LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — Mayor Linda Gorton has set a list of priorities for how she will recommend federal money is spent on COVID-19 expenses.
Last week, Gov. Andy Beshear announced Kentucky cities would receive federal coronavirus relief funds.
The City of Lexington does not know which expenses will qualify as coronavirus-related expenses.
"Even so, I felt it was clear to establish priorities now," said Gorton. "Our City needs help."
Gorton said the City budget she had to propose in April made cuts that "hurt people who are in need of our help" as revenue dropped dramatically. $40 million was taken out of the budget.
"It was not the kind of budget I wanted to present; it was the kind of budget the times demanded," Gorton said. "With some federal assistance, we can do better."
Gorton's priorities (in no particular order) include:
- Funding for social service agencies the city supported in the past
- Providing funds for affordable housing and those experiencing homelessness
- Replenishing the City's Rainy Day Fund
The Urban-County Council will ultimately vote on how to spend federal dollars.
The Council is expected to ratify the budget on June 9. The new budget goes into effect on July 1.
