Fort Thomas finance committee reviews proposed 2025–26 budget, capital priorities and trail plan

FORT THOMAS, Ky. — Fort Thomas finance staff on May 13 presented a proposed fiscal 2025–26 budget that would hold the city's current property tax rate while budgeting roughly $16.5 million for operations and $8.1 million for capital projects, with an estimated year-end fund balance of about 7.67 percent.

The presentation, led by Matt, a city staff member, laid out operating and capital totals, four "on the horizon" projects (Midway parking, Midway Streetscape, Highland Park skate park and armory upgrades) and several departmental line-item changes. "This budget is based on holding the tax rate," Matt said, adding he would circulate a one- to two-page summary to council by the end of the week and expects the city could take the ordinance for first reading at the next council meeting.

Council members pressed for detail on the move from the current amended budget to the proposed 25'26 figures and on several large capital items. Matt said the increase in planned capital spending reflects carryover projects and one-time expenditures, such as Tower Park work completed in 2024'25 and the Midway Streetscape, which is budgeted at about $3.08 million in the proposed year. He said the city carried a $2.5 million state funding item tied to a school project and had used American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) money in prior years to boost revenues.

The committee reviewed several major project areas:

- Armory upgrades: Staff described the armory's limited downstairs HVAC, a lack of a backup generator and only a single, heavily used shower. Matt said the city is considering basement reconfiguration to improve usability for community rentals and emergency sheltering; an elevator for upper-floor ADA access has been discussed but was not budgeted as a firm commitment. He told the committee the facility currently has no dedicated backup generator and said additional electrical upgrades and improved restroom and shower facilities were needed.

- Parks and trails: Staff proposed a two-park trails master plan for Tower Park and Highland Park at about $25,000 and estimated construction work for Tower Park at roughly $300,000. Matt said the city is pursuing a federal grant expected to cover about 80 percent of construction costs; if awarded, he plans to use a grant-management firm that is paid only upon successful awards. He said recent heavy rain and a small landslide at Tower Park made the work urgent and that the city wants engineering expertise to address water-management and drainage issues, not just maintenance.

- Midway projects: Matt listed Midway parking and the Midway Streetscape among projects staff wants council input on for possible funding in future years. He said negotiations about property and parking options have been underway with Cincinnati Bell and that the streetscape is a major-ticket item in the capital plan.

- Public safety and equipment: The committee heard that the police vehicle procurement program (about $800,000 in the amended budget) is complete and vehicles are in service. The fire department has identified replacement cardiac monitors costing about $140,000; staff said the department has applied for a grant that would cover roughly 95 percent of that purchase and that, if the grant does not come through, staff will return to council with a proposed budget amendment.

Other budget details discussed included upgrades to accounting and recordkeeping after adopting the Springbrook financial software, tighter accounting line items for utilities and employee benefits, and personnel changes. Matt said the city added a full-time custodian position (budgeted at roughly $79,000 including benefits) to improve maintenance of the city building, armory and mess hall, and confirmed the city has already hired two full-time green-space employees paid from the parks fund (start dates and partial-year costs were noted).

Matt also described steps the city has taken to contain employee health-care costs, including a self-funded dental plan begun Jan. 1 and incentives to use lower-cost clinics and pharmacies.

Why it matters: the committee must finalize a budget by June 30 or revert to the prior year's numbers. The proposed capital program includes multi-year projects that would affect downtown parking and multiple parks; many of the larger construction items rely on outside grants or state funding.

Next steps: Matt said he will distribute a condensed budget summary to council members, circulate answers to specific line-item questions raised at the meeting and bring the ordinance for first reading at the next council meeting if council directs. Several capital projects remain contingent on external grants and further council approval.