Mayor Knight proposes conservative city budget, cuts to capital expenses next fiscal year

HOPKINSVILLE, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – On May 1 during a Budget Address, Hopkinsville Mayor James R. Knight shared key priorities for the city’s budget going into the next fiscal year.

The presentation at council chambers with city officials in attendance revealed a 6.39% decrease in the city’s budget, which is proposed to be $53.3 million. Mayor Knight stressed that this budget does not come with any tax increases. Last fiscal year saw a budget of $56.9 million which was an 11% increase from the previous year.

“This year we are making conservative projections based on real data,” said Knight during the budget address. According to the city, the proposed budget reflects a conservative and responsible approach in response to economic uncertainty, while maintaining strong support for core services and community priorities.

Over 61% of the budget expenses are allocated toward payroll for city employee’s, who will see a 3% Cost of Living Adjustment pay raise across the board for a second year in a row.

Decrease in capital expenses for fire and police departments

The presentation showed that capital expenses for the upcoming fiscal year are significantly lower than last year. These funds can be used for upgrades, special projects, or maintenance for various departments.

While the expenses for buildings and properties remain the same, the fire and police departments are not being allocated as much funding. However, parks and recreation and city transfers both may see an increase.

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Key highlights from the mayor’s address

“This budget is more than numbers, it is an investment in our vision for Hopkinsville,” said Mayor Knight. “We are staying focused on what matters most while continuing to move our community forward.”

The 2026–27 budget maintains the city’s foundational priorities while introducing a deeper focus through the mayor’s Growing Home 2.0 initiative, with targeted investment in public safety, housing, small business development, and infrastructure.

Budget highlights include:

• Continued investment in public safety, including the addition of a Code Enforcement Officer and
  funding to address the opioid crisis through an Opioid Response Officer
• Ongoing support for economic development, with expanded efforts through the Small Business
  Commission and initiatives to support local entrepreneurs
• Focused action on housing through the newly established Housing Task Force, building on the city’s
  recent housing assessment
• Continued commitment to city cleanliness through addressing abandoned structures and returning
  vacant properties to productive use
• Support for city staff through a 3% cost-of-living adjustment and strategic staffing decisions to
  strengthen service delivery

The proposed budget will now be submitted to Hopkinsville City Council for review and final approval, with the new fiscal year starting in July.

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