HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Early Friday morning, Hopkinsville Mayor J.R. Knight spoke to a room of community members and city employees during the Mayor’s Budget Address. He shared the proposed, increased budget for the city, announcing that there will be no tax increases in the upcoming fiscal year.

“As we plan for the years ahead, we are focused on our future, not our past,” said Knight during the address. “We’re investing in quality of life for our families, our children, our businesses, and our soldiers. Every decision has been intentional. We have made decisions with the future of Hopkinsville in mind.”

The budget for the 2025-26 fiscal year is $56,936,517, which is an 11.22% increase from the current fiscal year’s budget, which came in at just over $51 million. He emphasized that no tax increases will be implemented, despite the increased investment.

Where the money is going and coming from

Knight said he plans on continuing his Growing Home initiative this fiscal year, which focuses on promoting public safety, economic growth, city cleanliness, and staff support.

Projected expenses for the city’s general fund are mostly occupied by payroll, which will cost nearly $33 million in the upcoming fiscal year. This comes after Knight announced that all government employees will receive a 3% salary increase.

In regard to capital expenses, the budget shows that police and Buildings & Properties have the most dollars going their way. $575,541 goes to the Hopkinsville Police Department, while $550,000 goes to Buildings & Properties. This leaves City Maintenance with $360,000 and the Hopkinsville Fire Department with $350,000, among expenses in other departments.

“We continue a strong support for our police, fire, our city maintenance, and informational technologies,” said Knight. “We are continuing to invest in our Public Works department, we want to make sure they have what they need to keep our city running smoothly. We are still making key investments in parks and recreation, and our partnerships with Fort Campbell.”

He also added that the city will make their final payment in their investment into Bluegrass Splash waterpark this year. The budget report also broke down projected revenue that the city will receive in the new fiscal year, with the majority of revenue coming in from property tax, payroll withholdings, and insurance premium taxes.

Key highlights

The city outlined key highlights coming up this fiscal year in Hopkinsville including additional government staffing, construction of the new fire station, additional funding into roads and infrastructure, establishing the Downtown Entertainment District this summer, and focusing on demolishing abandoned structures.

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.

A full look at a recording of the Mayor’s Budget Address can be found on the City of Hopkinsville website. Next, the budget will be forwarded to the Hopkinsville City Council for final approval.