Mayor Linda Gorton, Vice Mayor Dan Wu, and members of the Urban County Council at their inauguration on Dec. 30, 2022. | Photo by Amy Wallot/LFUCG
This week, the Lexington City Council voted on how it will spend the city’s $20+ million in available Fund Balance money. Before we break down the full list, which includes a new government center + eviction prevention funding, let’s talk about where this money comes from.
What is a Fund Balance?
According to CivicLex, a Fund Balance is money left over from the previous fiscal year’s budget that has not been spent. This money can be made available either through increased revenue, decreased spending, or planned expenses that haven’t occurred. Fun fact: The previous FY budget ended on June 30 with a total Fund Balance of ~$213.5 million.
The numbers
Of that above number, ~$193 million was either already committed or non-spendable, leaving the total unassigned + spendable money at $20.443 million. The mayor and each city council member made specific recommendations of how they’d like to see that money spent with a price tag of $47.64 million on the joint list.
Let’s dive into some of the big-ticket items that were approved —
$8.5 million will be placed in a capital reserve account for a new city government center + can be used for other projects if the city does not move forward in the next two years.
$3.1 million will be spent to help with renovations + improvements to the Lexington Fire Department training center on Old Frankfort Pike.
$2 million will be spent on paving roads around town (District 10 Council member Dave Sevigny originally requested $12 million).
$1.5 million will be broken into $100,000 given to each council member to spend on projects in their respective districts.
Events
Events
Thursday, Oct. 31
Lexington Halloween Bar Crawl | 5-11 p.m. | Belles Cocktail House | $25+ | Indulge in adult treats while exploring multiple Lexington bars in costume.
West Sixth Fright Night: A Haunted Brewery Trail | 6-8 p.m. | West Sixth Brewing | $20 | Take a ~15-minute tour of the brewery with a scary spin and beer samples, plus score a glow-in-the-dark pint and a beer ticket for the taproom.
Halloween Party | 7 p.m. | Blue Stallion Brewing Co. | Free | Celebrate the scary occasion with trivia, a special test batch brew, and festive bites from in-house kitchen Yearling Pizza.
Friday, Nov. 1
“TINA - The Tina Turner Musical” | Friday, Nov. 1-Sunday, Nov. 3 | Times vary | Lexington Opera House | $49+ | This play, set to Tina Turner’s hits, is simply the best way to pay homage to the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll.
UK Symphony Orchestra: Dvořák + Copland | 7:30-9 p.m. | Singletary Concert Hall | $11+ | Conductor John Nardolillo leads the University of Kentucky Symphony Orchestra as they perform Dvořák’s “New World Symphony” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring Suite.”
Saturday, Nov. 2
EquineEd: Common Therapies for Horses | 12:30-1:30 p.m. | Kentucky Horse Park Visitor Center | Free | Instructor Jennifer Moore shares how horse owners can incorporate bodywork and therapies into equine care.
Day of the Dead Festival | 5-9 p.m. | Moondance Amphitheater | Free | Observe Dia de los Muertos with live music, a community Ofrenda, food trucks, crafts, and more family-friendly activities.
Early voting for the 2024 General Election begins today, Oct. 31, and is an option for any registered voter. If you’d like to cast your ballot early, visit any public library in Fayette County Thursday, Oct. 31-Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Seasonal
Kentucky Native Cafe is officially on break as it transitions from the summer outdoor season to winter hours inside the greenhouse. Go ahead and mark your calendars for the Christmas Market which will take place Saturday, Dec. 7 + Sunday, Dec. 8.
Lexingtonian
Everyone wish Hank the Horse a happy, happy birthday. Lexington’s own book-loving equine turned 16 this week and celebrated with a special party in Georgetown. Learn more about his mission + how you can support his nonprofit “For Hank’s Sake.” (LEX18)
Shop
Calling all antique lovers. Main Street’s Thoroughbred Antique Gallery is hosting a holiday open house this Saturday, Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day will also feature pet portraits from local artist Stewart Montgomery + a book signing with Jon Carloftis.
Community
Celebrating 175 years, The Lexington Cemetery remains a very special place due to the original vision of its founders. Inspired by garden cemeteries in Boston, Philadelphia, and Paris, France, the cemetery was laid out with paved paths and beautifully maintained landscaping. Learn more about its many memorialization options and tour it yourself.*
Job
We’re looking for a rising star media seller to be our Sales Executive in charge of National Brand Partnerships with a primary focus on sports newsletters. Apply to join the 6AM City team.
Tech
Don’t let password vulnerabilities put your personal data at risk. Protect your online accounts with Keeper Security. New customers can sign up starting at $1.50 per month.*
The Buy
The Buy
A three-pack of NIVEA’s cocoa butter in-shower body lotion — apply, rinse, and go to moisturize dry skin without adding another step to your routine.
If you haven’t checked out “Dogs & Cats: An Exhibition” at the Headley-Whitney Museum, this weekend is a great time. On Sunday, Nov. 3 at 1:30 p.m. you can meet two of the featured artists for an artist talk session. Learn more.
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