LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Council is scheduled to conduct second readings on two budget ordinances on June 9, advancing what would be the final step toward adopting Mayor Linda Gorton's $546 million proposed budget for fiscal year 2027.

The council's agenda calls for votes on two ordinances: the main budget appropriations measure and a pre-funding amendment. The fiscal year 2027 budget, which runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027, must be adopted by June 15 under city charter requirements.

The ordinances follow weeks of review by council members who split into small "link" committees to study budget items and formulate recommendations. The council completed amendments to the Mayor's proposed budget during a May 26 Committee of the Whole meeting, which included requests for $1.5 million from the capital reserve fund for Americans with Disabilities Act compliance, funding for new security equipment and personnel, and money for environmental initiatives and digital accessibility.

The proposed budget comes as the city navigates tighter revenue constraints with slower payroll growth. The mayor's proposal emphasizes infrastructure improvements and winter weather response enhancements, reflecting changes to public works leadership and a new snow-and-ice strategy developed following criticism of the city's handling of severe winter conditions earlier this year.