LEXINGTON, Ky. — The Urban County Council held its regular meeting Thursday to consider more than a dozen ordinances on first reading, including appropriations for fiscal year 2027 and multiple municipal staffing adjustments.

The council approved a zoning change for property at 500 Southland Dr. in Council District 10, converting the 0.684-acre parcel from Professional Office (P-1) to Neighborhood Business (B-1) zoning in a 9-0 vote. The ordinance is scheduled for second reading on Sept. 9.

Among the budgetary items, the council considered two ordinances amending the FY 2027 budget, which runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. The appropriations cover purchase orders, pre-paid expenses rolling from the previous fiscal year, and current municipal expenditure requirements.

The council also addressed staffing changes across multiple city departments. An ordinance eliminated positions including a Custodial Worker in the Division of Aging and Disability Services and a Vehicle and Equipment Technician in the Division of Facilities and Fleet Management. In addition, positions were transferred or reclassified in the Division of Parks and Recreation, the Office of the Mayor, and the Division of Computer Services.

The council advanced new ordinances creating a Sick Leave Bank Program for classified and unclassified city employees, as well as several positions including a CDL Program Coordinator in Human Resources and two Security Officers in the Department of Public Safety.

First-reading items also included an ordinance prohibiting stopping, standing, or parking in designated bike lanes, with certain exceptions allowed. Tax levy ordinances for general services, public health, and soil and water conservation purposes were also on the agenda, with public hearings scheduled for Aug. 27 at 6 p.m.

The council ratified permanent appointments for 21 city employees across multiple departments, including positions in accounting, fire services, police, parks and recreation, and water quality management.