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 supplemental agreement No. 2 with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for construction from 13th to 18th Street. The funding package includes $550,000 in Federal SAH funds with a $62,500 local match from the general fund. (Ordinance passed.)

- Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO) reports: Second reading and final adoption of an ordinance authorizing task order No. 25-01 with Strand Associates Inc. to prepare the city’s 2024 CSO reports for the Department of Utilities in an amount not to exceed $20,000. (Ordinance passed.)

- Repeal of prior minority loan approval: Second reading and final adoption of an ordinance repealing ordinance No. 103 (series 2024), which had approved minority loan No. 2024M004 to Broadway Books LLC. The motion passed; one commissioner stated “I abstain.”

- Classification and compensation updates: Commissioners approved ordinances amending authorized position listings and adopting revised job descriptions across departments, and approved adoption of updated Ashland Police Department rules and regulations, repealing ordinance No. 32 (series 2015). (Ordinances passed.)

- Pump station rehabilitation change orders: First reading and approval of change orders No. 2 and No. 3 with Mechanical Construction Company for the 206th Street pump station rehabilitation project, increasing the contract by $19,749. (First reading approved.)

- Director of Engineering position: First reading and approval of an ordinance amending the authorized position listing and salary chart, and adopting a job description for the director of engineering; the measure proceeds on first reading. (First reading approved.)

- Demolition change order: First reading and approval of change order No. 1 with Lights Enterprises Inc. to increase the contract for demolition of 2414 Beach Street by $1,600, to be paid from the general fund. (First reading approved.)

- Conference Center Advisory Committee: First reading approved to amend ordinance No. 151 (series 2023) to add Steve Corbett (engineering) and Catherine Utzinger (city planner, Community & Economic Development) to the advisory committee; meeting times set for the first and third Tuesday at noon in Commission Chambers. (First reading approved.)

- Resolution opposing centralized collection of local occupational license fees: The board adopted a resolution opposing any 2025 Kentucky General Assembly bill that would mandate centralized collection of local occupational license/fee taxes by the Commonwealth or third parties. Commissioners said the change could create new administrative fees and divert locally managed revenue. (Resolution passed.)

- Appointment to Code Enforcement Board: The mayor’s nomination of David Young to fill Philip Richardson’s term on the Code Enforcement Board was concurred by the board. Term reported as 03/01/2024–03/01/2027. (Appointment approved.)

- Executive session and property negotiation: The board entered executive session to discuss a property acquisition. After returning, commissioners voted to allow City Attorney Andrew Wheeler to continue negotiations on the property. (Direction to continue negotiations approved.)

What commissioners said: Discussion on most items was brief or procedural; when the centralized-license-fee resolution was presented, a commissioner said the Kentucky League of Cities had flagged several House and Senate bills that would centralize collections and “siphon money off.”

Next steps: First-reading items will return for second reading as required by ordinance procedure; staff will proceed with executing approved change orders and task orders. The board directed city staff to continue property negotiations discussed in executive session.