Rachel Ackerson

The meeting included a citizens address segment where attendees voiced opinions regarding the continuation of the 287G agreement with ICE, with some urging continuation for law enforcement purposes and others requesting direct judicial oversight on the agreement's community impact. General Business featured an update from BE NKY, the economic development company, detailing successful project completions like the OneNKY Center and SparkHaus facility, investments in K-12 workforce programs (Adopt-A-Class, Trades NKY, Navigo), and strategic planning for future workforce challenges related to retirements and AI integration. BE NKY also discussed results from the previous year, including 1,914 jobs created with an average compensation of $73,000. Resolutions addressed budget adjustments for the county police and fleet departments, authorized an amendment to the Northern Kentucky SWAT Inc. interlocal agreement incorporating recent bylaw and name changes, and renamed the Pioneer Award. The Consent Agenda covered approvals for a funding agreement for the Bridge to Medications program at the Detention Center, declaring surplus a vehicle, going out to bid for food/chemical products and remodel services for the Detention Center, approving a funding agreement for the Red Bike program, extending a lawn services contract, soliciting bids for office/janitorial supplies, approving service agreements for S2/Lenel NetVR licensing, purchasing computers, awarding contracts for HVAC maintenance and design services for the New County Park, and awarding a contract for Gasoline and Diesel Fuels Delivery. Executive Orders approved appointments to the BE NKY Board, appointments and acceptances of retirement/resignation for various county positions, and rescinded/declared snow emergencies, while others noted no action was needed.

The agenda items for this meeting include a presentation update from BeNKY, claims list approval dated for February 10, 2026, and several action items requiring resolutions. Resolutions pertain to fiscal year budget adjustments, authorizing an amendment to the Northern Kentucky Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) Inc. Interlocal Agreement, and renaming the Pioneer Award. The Consent Agenda covers multiple requests, such as approval for an amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement with Life Learning Center for the Bridge to Medications program, surplussing a 2016 Dodge Charger, soliciting bids for food and chemical products and for a locker room remodel at the Detention Center, approval of a funding agreement with Cincy Bike Share for the Red Bike Program, contract extensions for landscape/lawn services, soliciting bids for office and janitorial supplies, approval of service agreements for S2/Lenel NetVR Licensing for various departments (Technology Services, Emergency Communications), purchasing computers from Dell for Emergency Communications, awarding contracts for countywide HVAC maintenance (Rusk Heating and Cooling), accepting an amendment to a design services agreement with Apex Aerial Works for the new county park, awarding a contract for the COLA -- Kenton County Auditor Tool, and awarding the RFP for gasoline and diesel fuels delivery. Executive Orders proposed include approving appointments to the BeNKY Board and several appointments, retirements, and resignations within the Emergency Communications Department and Police Department, and approving an appointment to the Northern Kentucky Drug Strike Force.

Key discussions included recognizing Deputy Tim Berwanger with the Silver Star of Bravery Award for his heroic actions during a structure fire. The Court addressed numerous citizen concerns regarding the county's 287g agreement with the Federal government, with several speakers advocating for its termination due to concerns over ICE operations and potential militarization of local enforcement. General business involved approving pay applications for the Kenton County Government Center Parking Garage and approving Claims Lists. Resolutions passed included budget adjustments for the Covington Courthouse chiller replacement, fleet overtime, and psychiatric evaluations, as well as resolutions supporting the use of site development funds for redevelopment projects at 525 Scott St. and the Duro-Bag site in Covington. An ordinance enacting a yearly supplement to the Code of Ordinances was adopted. The Consent Agenda covered fund reallocation for detention center cooler replacements, vehicle purchases for Public Works, bid acceptance for park renovations, and approval of Memoranda of Understanding with the Port Authority. Executive Orders approved re-appointments to the OKI Board and Police Merit Board, authorized step increases for two police personnel, approved a resignation, approved an appointment for a Public Safety Telecommunicator, and noted two Level One and Level Two Snow Emergencies that occurred preceding the meeting. The Police Department provided a quarterly report on the Law Enforcement Navigator Team, noting 189 active cases managed. Emergency Management detailed the snow emergency levels, and the Detention Center provided an update on medical costs, noting significant expenses for specialized care and high overtime hours for deputies supervising hospitalized inmates. Emergency Communications reported going live with the Campbell County 911 CAD system, improving interoperability.

The agenda for the Kenton County Fiscal Court meeting included several action items. General business covered the request for approval of a Payment In Lieu Of Taxes (PILOT) Agreement for Building Marfofma Corp., approval of the Kenton County Detention Center's Policy Manual, and approval of Pay Applications #25 and #26 for the Government Center Parking Garage, in addition to reviewing claims lists. Resolutions required approval for Fiscal Year Budget Adjustments (Resolution No. 26-01D). The agenda also listed the first reading of an ordinance amending the Zoning Ordinance regarding Qualified Manufactured Homes to comply with Kentucky House Bill 160. The Consent Agenda involved multiple requests, such as approving the surplus of a Glock Model 17 and various trucks/equipment, approving a contract with Cincinnati Circus, approving an addendum for the New Kenton County Park, approving truck purchases for Public Works, renewing a sole source agreement with Stryker Corporation, and soliciting proposals for road reconstruction in the Harvest Hill Subdivision. Executive Orders addressed the re-appointment of members to the NKY Port Authority Board, an appointment to the Emergency Communications Board, a lateral hire in the Public Works Department, the acceptance of a resignation from Animal Services, and the rehire of a seasonal laborer for Parks and Recreation. Administrative reporting included updates from Emergency Communications, Police Department, Detention Center, Homeland Security/Emergency Management, County Administrator, County Attorney, Commissioners, and the Judge/Executive, followed by an Executive Session concerning pending litigation.

The meeting included significant public commentary urging the Fiscal Court to end the 287G agreements and intergovernmental service agreements with ICE, citing concerns over federal agent conduct and militarization following the death of Renee Good. General Business involved approving an update to the Federally-funded Subaward Agreement with The Life Learning Center concerning ARPA funds realignment, and approving a new Federally-funded Subaward Agreement with TradesNKY, Inc. to fund renovations and equipment purchases for trade programs in six middle schools. Other approvals included Pay Application #21 for the Kenton County Government Center Parking Garage and various budget adjustments via Resolution and Ordinance, including additional funding for Detention Center gasoline and medical claims. Executive Orders covered the acceptance of the Sheriff's retirement and appointment of a successor, as well as several other personnel and re-appointment actions. Administrative reports covered updates on technology redundancy, the state legislative session, the success of the SparkHaus facility, progress on the Age Well study, and details on the Animal Services Department's 2025 performance metrics, including a live release rate of 96%.