start of the March 18 meeting the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee recorded two formal motions that were voted on by voice vote.

- Approval of committee summary (02/18/2025): Committee members moved and seconded approval of the February 18, 2025 committee summary. The chair called for a voice vote; members answered “Aye” and the chair said the motion passes.

- Motion to switch order of agenda items: Vice Mayor moved and a member seconded a motion to swap the next two presentations (so United for ALICE would present before Facilities and Fleet). Committee members voted by voice; the chair recorded the motion as passed.

Both motions were passed by voice vote with no roll call tally provided in the transcript. No additional formal actions, ordinances, resolutions or appointments were recorded as final votes in the transcript for this meeting.","The Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee approved the Feb. 18, 2025 committee summary and approved a motion to swap the order of two presentations on March 18. Both motions passed by voice vote with no recorded opposition.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6632297,"Facilities and Fleet outline: city manages 44 buildings, ~2,000 vehicles; CPM team handling $43M in projects",800,5891000,6691000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695&start=5891&end=6691","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2675184-c7e19a1e6653c043f3fb5dbe981a8695/thumbnail_5891000.jpg","/articles/6632297/Lexington-City/Fayette-County/Kentucky/Facilities-and-Fleet-outline-city-manages-44-buildings-2000-vehicles-CPM-team-handling-43M-in-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6632297-f187a147f92aa66bd3ef109982f91045/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177777&Signature=TB~8wbA0Sh4QSMm4n1W4XPk3xHLaO22knJtCZCIIE~~RE03bo166B6~vmVwiwtBzbVt5TgIIHODiV25wtgFgZrISP2wDHOUpRcGlB1-0wfaHIeMRPMFREeY1YaxEOHZYkCpjvHDluWM6sdJ1ZEbBry~F4wEm0LTM3EPFw5RoOON9vGNsQeoX1Niayum5mBfcSDYXp-ywCZye1ZQLiceF6VWIpkJYsk0Kdoed3g-FvvOF9F9q-SYGXO1uTBVOVU8e-0fRsCuLV~zhIu9SHiRfJKsZnW782K7Wjq7qw1uiWh37u3gE0nNzpSgKOsHoyxRr7w1N4AQdGX1z2uxnwhLZaw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","City facilities and fleet leaders briefed the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18 about asset management, capital planning and fleet replacement priorities.

Commissioner Ford opened the segment by describing the division structure and the capital project management work. The facilities side manages 44 structures (approximately 1.2 million square feet), and Fleet oversees some 2,000 vehicles and about 800 pieces of heavy equipment, staff said. A three‑person in‑house capital project management (CPM) team — licensed architects — is currently managing 11 projects with a combined project value of about $43 million.

Why it matters: the briefing covered long‑lead procurement for large vehicles, deferred capital needs and the city’s process for prioritizing repairs, preservation and replacement across both buildings and fleet.

Key points

- Staffing and organization: Facilities and Fleet leadership includes Division Director John Sheehy, Deputy Director Wanda King (Fleet) and Acting Deputy Mike Wiley (Facilities); the CPM architects report to the commissioner’s office and support capital project delivery across departments.

- Facilities portfolio and projects: Facilities staff noted recent completed projects (for example, a roof replacement at the Community Corrections building and a new police roll‑call station at Veterans Park) and said design for roof replacements at the district and circuit courthouses is underway. The CPM team’s in‑house work provides procurement and design cost savings, staff said.

- Fleet and replacement timing: Staff described recent investments to modernize the fleet and said the city has worked to prefund some large vehicles to cope with long lead times. Wanda King, deputy director of fleet services, said the urban‑services vehicles that appear expensive in the capital chart are primarily refuse compactors and that those units can approach half a million dollars apiece.

- Procurement and data: Commissioner Ford said a legacy fleet software upgrade is underway this fiscal year to improve fleet management data.

Questions and policy notes

Councilmembers asked whether plans or project trackers are available online; staff said there is not a public tracker now but that the presentation and budget documents are public and staff would consider posting more information. Councilmember Sabigny asked about electric vehicle consideration and the city’s carbon‑neutrality goal; staff said EVs have lower operating and maintenance costs and suggested investigating EVs for appropriate fleet roles. Presenters and councilmembers referenced a city carbon neutrality target (staff described the target year as 2050 in discussion of long‑term planning).

Ending: Facilities and Fleet staff offered to return with more detailed online tracking ideas and to provide follow‑up on vehicle replacement timing, the courthouse roof design schedule and the fleet software implementation.","Facilities and Fleet staff told the Budget, Finance & Economic Development Committee on March 18 that the city manages roughly 1.2 million square feet of buildings and a fleet of about 2,000 vehicles and 800 pieces of equipment. The capital project management (CPM) team is managing 11 active projects with an estimated value of $43 million.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

United Way brings ALICE data tools to Lexington to map households above the poverty line but still struggling

Finance team reports tighter revenues, steady personnel costs; dedicated funds carry sizable balances

Parks fund policy proposes $7.1M first‑year capital slate, prioritizes accessibility and engagement

Votes at a glance: committee approves Feb. 18 summary and swaps two agenda items

Facilities and Fleet outline: city manages 44 buildings, ~2,000 vehicles; CPM team handling $43M in projects