Paducah commissioners approve budget, discuss 911 upgrade

The Paducah Board of Commissioners approved its $99.2 million Fiscal Year 2024 budget at its meeting on Tuesday. The new budget becomes effective July 1. 

City Manager Daron Jordan called the budget "fiscally conservative," but funds the commission’s priorities that were determined in March.

The city’s general fund is $46.1 million, and the investment fund is $6.2 million.

The budget includes more than $1 million for economic development, which incudes Greater Paducah Economic Development, Barkley Regional Airport, Sprocket, and business recruitment efforts. 

It also includes projects such as the Outdoor Sports Complex, Robert Cherry Jaycees Civic Center Renovation Project, the City Block Project, Riverfront Redevelopment through the BUILD Grant, addition of pickleball courts to Noble Park, and the completion of floodwall rehabilitation.

In other business, Mayor Bray and City Manager Jordan updated commissioners on the project to upgrade the 911 system, specifically the radio system and towers. Two bids were received for the project which are under review.

Representatives from the city and county will meet Monday to discuss the funding of operations and the capital improvements. 

Annually, the city and county provide about $2 million from their general funds to support 911 operations. 

The board also approved an ordinance amending Paducah Code of Ordinances related to the Human Rights Commission. The amendment changes the composition of the Human Rights Commission from five members to seven.

The change is in preparation for the repopulation and activation of the Commission. Mayor Bray said interviews of potential members have begun.