Prospect mayor outlines public safety, parks and finances; LDG lawsuit set for March trial
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Summary
Mayor Doug Farnsley delivered Prospects State of the City on Feb. 17, highlighting police performance, park projects and the citys financial position while noting an LDG lawsuit against Prospect will go to trial beginning March 24.
Prospect Mayor Doug Farnsley used the citys Feb. 17 council meeting to describe the municipalitys priorities for public safety, parks and finances and to update residents on an ongoing lawsuit with developer LDG.
"We have superb police officers who are well educated and experienced and who exercise excellent judgment," Farnsley said, praising department leadership and enforcement efforts that the city says contribute to Prospect remaining "one of the safest communities in Kentucky." He noted the council adopted a golf-cart safety ordinance on Jan. 21 requiring licensed drivers, modern safety equipment, police inspection and a prohibition on carts on US 42 at River Road.
Farnsley outlined near- and midterm infrastructure work on US 42, saying the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet lowered the speed limit in the business district effective July 1, 2025, and that roundabouts are planned for 2028 and 2029 to improve traffic flow and safety. The mayor said a grant from an entity named "Kipta" has funded a study of additional intersection improvements on US 42.
Parks and trails were another focus. Farnsley described recent park investments and said a boardwalk from City Hall to Putney Pond is planned pending a grant decision expected in March; the city has interviewed design firms and will select one to carry the boardwalk forward. He credited local volunteers and donors for recent projects that expanded walking and kayaking access.
Farnsley updated the council on litigation involving LDG, the developer of a large apartment proposal for Timber Ridge Drive. He said LDG sued Prospect and Louisville Metro for alleged fair-housing violations and also sued Prospect for alleged wrongful interference with contract. "The case is scheduled for a two-week trial starting on March 24," Farnsley said. He added that Louisville settled claims against it in August 2025 and agreed to pay $6,000,000 and other nonmonetary terms; claims against Prospect remain pending and the city is defending the suit.
On finances, a city finance representative identified as John told the council that the city has maintained at least $3,300,000 in cash and investments at any given time in the past year. John also reported total cash/investment figures of roughly $14,100,000, a capital fund balance reported at about $365,000, and a public-private partnership account around $259,000. He said the city has collected roughly 78% of expected income for the fiscal year and spent about 60% of budgeted expenditures to date and that an amended budget is expected soon, largely because of higher-than-anticipated salt and snow removal costs.
The address concluded with Farnsley thanking employees and volunteers and urging continued cooperation as Prospect pursues park projects and infrastructure improvements.
Votes at a glance: Council approved minutes from three earlier meetings (01/14/2026 special meeting; 01/16/2026 special meeting; 01/20/2026 regular meeting) by voice vote during the Feb. 17 meeting; the council later moved to adjourn. The transcript records motions and seconders for each minutes vote (see meeting minutes motions) but does not provide roll-call tallies in the record.
