LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Lexington Police and Fire Retirement Fund board welcomed a new active police trustee, approved a series of personnel actions and recognized retirees and relatives who died in September, according to a transcript of the Wednesday meeting. The board meets monthly in the Council Chamber at 200 E. Main St., according to the city's calendar listing.

Treasurer Chad told trustees the fund's value was about $1.13 billion as of the previous day, down from about $1.14 billion in September. He said the financial reports were a month behind because of the city's fiscal year close and that a larger batch would arrive in November. The board approved his report and a transfer authorization letter. The fund first passed $1 billion in early 2026, and in September the board raised the city's employer contribution rate to 51.24% to address unfunded liabilities.

Officer Kevin Paddock, who ran unopposed, will serve a two-year term as the active police trustee. Trustees thanked Officer Greg Marlin for his service. In the retiree trustee race, a member named Brock won and will also serve two years. Dean Hammond withdrew his disability application, and his email is included in the board packet.

The board also approved the September minutes and October disbursements. It signed off on service retirements for Sergeant Jason Orth, effective this month, and for a second police sergeant, effective October 11, 2026. Widow's annuity benefits were approved for two surviving spouses, and the board completed and distributed medical reports for a member identified as Timothy Dawson.

The most extended debate came on a request for total occupational disability for a retired officer. Detective Jennings noted that the packet showed conflicting entries, with the applicant marked both able and unable to perform certain tasks. His amendment sent the file back to the submitting physician for clarification, and the main motion passed as amended.

Trustees paid tribute to several people who died in September, including Jack Burns, who died September 23, and Orville Cook and Richard Reefs, who both died September 26. Madeleine Gilbert, widow of Jerry Gilbert, was also recognized, along with the spouses of retirees Leone Huffman and Don Childers. Chief Weathers offered condolences and congratulated retiring sergeants. Other trustees described Cook as an early leader in the city's emergency medical services program, saying he helped start the first ambulance at Keeneland.

Tommy Puckett reported nothing for the benefits or legislative subcommittees. The organizational subcommittee has two items and will meet after the session. The November board meeting has moved to November 18 in the third-floor conference room of the Phoenix Building, and one trustee will miss that date and attend the December meeting instead.