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Morehead council approves utility rate increases, utility board budget and updated ethics code; green-sink procurement resolution passes
Summary
At its April 13 meeting, the Morehead City Council approved a package of measures including increased utility rates, the Morehead Utility Plant Board budget for FY2026–27, and an updated ethics code; the council also adopted a procurement resolution for a Greensinks flood-mitigation project and approved Payment No. 6 for Trace Creek construction.
The City Council of Morehead, Kentucky, approved several ordinances and resolutions during its April 13 meeting, including increases to water, gas, sewer and stormwater rates, adoption of the Morehead Utility Plant Board budget for fiscal year 2026–27, and an updated city ethics code.
Council members completed the second reading of an ordinance amending the city code’s utility chapters to raise rates and fees. A council member noted the increase was roughly in line with inflation; another observed that previously reported increases had been about 2.7 percent. After brief discussion the council approved the ordinance by roll call.
On the budget, the council approved the Morehead Utility Plant Board budget ordinance for FY2026–27 on second reading. Councilors also voted to adopt the revised ethics code drawn up with assistance from KLC; council members said they will review the new code with the ethics board next week if the ordinance passes.
Under new business the council passed a resolution adopting the Kentucky Model Procurement Code (KRS 45A) specifically for expenditures tied to the Greensinks flood-mitigation project, authorized advertising for engineering qualifications and empowered the mayor (and successors in title) to establish selection criteria and appoint an engineering selection committee.
Council also approved Payment No. 6 for the Trace Creek construction project following a motion and roll-call vote.
What passed at a glance
- Ordinance (second reading): Amendments to city code (Title 5: gas and water; sewer; stormwater) to increase rates and charges — approved on second reading. - Ordinance (second reading): Morehead Utility Plant Board budget, FY2026–27 — approved on second reading. - Ordinance (second reading): Updated city ethics code (Title 3, Chapter 40) — approved on second reading; councilors said the Kentucky League of Cities assisted with drafting. - Resolution: Adopt Kentucky Model Procurement Code (KRS 45A) for the Greensinks project — approved; authorized advertisement for engineering qualifications and committee formation. - Payment No. 6: Trace Creek project — approved.
Council procedure and context
The measures were handled in an expedited manner: after presentations and limited Q&A, councilors proceeded to roll-call votes. Officials emphasized these items are routine parts of the city’s annual budget and operations cycle; one councilor described the utility-rate adjustment as a "mouthful" but consistent with prior guidance.
Next steps
The council will proceed with procurement steps for the Greensinks project as authorized by the resolution; the utility budget and rate changes take effect under the ordinance schedule the council adopted. The ethics code updates will be reviewed with the city ethics board as noted by council members.
