Ashland commissioners approve multiple ordinances, change orders and resolution opposing centralized collection of occupational license fees

Ashland — The Ashland Board of Commissioners on Feb. 11 adopted a package of ordinances, approved change orders and passed a resolution opposing proposed state legislation to centralize collection of local occupational license fees.

The meeting’s formal business included second-reading adoptions and first-reading approvals across public works, utilities, development and personnel matters. Commissioners approved a $550,000 Federal SAH grant allocation and a $62,500 local match for the Winchester Avenue Streetscape Project, accepted a task order not to exceed $20,000 for preparation of the 2024 combined sewer overflow reports, and approved several internal classification and compensation updates and policy adoptions for city departments.

Why it matters: the measures provide funding and contracting authority for local infrastructure projects, clarify internal staffing and pay structures, and register the board’s opposition to state-level consolidation of license-fee collection — an item city leaders described as likely to impose new fees or siphon local revenue.

Key outcomes and item details: - Winchester Avenue Streetscape Project: Second reading and final adoption of an ordinance authorizing…