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Mayor Gorton released her proposed budget for fiscal year 2026 to city council on Tuesday, citing a "focus on efficiency" and an eye to the future as inspiration. Gorton mentioned the decision to merge city and county governments over 50 years ago as an example of Lexington's ability to successfully plan for tomorrow.

The complete budget totals $832.6 million, with a General Fund of $539.2 million from payroll + business taxes. The rest comes from several dedicated funds, as well as property taxes.

Highlight from the proposed budget include:

$8 million capital fund for new parks projects
$28 million in sewer upgrades + building renovations
$18 million bond issue — think: using the family credit card less for a smaller interest payment
$3.4 million in snow + ice prevention
$4.8 million on new Fire vehicles, including two fire engines and an ambulance
$400,000 for Lexington Children's Museum
$250,000 second phase solar farm study at Haley Pike landfill