Hopkinsville residents will have an opportunity to tell city officials how they want tax dollars allocated in the next budget.
A community budget forum is slated for 6:30 p.m. Monday, March 10, at the Hopkinsville Municipal Center, 715 S. Virginia St.
“This is an opportunity for residents to have a voice in the budget process,” Mayor James R. Knight Jr. said in a press release. “We encourage everyone to attend, ask questions and share their vision for Hopkinsville’s future.”
Residents who attend the forum will be able to share their “priorities, concerns and ideas” for the 2025-26 budget.
“Public input is essential in shaping funding decisions that impact city services, infrastructure and community programs,” the release states.
In 2024-25, Hopkinsville City Council approved a $52.1 million operating budget and a capital budget of approximately $2.4 million.
Each year the Hopkinsville mayor presents a budget proposal — usually during a public forum in late April or early May. Then city council may adopt the spending plan as presented or it can amend sections. The council must approve the budget before the beginning of the next fiscal year on July 1. Two readings are required for adoption.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
