Covington, Kentucky Development News

City Council Approves Fee Increases, Data Center Moratorium, and Pay Plan Adjustments

The council reviewed and approved meeting minutes from July 9th and July 14th, 2026, and voted to excuse council member Julie Terry Navar's absence from the July 14th, 2026 meeting. The Mayor's report included thanks for support of the Lindberger Fest and encouraged attendance at the Love Porchfest on July 25th, benefiting the Love Though Family Resource and Youth Service Center. A resident, Bob Styetsz, raised concerns about a sinkhole and tilting sidewalk on Oak Street related to telephone pole installation. Jeff Fl expressed concerns about data centers regarding pollution, noise, energy consumption, and water demand. The council then proceeded with the second reading and passage of Ordinance 2026-12, which increases the waste disposal fee for the period of June 1st, 2026, through June 30th, 2029. Following this, Ordinance 2026-13 was passed, imposing a one-year moratorium on applications for IT infrastructure facilities, including data centers, and requesting the Kenton County Planning Commission to study and provide recommendations. Ordinance 2026-14, which amends the alcohol beverage control license fee schedule, adding new license types and modifying fee structures, was also passed. Finally, Ordinance 2026-15, an amended comprehensive pay plan for non-elected city officers and employees, was read in summary, including increases in firefighter medic, EMT, and public works laborer positions. The council also set a special meeting for August 5th to address the fire tax levy, proposing an increase from 0.175 to 0.20. Announcements included a 'hot dogs in the park' event.