News Editor The Lexington City Council last week authorized the City Transportation Board to go out to bid for three separate street paving projects in Lexington.

Project areas run from Southwest Boulevard to the north side of Tevis Bridge, from the south side of the bridge to the south side of the First Baptist Church parking lot on S. Business Highway 13, and from the entrance to the Indian Hills subdivision at 224 Highway to Martin Lane. The scope of the projects is still being finalized so final costs are still being determined.

The projects are planned for the spring. Officials said work along Highway 13 is the main priority, adding one of the other projects could be held off until next year if the funds aren’t available.

Due to limited funds, Mayor Tom Hughes explained the Transportation Board has had to adopt a piecemeal strategy of improving sections of streets one at a time.

In other matters:

• Representatives of the Lexington Elks Lodge discussed what they claim are some recent unfairly high water bills assessed to the lodge. They had previously brought the complaints to the Utility Board.

The members disputed the water usage listed on the bills, wondering if it might have to do with false water meter readings. They worried about the higher bills having a negative impact on the lodge’s ability to support local charities.

After the discussion, Council members tabled the matter in order to gather more information about the situation.

• Engineer Jim Ross of Bartlett and West discussed plans for Phase 1 of the proposed wastewater system upgrades. Ross added that plans are also moving forward on applying for State Revolving Loan Funds to support Phase 2.

“By the end of the year we’ll be ready to jump into the design of that one and get that phase rolling,” commented Ross.

Ross said that he would show City Council members a 3-D model of the planned Phase 1 upgrades at the next Council meeting.

• Councilman and Tourism Commission liaison John Harden said Tourism is currently planning two new events for this summer. More information on the events, which will need Council approval, will be forthcoming.

• City Administrator Shawnna Funderburk and Hughes both commended the efforts of city staff in keeping residents safe during the recent snowstorm.

“Our new Street Superintendent Jimmy Richardson and his crew did a great job of clearing the streets during their first significant snowstorm together,” said Funderburk.

• Funderburk thanked Lafayette Regional Health Center for providing an EMS dedicated room near the emergency room where city EMS staff can have a brief respite with snacks and drinks and also do paperwork.

“It’s a huge thing for our staff. They are excited about it,” said Funderburk, who applauded the efforts of LRHC CEO Darrel Box and other hospital officials for making this happen.

• Funderburk said the city has fielded around 15 or 16 applications for the vacant Fire Chief position, which has been advertised online. The city will stop accepting applications on Feb. 13.

Funderburk said at least two panel interviews will be set up soon for all of the applicants, adding the top two or three candidates will be brought in for an additional interview. A final recommendation will be brought before the Council for approval.

“This will be an extensive and comprehensive process,” remarked Funderburk.

The Administrator added the city hopes to approve a new Fire Chief by early spring. Chief of EMS Erika King is currently serving as Interim Fire Chief.

• Funderburk said the city has started its budget process for the 2027 fiscal year, which starts on April 1. The budget has to be approved by the end of March.