Ashland Council Approves Tax Budget and Community Reinvestment Agreement with SPK Hospitality

The Ashland City Council convened on July 15, 2025, for a public hearing and subsequent discussions regarding the city’s tax budget and community reinvestment initiatives. The meeting began with an opportunity for public input on the proposed tax budget for the fiscal year starting January 1, 2026. After inviting questions from the audience, the council noted that no public comments were made, leading to the closure of the hearing.

Following the public hearing, the council moved to the first agenda item, which involved adopting the tax budget. The council unanimously voted to approve the ordinance on its first reading, with a motion to suspend the rules for three separate readings over three days. This procedural step was successfully passed, allowing for expedited consideration of the budget.

The meeting then transitioned to the second ordinance, which authorized the assignment of a community reinvestment area tax incentive agreement with Tara SPK Hospitality LLC. This agreement pertains to the Hampton Inn located on US 250 and is set to continue under the same terms as the original agreement established by a previous ordinance.

Both ordinances received unanimous support from council members, reflecting a collaborative effort to advance the city’s fiscal planning and economic development initiatives. The council's actions indicate a commitment to maintaining financial stability while fostering growth within the community.