Georgetown council hears KLC training-incentive pitch, sponsors to draft local ordinance

Georgetown City Council heard a presentation from the Kentucky League of Cities on Aug. 25 about a state-authorized training incentive program that would pay city officials for completing continuing-education hours.

Brian Trogit of the Kentucky League of Cities explained the basic mechanics of the model ordinance: 15 credit hours per year constitute one training unit, jurisdictions typically set the incentive between $100 and $500 per unit, and a multiplier can increase the payment up to a $2,000 ceiling for officials who qualify over multiple years. "There's a Ben Franklin maxim that an investment in knowledge pays the best interest," Trogit said, describing how the program aims to encourage continuing education for elected and designated municipal officials.

Councilors asked for examples and participation rates; Trogit said roughly 10% of cities currently participate and that KLC provides administration and reporting for most jurisdictions that opt in. Council members and staff discussed implementation details — who would be eligible, how carryover hours would work and where to set the dollar amount — and asked KLC to assist with drafting an ordinance.

Following the presentation, Council agreed to have staff draft local ordinance language to adopt the training-incentive program. Miss Brent and Miss Mitchell volunteered to sponsor the ordinance once drafted. Staff will circulate a proposed draft for council review before formal readings or a municipal order are scheduled.

The KLC presentation and follow-up Q&A were informational; no ordinance vote took place at the Aug. 25 meeting. Council requested sample ordinances, participation statistics and cost estimates for future consideration.