LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Council met Thursday evening to address a wide-ranging agenda that included major budget amendments for the fiscal year 2027, personnel actions, and a pivotal first reading of a zoning amendment aimed at expanding solar energy development across Fayette County.

Among the ordinances receiving second reading was a zoning ordinance text amendment that would allow large-scale solar energy systems on agricultural land under specific conditions, including requirements for continued agricultural production on solar sites and stormwater management plans. The amendment limits large-scale, ground-mounted solar projects to no more than 1 percent of Fayette County's total acreage.

The council, led by Mayor Linda Gorton, also addressed fiscal concerns with three budget appropriations ordinances on the agenda, handling purchase orders rolling from the previous fiscal year and adjusting expenditures for current municipal needs.

The solar amendment has generated significant community debate. The Planning Commission voted unanimously in July to revise its recommendation and prohibit large and intermediate scale solar energy development in agricultural zones, a departure from the Council's earlier position.

Proponents argue the amendment is critical to Lexington's Race to Net Zero, the city's plan to reduce emissions and reach net-zero by 2050. Some advocates contend that clean energy goals and agricultural preservation are not mutually exclusive.

The council also approved ad valorem tax levies for municipal services, the health department, and soil and water conservation. Personnel matters included the creation of two security officer positions in the Department of Public Safety, a sick leave bank program for employees, and various position reclassifications across city departments.