Development News for Berea, Kentucky

Tourism Department Receives Approval for Small Tools and Equipment Overage

Nancy Connley, Tourism Director, requested a $1,700 overage for small tools and equipment to outfit a truck for watering flowers. The original budget for this item was $1,000, bringing the total to $2,700. The request was approved by motion from Teresa Centers, seconded by John Payne, and approved by voice vote [cite: 991-1014].

Berea City Council Establishes Standing Legislative Committees for 2026-2027

The City Council approved Municipal Order Number 04-2026, establishing the standing legislative committees for 2026-2027 and electing their chairs and members. The committees are Audit and Finance, Public Works, Parks, and Personnel. The order lists the members for each committee: Audit and Finance (Steve Codddle, Katie Startsman, Terresa Senters, Barry Pinter), Public Works (Jerry Little, Steve Codddle, John Payne, Ronnie Terrell), Parks (Katie Starchsman, John Payne, Ronnie Terrell, Mike Barnett), and Personnel (Barry Pointer, Jerry Little, Katie Starsman, Teresa Centers) [cite: 397-422, 423-435].

Berea Proclaims World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The proclamation for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day emphasizes that Berea's senior citizens are valued members of the community and it is a collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and with dignity. June 15th is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighting that elder abuse (physical, emotional, or financial) is unacceptable and often underreported. The proclamation stresses each citizen's responsibility to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. It particularly notes the detrimental impact of financial exploitation on older adults, especially those with neurocognitive decline. The day serves as a call to commit to utilizing resources to ensure older adults live with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind, free from fear, hurt, and harm. Mayor Bruce Freley proclaimed June 15th as World Elder Abuse Day in Berea, Kentucky [cite: 238-280].

Berea City Council Reviews First Reading of FY 2026-2027 Budget

The City Council conducted the first reading of the fiscal year 2026-2027 budget ordinance (Ordinance Number 07-2026). The budget includes governmental funds with total revenues of $23,522,000 and expenditures of $26,183,000, resulting in an ending fund balance of $23,819,000. Proprietary funds have total operating revenues of $21,065,000 and total operating expenses of $22,088,000. The capital budget includes $17,427,000 for capital expenses. The ordinance also adopts and ratifies the fee schedule by department and the long-term capital project and public facilities improvement program budget and plan for the fiscal year. The ordinance will become effective on July 1, 2026. Council members praised the budget for being fiscally responsible, with minimal additions, and commended department heads and the city administrator for their work. Projected revenues are up 6%, and expenses are down 4%. The budget document is available online with an interactive tool for citizens to review [cite: 479-529, 541-619].