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Paducah introduces $137.8 million FY2026 budget, first reading completed
Summary
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.
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.
