LEXINGTON, Ky. — Mayor Linda Gorton presented her proposed fiscal year 2027 budget to the Urban County Council on Tuesday, outlining a plan that emphasizes infrastructure improvements, winter weather response enhancements, and public engagement as the city navigates tighter revenue constraints.

Gorton delivered her annual budget address as the public-facing phase of Lexington's budgeting process began. The proposal comes as the city faces slower payroll growth expected to impact its ability to create new positions and recurring programs.

A significant focus of the proposed budget involves winter weather operations. The mayor announced plans to allocate resources for improved ice and snow response following criticism of the city's handling of severe winter conditions earlier this year. In March, Gorton replaced public works leadership and committed to developing a new snow-and-ice strategy. Her budget proposal includes funding for contracts with private companies and new equipment to improve winter readiness.

Council members will now begin reviewing the proposal through "link" meetings, where groups of three council members meet with city departments to discuss funding priorities. A public hearing is scheduled for May 14 at 6 p.m., where residents can provide input on budget priorities. The Urban County Council must adopt the final budget by June 15, with the new fiscal year beginning July 1.

A public input survey about Lexington's budget priorities is open through April 17, giving residents another avenue to weigh in on how the city should allocate its resources during the budget process.