LEXINGTON, Ky. — The minutes from the Urban County Council's June 4 meeting show the body approved multiple ordinances and resolutions, including a controversial expansion of the Red Mile Tax Increment Financing district and several budget amendments aimed at addressing roads and code enforcement needs.

At the June 4 meeting, the council voted unanimously to approve five ordinances on second reading. The votes included three zoning changes for properties on Country Club Drive, Clays Mill Road and East High Street; a fiscal year 2026 budget amendment; and the Red Mile Development Area expansion ordinance. The council also approved an amendment creating a classified civil service position for a plumber in the Parks and Recreation Division.

The Red Mile expansion was approved without debate or public comment, incorporating the racetrack and its infield into the tax increment financing district. Under TIF rules, developers can apply newly generated taxes from an area to pay for public infrastructure improvements. The council moved quickly on the measure because state law will bar Kentucky cities from amending existing TIF districts after July 1, 2026.

The council also approved a budget amendment that adds funding for Streets and Roads expenses and allocates $50,000 in the General Capital Project Fund for Code Enforcement sidewalk assistance. Council Member James Brown motioned to include these provisions during the meeting, an action seconded by Council Member Jennifer Reynolds.

Mayor Linda Gorton presented Mulberry & Lime owner Mary Ginnochio with a proclamation recognizing June 4 as Mulberry & Lime Day. The downtown gift and home furnishings shop opened in 2001 and has operated for 25 years in a historic family home on Limestone Street. Ginnochio thanked the city for its early support and urged the council to continue assisting local downtown businesses.

The council also approved ordinances on first reading that will appear on the November 2026 ballot. One proposal would set the annual salary cap for all council members at $59,987 beginning January 2031, adjusted for inflation using 2027 as the base year. Another ordinance on first reading would require the council to establish standards for member attendance and accountability. A third charter amendment proposal would require the council to convene a Charter Review Assembly at least once every eight years.