[{"_1":2,"_122":-5,"_123":-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",[32,75,87,99,110],{"_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",6222730,"mediaKeyId","3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d","parentId",3585096,"title","Paducah introduces $137.8 million FY2026 budget, first reading completed","audioSeconds",447,"startMs",1998000,"endMs",2445000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d&start=1998&end=2445","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d/thumbnail_1998000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6222730/Paducah-City/McCracken-County/Kentucky/Paducah-introduces-1378-million-FY2026-budget-first-reading-completed","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222730-1306aadd4717e47432b8968ea424d14e/orig.mp4?Expires=1776067168&Signature=QbN77-yWQaeSVut80rh8MFqaiue2AFTDEp-barpoPzJA~XNTVf1h9yfG0yxIORHQsRpiEa8d62GmV~~c8qE8BBFGVZuPSNUtucaysk5bb4m5ol8dXIk~TJkn6985dTVE4TLVtU9-86F-~kN~S6l-JwmQD9Y~l~JIBEt0kHRnOVaX3CKUg7MmNmMndHROLgFcIr29P~GU-WQCCAjov5VY-g~lFHMYkBQ2zUZpLDirh5z5i4jOInvMajlXOVdPwdnzYlXnC5S89S7zF1dI3DTQZ7D3LlPfbItmEqLAlsmLb1uMbS66fkhUco1G~kUk49Deg9M3Pvivu8RLA~rA9hSoag__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Paducah, KY","date","2025-05-28T10:48:45Z","article","City Manager presented the proposed fiscal year 2026 operating budget to the Paducah Board of Commissioners and the board completed the ordinance's first reading on May 27.

The proposed budget covers July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2026 with total appropriations summarized at $137,778,934. The City Manager said the General Fund is projected at $51,198,934 and itemized other funds including the MAP fund ($3,116,000), Investment fund ($7,887,440), E911 fund ($3,343,495) and Bond fund ($33,795,280). The city manager stated a continued policy to maintain at least 10% of annual revenues in reserve and credited the 9-1-1 parcel fee with relieving some general-fund pressure.

Why this matters: the budget funds core services, infrastructure, economic development and quality-of-life projects. The manager said priorities include quality housing, downtown economic development, South Side revitalization, public safety and stormwater management; the budget also allocates investments for capital projects such as the Paducah Sports Park and riverfront development.

The ordinance was introduced for first reading; commissioners moved and seconded the introduction. The city manager and finance team invited questions and noted the budget will return for final vote in two weeks. Finance Director John Perkins and assistant city manager Michelle Smolin were acknowledged for their roles in preparation of the budget.

Funding details presented at first reading include an investment fund allocation derived from half of one percent of the 2% occupational license fee projected to generate $6,970,000 for capital and economic development uses. Other fund totals cited in the first-reading summary were presented as part of the ordinance text read into the record.

Next steps: the budget will be available for further commissioner questions and a final vote at the next meeting; staff said they will continue to monitor revenues and provide updates if adjustments are needed before adoption.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Paducah City Commission Meeting - May 27, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City Manager presented the fiscal year 2026 budget to the Board; the ordinance for first reading sets total appropriations at $137,778,934 across funds and lists priorities including infrastructure, public safety, downtown development and reserve policy.","taxTitle","Paducah City, McCracken County, Kentucky","taxId",57029,"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},6222735,"City authorizes up to $185,000 for HDR to perform alternatives analysis tied to Corps permit reevaluation",74,1864000,1938000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d&start=1864&end=1938","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d/thumbnail_1864000.jpg","/articles/6222735/Paducah-City/McCracken-County/Kentucky/City-authorizes-up-to-185000-for-HDR-to-perform-alternatives-analysis-tied-to-Corps-permit-reevaluation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222735-48082a9a2f537dbeb66558d651483cb4/orig.mp4?Expires=1776067168&Signature=N5Q6j-cgnnhqFjvivsBoP~S5aq068OdKOZ2jIsLVfn~9rp7wg-KMuSRIc9TWogwAtkDe7U137jn~m3sa1WO5vZWgW0Aea65QauXfr5nOFl3-1ILecpW1GSIcQLf05Pka2pV4naaSMheXg-lHzOmZXHTK0pFjUvgYflxVg6bXUrz~Z-DtYdv0vkJXY7aPQ1q0VrF0PpJ5wGxr3bIL-i7ykOIAG0JjdF39Q0jxX8iGFBQFkF7d4MBPsFTpU7zd58f7POAIYtfZXie6X9kYCZKIIlS4uuOmPq~-GS2GmXyKcrBYDmwRh7bRwEyGqxm3QV6VLTf5nyMBpaqD4P3mIjiF2w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Paducah Board of Commissioners on May 27 approved an ordinance authorizing the mayor to execute a professional services contract with HDR Inc. not to exceed $185,000 for an alternatives analysis connected to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' reevaluation of permit LRL 20081267 a.

The ordinance summary presented at the meeting states the contract is \"not to exceed $185,000\" and that the expenditure shall be charged to dredging account DR0047. The city clerk read the ordinance at the meeting and commissioners voted to adopt the ordinance by roll call; Commissioners Henderson, Smith, Thomas, Wilson and Mayor George Bray recorded \"Aye.\" No questions were raised during the roll call portion of the discussion.

Why this matters: the work is framed as supporting the Corps' permit reevaluation, which may relate to local dredging, river management or project alternatives. The city described the contract as an alternatives analysis for the Corps' reevaluation.

Funding and next steps: the city cited dredging account DR0047 as the funding source for the contract. The ordinance authorizes the city to enter into the contract and obligates the mayor to execute the professional services agreement with HDR Inc. The contract amount and account designation were recorded in the meeting minutes as presented.","The Board adopted an ordinance authorizing a professional services contract with HDR Inc. not to exceed $185,000 to perform an alternatives analysis for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers reevaluation of permit LRL 20081267 a; the expenditure is charged to the dredging account DR0047.",{"_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},6222740,"Paducah approves five-year contract with Main Street LLC to bolster downtown revitalization",132,1665000,1797000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d&start=1665&end=1797","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d/thumbnail_1665000.jpg","/articles/6222740/Paducah-City/McCracken-County/Kentucky/Paducah-approves-five-year-contract-with-Main-Street-LLC-to-bolster-downtown-revitalization","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222740-8662e91a7122628ad4579cba663234c9/orig.mp4?Expires=1776067168&Signature=HE7iDyBxm7-DmCIE1ReEmpBmhfrNSRFFaWp~EDCMlJdfXGW7DWd0lPIxt9X5wouT8UmMfMyQQ4cQ~4TYypVadnOilHCCP4EuqdEfzoAXO1T467IyhThwG800zUy5p8Da4SskQ3xXqs5e-O-ZUDlARsNi4BdfLAk~ge4POs18XvMmlTN5r9mp1d0D6oGW2wWTDzy5JagCRupzCxo9whfAKCdRBUfBLiPSS6ROhItVcV9D0yxsFgwGW-Wy2nBhrdfhQR5XqoRHKidckLchjhlQiLT3SaDku2sl6W9AA12aHtiT7qkbwnMfUKtJIWPcnO7x-0VF5iRcrjYHE6eQKilezA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Paducah Board of Commissioners on May 27 approved a municipal order authorizing the mayor to execute a contract for services with Paducah Main Street LLC.

David Wilkins, identified in the meeting packet as a downtown investor and project lead, described the contract as a five-year agreement that will be negotiated annually for funding. \"Each year you will negotiate the funding. Main Street's expected to raise dollars in the community versus what your contribution will be, and the goal is at the end that it will be a totally independent organization,\" Wilkins said.

Why this matters: the contract aims to accelerate downtown occupancy, business activity and investment. Commissioners praised Wilkins' volunteer work and local investment; Mayor George Bray and other commissioners thanked him for his leadership in getting the contract to the finish line.

The ordinance establishing the Main Street Department board of directors and the contract were both approved by roll call votes later in the meeting. Commissioners said the initiative will focus on filling empty buildings, supporting entrepreneurship, and increasing downtown activity; the city manager described the contract as clarifying return on investment for the city's contribution.

Next steps: the city and Paducah Main Street LLC will negotiate annual funding levels and the organization is expected to pursue community fundraising to supplement city support. The contract text in the meeting packet describes performance expectations, and commissioners said the city will review yearly results as part of ongoing oversight.","The Board approved a five-year municipal contract with Paducah Main Street LLC to provide specified downtown services, with annual funding negotiations and an expectation that the nonprofit will raise community dollars and become independent.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":91,"_47":104,"_49":105,"_51":106,"_53":107,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":108,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":109,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222745,"Paducah approves donation of 2400 Brooks Stadium Drive to school district for softball field",149,1516000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d&start=1516&end=1665","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d/thumbnail_1516000.jpg","/articles/6222745/Paducah-City/McCracken-County/Kentucky/Paducah-approves-donation-of-2400-Brooks-Stadium-Drive-to-school-district-for-softball-field","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222745-27354fc5650f7d37dbcb2829257c606b/orig.mp4?Expires=1776067169&Signature=naaHTuENcMSL1gDQBLHGHKSra6~izyI4vAQ2yNiuc2bCNGy8nQEZYLnXYV3dzDnvs3Dfg4d2Lx3dcVX76VJGjKLhYvr6K5OwDdxosyjhHGu5QeqWajh1YAFLUt6Jx~wyrZ~xZKMNwgb7zOeMe1uMKo9uojsVVdDtcwg2nHpXMTYu8y~r~QarK6WSFxL-JEddxCeBo7Lb~2iK80SktG-jtE3ILXoRZvqr6ge~4HLzQq3Qr8rhrl-e~Q432sYiqDB4VEn-TUWbxZ3-H3L1Fi98x2BYcotjzy212eqDoNXiygmK8Mtp0MJnPkxjMrSp~r8l441a8LIoqvdCFVFYyBY2yg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Paducah Board of Commissioners adopted a municipal order on May 27 authorizing the mayor to execute a real estate donation agreement and deed to transfer property at 2400 Brooks Stadium Drive to the Paducah Independent District Board of Education for construction of a softball field.

City Manager (staff member) told the commission the district had agreed to build the softball facility \"no later than May of next year\" and to address an identified blight site in Forest Hills as part of the agreement; the transfer includes utility easements and is roughly two acres behind the Brooks Stadium parking area.

Why this matters: the transfer is intended to provide a new facility for school athletics while addressing a blighted property. The city manager said the agreement includes callback provisions that would allow the city to retake the property if the school district fails to meet the construction or remediation commitments.

Commissioners voted by roll call to approve the municipal order. Commissioner Henderson, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Thomas, Commissioner Wilson and Mayor George Bray all recorded \"Aye.\" The order was moved and seconded during the meeting; no recorded no votes or abstentions were announced.

What was discussed: the city manager summarized coordination steps with Paducah Independent Schools and said the district will work to avoid scheduling conflicts with the Paducah Chiefs season. The manager said utility easements are included and that the city and school will coordinate construction plans to avoid overlap with adjacent Brooks Stadium operations.

Next steps: the mayor was authorized to sign the deed and related documents. The city manager said staff will monitor the district's progress to the May deadline and enforce the callback clauses if the district does not meet the agreement terms.","The Board approved a municipal order donating roughly 2 acres adjacent to Brooks Stadium to the Paducah Independent District Board of Education for construction of a softball field, with a completion timeline and clawback provisions included in the agreement.",{"_33":111,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":112,"_41":113,"_43":114,"_45":115,"_47":116,"_49":117,"_51":118,"_53":119,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":120,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":121,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6222749,"Island Creek Basin residents say lack of warning and closed floodgate caused rapid flooding",957,232000,1189000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d&start=232&end=1189","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3585096-af77553de9c3f6ed9d2764f58bcba28d/thumbnail_232000.jpg","/articles/6222749/Paducah-City/McCracken-County/Kentucky/Island-Creek-Basin-residents-say-lack-of-warning-and-closed-floodgate-caused-rapid-flooding","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6222749-65ce6eec41103cfc6067852d01525217/orig.mp4?Expires=1776067169&Signature=JfUMXcekIVYjMFIEtRr0dWL5~-oJ8x3vD0IIxN6xZeERtzmGvUWPi6RauVabiljZOe5jEyr626tFQHo3KIqMA0LuM6-AeyWl4HXgbURjZamwoXLZUiQJvRADpSy0bdmlvSFyd8zCVTppeZfUPtvESepfYHiGmQFYxej-gC1-iUWX2K7iOSaIyA07v5sL2AR7iSeeIVRrccZ9k-EfAIk1oJ-4gbbJIkvPNpy~TSwAlJWzs5kQTgJB193vj~pW8IIBtGvLmJBXnqd1y3N3mNqwDSpHxryGdMO38P~5R2Dsxy92Hqbg9ncGtI9Jj6UJZEt-qCI7hDU8AZ~Rb33fGwBoug__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Robert Dorty, a resident of the Island Creek Basin, told the Paducah City Board of Commissioners during public comment on May 27 that his home took in about 2 feet of water and that he and about 30 families lost most of their belongings.

\"We've lost everything,\" Dorty said, adding that he and other residents were placed in motels by emergency management after the April flood. He said he had not been told his home was in a flood zone and that FEMA denied some claims because of missing flood insurance.

Why this matters: residents said the basin flooded quickly after what they described as the Husband Road floodgate being closed while a bypass was obstructed. Multiple speakers said the closure — which they said happened as river levels were not in the moderate stage — left them without the 24 hours' warning they said would have allowed evacuation or moving belongings.

In testimony that followed, a man who identified himself as Joe (last name pronounced as Burkhead/Burkhart) described the basin's flow paths and said the bypass built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was effectively plugged on the day of the flood. He and other residents said the basin's elevation rose many feet between Saturday evening and Sunday morning, outpacing the Ohio River levels. Robert Harris, who identified his background in engineering and construction, said the gate and the nearby channel were known problem points when the flood wall was constructed.

Mayor George Bray told residents he would meet with them; Commissioner Henderson asked whether the mayor could set up a meeting and the mayor agreed to arrange a one-on-one meeting with the residents who requested it. No formal vote or policy action was taken at the meeting; the matter remained in the public comment record and city officials said they will follow up.

Residents pressed several specific points: that the Husband Road gate closure was not mentioned in city bulletins preceding the event, that county emergency managers said they had not received notice, and that a plugged bypass compounded the effect. Speakers gave figures including water rising \"4 inches an hour,\" basin levels described as rising from about 42.6 to about 51.4 (as reported by a resident), and that certain private flood walls protect only up to about 53 feet on the river gauge; residents said those protections were insufficient without prior notice.

What the city said and next steps: Mayor Bray agreed to meet individually with residents to hear technical details and to discuss possible remedies. City staff did not make a public statement at the meeting about operational decisions on the gate or about who operates or maintains the bypass; residents repeatedly referenced the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA in describing the flood-control context.

The discussion closed with an expressed request from residents for clearer notification protocols and for assessment and clearing of the bypass and culvert areas they say are chronically obstructed. The Board did not adopt new policy or direct staff to a specific action in the public meeting record; the mayor offered to meet with residents to gather more information.

For follow-up: residents asked that the city convene technical meetings and to provide clearer emergency notifications to basin residents if gates are to be closed or repositioned.","Residents of the Island Creek Basin told the Paducah Board of Commissioners they were not warned before a rapid localized flood after a gate at Husband Road was closed; residents said the closure and a plugged bypass turned the basin into a flash flood, and asked the city for a meeting and remediation.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Paducah introduces $137.8 million FY2026 budget, first reading completed

City authorizes up to $185,000 for HDR to perform alternatives analysis tied to Corps permit reevaluation

Paducah approves five-year contract with Main Street LLC to bolster downtown revitalization

Paducah approves donation of 2400 Brooks Stadium Drive to school district for softball field

Island Creek Basin residents say lack of warning and closed floodgate caused rapid flooding