HOPKINSVILLE, KY — Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight delivered his budget address to a room full of community members and city employees on Friday morning. He presented the city’s proposed, increased budget and announced that no tax increases would be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year.
“As we plan for the years ahead, we are focused on our future, not our past,” Knight said during the speech. “We’re improving the quality of life for our families, children, businesses, and soldiers. Every decision has been deliberate. “We made decisions with Hopkinsville’s future in mind.”
The budget for fiscal year 2025-26 is $56,936,517, representing an 11.22% increase over the current fiscal year’s budget of slightly more than $51 million. He emphasized that, despite increased investment, no tax increases would be implemented.
Where the money is going and coming from
Knight stated that he intends to continue his Growing Home initiative this fiscal year, which focuses on public safety, economic growth, city cleanliness, and employee support.
Payroll is expected to cost nearly $33 million in the upcoming fiscal year, making up the majority of projected expenses for the city’s general fund. This comes after Knight announced that all government employees would receive a 3% salary increase.
In terms of capital expenses, the budget shows that police and Buildings & Properties receive the most money. $575,541 goes to the Hopkinsville Police Department, and $550,000 goes to Buildings & Properties. This leaves City Maintenance with $360,000 and the Hopkinsville Fire Department with $350,000, in addition to other department expenses.
“We continue a strong support for our police, fire, our city maintenance, and informational technologies,” Knight told reporters. “We continue to invest in our Public Works department because we want to ensure that they have everything they need to keep our city running smoothly. We continue to make significant investments in parks and recreation, as well as our partnerships with Fort Campbell.
He also stated that the city will make the final payment on their investment in the Bluegrass Splash waterpark this year. The budget report also detailed the city’s projected revenue for the new fiscal year, with property taxes, payroll withholdings, and insurance premium taxes accounting for the majority of the total.
Key highlights
The city outlined key highlights for this fiscal year in Hopkinsville, including increased government staffing, the construction of a new fire station, additional funding for roads and infrastructure, the establishment of the Downtown Entertainment District this summer, and a focus on demolishing abandoned buildings.
Public Safety Investments
- Completion of Fire Station 5, expanding fire protection for the first time in over 24 years
- Addition of two new fire trucks to enhance emergency response
- Accreditation efforts underway for multiple departments, including Fire, ECC, Code Enforcement, and Public Works
- The Police Department remains fully staffed and accredited
Economic Growth Initiatives
- Proposed business license fee reductions
- Launch of a small business conference to encourage entrepreneurship
- Anticipated opening of the Downtown Entertainment District this summer
- Ongoing job creation and industry recruitment
City Cleanliness and Infrastructure
- Increased funding for demolition of abandoned structures
- Budget for a contract attorney to focus on property liens and returning vacant lots to productive
use - A supplemental $583,000 investment in the Municipal Road Aid fund
- Expanded work on sidewalks, street repairs, signage, and snow response
Support for City Staff
- 3% salary increase for all city employees
- City absorbing increased health insurance costs to prevent added expenses for employees
- Addition of key positions including:
- Payroll Coordinator
- Director of Technology and Public Information
- Fire Training Officer and 12 additional Fire personnel
- Recreation Program Coordinator for youth and senior programs at the Sportsplex
- Community and Nonprofit Support
- Introduction of “Hoptown Helps”, a new grant program supporting local nonprofits
- Continued partnership with Fort Campbell through the Intergovernmental Support Agreement
and Military Affairs Committee
At the conclusion of the address, the floor was opened to questions from the community. With no speakers stepping forward, Knight wrapped up by thanking the hard work of his dedicated staff on a day-to-day basis.
