Florence property owners could see a lower combined tax rate, and two delayed zoning ordinances will finally get their decisive votes when the City Council meets for a Special Meeting on Aug. 18 at 6 p.m.
The meeting at the Florence Government Center, 8100 Ewing Blvd., was called after the regular Aug. 11 business meeting was canceled for lack of quorum, pushing all pending items to the next available date. City Clerk Melissa Kramer signed the special meeting notice on Aug. 14.
Tax hearing starts at 5:30 p.m.
A public hearing on proposed 2026 property tax rates begins 30 minutes before the council convenes, at 5:30 p.m. in the same building. Finance Director Jason Lewis will lead the discussion during the meeting itself.
The city has said the proposal includes a reduction in the Special Assessment for Hazardous Employees Retirement. If approved, the combined property tax rate Florence homeowners pay would be lower than last year's rate, according to a city announcement. Specific millage figures have not been released publicly ahead of the hearing.
Autism playground, truck lot get second readings
Council will cast final votes on two ordinances that passed first reading Aug. 2. Under Kentucky law, the second reading is the decisive vote for a city ordinance.
Ordinance O-19-2026 would allow Already Autism Health, at 7627 Ewing Blvd., to build a fenced playground for children with special needs in the front yard of its 2.174-acre site. The clinic offers Applied Behavior Analysis therapy for children with autism. The approval carries a condition: if the business leaves, the fence must be removed.
Ordinance O-20-2026 would approve a 92-vehicle commercial parking lot for Mackenzie and Paige Logistics (also known as M&P Logistics) on roughly 1.7 acres along the east side of I-71/75, between Tanners Gate Lane and Tanners Lane. The lot would hold 21 box trucks, 21 semi-tractors and 50 passenger vehicles. That zoning change cannot transfer to a future property owner. In 2024, council approved a Kentucky Business Investment incentive tied to M&P's plan to relocate within Florence and create 120 full-time jobs.
Other agenda items
Two municipal orders round out the agenda. MO-17-2026 would authorize Mayor Julie M. Aubuchon to sign a lease agreement with Boone County as tenant, through the City of Florence Public Properties Corporation. Lease terms have not been disclosed. MO-18-2026 would authorize the sale of surplus city property.
Director of Administration Joshua J. Hunt is also scheduled to discuss Athena Industrial Revenue Bonds. No details on the company or dollar amounts involved have been made public.
How to participate
The public hearing on tax rates begins at 5:30 p.m. Aug. 18, and the Special Meeting follows at 6 p.m. Both take place in the Council Chambers at 8100 Ewing Blvd. The meeting will also stream live on YouTube. Residents with questions can contact City Clerk Melissa Kramer at 859-647-8177.
