Paducah manager introduces $116 million draft budget, commission approves mid‑year amendments

The Paducah City manager presented the proposed fiscal year 2026–27 annual budget and the commission adopted a set of mid‑year amendments to the FY2025–26 budget during Wednesday’s meeting.

City manager Darren framed the FY2026–27 proposal with the theme "strengthening today, preparing for tomorrow," saying the proposed general fund appropriation totals roughly $51.9 million and the combined city budget across all funds is about $116.4 million. He said the plan prioritizes downtown vibrancy, neighborhood revitalization, street rehabilitation, economic development and long‑term capital needs while seeking to increase the general fund reserve target from the current 10% to 25%.

Earlier in the meeting the commission adopted an ordinance amending the FY2025–26 budget. The clerk summarized increased appropriations to multiple funds, including the capital projects fund (+$2,471,988), debt service (+$772,843), bond fund (+$572,757) and health insurance fund (+$247,475); some readback figures in the clerk’s summary contained transcription gaps and were read as partial amounts.

Finance Director Audrey Kyle and controller Lauren were recognized for their roles in preparing the budget; staff said nine currently unfilled positions were frozen to manage cost pressures while protecting essential services. The manager said several capital projects remain unfunded—city hall stabilization, a new police station and planning for a replacement of Fire Station 4 were cited as significant future obligations.

The clerk read the ordinance introducing the FY2026–27 budget with a fund‑by‑fund summary. Staff said the next steps are continued public review and formal adoption after the required readings and public hearings.

At the meeting no formal vote was taken on the FY2026–27 budget (it was introduced at first reading); the budget amendment for the current fiscal year was adopted by roll call.