RICHMOND–City Commissioners heard that the opening of the multi-million dollar mega sports complex originally set to open earlier this year has been delayed again, and at additional cost.

Commissioners also passed ad valorem tax rates for the year, an ordinance regarding standards for qualified manufactured homes, and a 10-day grace period for mail payments during their regular Commission meeting on September 8.

Delayed again

During the City business portion of the meeting when Order 26-132, authorizing the City to spend $153,819.82 on additional construction work at the Richmond Regional Sports Complex, was read out, it passed in a unanimous roll call vote. The money will come from the Richmond Regional Sports Complex Fund. 

The change order includes adding conduit and junction boxes for data collection and security cameras, concrete pads and seat walls for bleachers at the tennis and pickleball courts, masonry bases for seven kiosk signs and fuel tank containment, as well as enlarging the site grading and drainage plan for the tennis and pickleball courts. 

The order was tabled during the last Commission meeting in August at Minerich’s request due to “incorrect information” which was not specified. 

But during the Commissioner comment period, Tammy Cole wanted more details on the delay. Minerich said that the park will have a soft opening in mid November. 

“I’m not going to give you a date,” Minerich said, adding that the Lexington Sporting Club, Eastern Kentucky University, and soccer teams around the state are interested in the venue and holding tournaments at the Complex, Minerich said.

“It’s on everybody’s radar statewide,” Minerich said. 

Previously, Building Maintenance Superintendent Tim Gross told The Edge Minerich had assured him the complex would open in October.

Ordinances

A second reading of Ordinance 26-55 outlining the City’s ad valorem (real and property) tax rate for 2026 passed unanimously in a roll call vote. The tax rate is 0.155 cents per every $100 of assessed value for personal property, an increase of 0.18 cents over last year. Real property is now 0.11 cents per every $100 of assessed value (a tenth of 1% decrease) and motor-vehicles are the same at 0.287 cents per $100 of assessed value. 

Taxes must be paid by December 31. After January 1, late payment will result in a 10% penalty and an interest rate of 15% per annum until paid. Tax bills paid before November 1 will receive a 2% discount.  

The Commission also heard a second reading of Ordinance 26-26, which regulates compatibility standards for qualified manufactured homes within residential neighborhoods per a new state law as previously reported. The ordinance passed unanimously in a roll call vote and took effect immediately. The roof pitch was set to 7:12 to ensure that the homes will have peaked roofs instead of flat tops, City Attorney Johnson said.  

Commissioners also heard the first reading of Ordinance 26-27 authorizing the City to close the alleyway connecting Heath Street to Big Hill Avenue per the request of property owner, MBR Properties LLC. 

Commissioner Jim Newby asked whether there was a specific problem with the alleyway, noting that closures do not just happen without a reason. 

“It’s just not passable anymore and kinda leaves an open space for gatherings that we’d rather not have,” City Manager Rob Minerich said. 

The closure of the alleyway will also allow the City to use the land for development, Johnson told the Commission. 

Orders

Order 26-137 which gives citizens a 10-day grace period for payments submitted through the United States Postal Services, also passed in a unanimous roll call vote. The grace period does not apply to any other form of payments, such as in-person and online payments or payments through private couriers like FedEx or UPS. 

Due to changes in USPS mail processing operations, payments made through the mail are rerouted through Louisville despite being posted in Richmond. This adversely affects residents who “rely on the timeliness of postmark mailed payments to comply with statutory or city mandated deadlines,” according to the order. 

Without the 10-day grace period, many payments were classified as late even if a citizen sent it through mail before the deadline because the mail was not postmarked until it reached Louisville, Johnson told the Commission. 

The order was tabled during the last Commission meeting in order to specify that the grace period only applies to payments for the City and not payments for Richmond Utilities. 

The Commission also unanimously passed Order 26-145, which distributed $50,000 to charities and non-profits that provide services to Richmond citizens. 

The non-profits awarded include The Richmond Arts Council ($5,000), Madison High School Women’s Brunch ($500), Compassionate Care Plus Hospice ($1,000), Friends of Maple Grove Cemetery ($500), Daniel Boone Elementary MTSS ($500), CASA of the Wilderness Trail ($5,000), Hopes Wings Domestic Violence Program ($5,000), Telford YMCA Achievers Program ($500), New Liberty Family Shelter ($3,000), Dry Dock Club ($2,000), Special Olympics of Kentucky ($2,500), Redeeming Hope Inc. ($5,000), Madison County Haven of Hope ($3,000), Madison County Youth Athletic Association ($1,000), St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church ($500),  Better with Books ($5,000), Affirm Women’s Health ($3,000), Madison County Historical Society ($1,000), The Home of Opportunities and Dreams ($1,000), and the Humane Society Animal League for Life, Inc. ($5,000). 

Hires and resignations

Order 26-139 to hire five new firefighters passed unanimously, meaning all 74 positions at the Richmond Fire Department are now filled. More than 200 people applied for the positions, which is a new record according to Fire Chief Patrick Tudor. 

“After physical testing, written testing, interviews, these are what I would call the cream of the crop and I have all the confidence in the world that they will provide the city with 25 years of dedicated service,” Tudor said. 

Ceremonial Orders 26-140 and 26-141 were read to commemorate the retirement of Vernon Cecil in the Building and Grounds Department and Emma Carmack in the Battlefield Department. Ceremonial Orders 26-143 and 26-144 were also read to commemorate the retirements of Russell Barrett and Zachary Stanley in the Public Works Department as well as Rebecca Foster in the Police Department. 

City manager's report 

The Kentucky Heritage Council will be conducting a property audit at the Richmond Battlefield, Minerich said. 

“One hasn’t been done in several years. The last one we received from them had a lot of deficiencies,” he said. “So I’m excited to take them out there and walk them through the property with all the renovations we’ve done.” 

The City also is looking to hire someone for the Battlefield curator position. The Visitor center will open on September 30. 

Commissioner comments

Commissioner Mike Brewer praised actors who were part of the Battle of Richmond Reenactment on August 29 for their performances. 

Brewer also wanted to know how long it would take to bring 207 Bob-O-Link Drive up to code. The house has a gravel driveway which is against City Code. Brewer also previously brought up this issue during the first regular Commission meeting in August. 

The process would take several months of notices and fines, Minerich said. Eventually the City can place a lien on the property if the owner refuses to pay the fines. 

“That usually really gets their attention because then they can’t sell it or do anything with the property without fulfilling that lien obligation,” Minerich said. 

Commissioner Mendi Goble said that she had a lot of calls about downtown traffic lights not being in sync. 

“Like you get a green and you can’t go because it’s backed up because the other light’s red,” Goble said. “And now that school’s back in session, it just seems like there’s a lot more.” 

Minerich said that he would talk to Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Traffic Supervisor Natalia McMillan.

Goble also highlighted the success of Leadership Madison County, which had its first session over the summer. Participants heard about community resources for those in need, she said. 

Newby apologized for not being able to attend the Battle of Richmond reenactment in August. 

Blythe encouraged the public to attend Tasty Tuesdays which take place from 5 pm to 8 pm at Irvine McDowell Park. The last Tasty Tuesday of the season will take place on September 29. 

Presentations 

Prior to City business, a soccer coach received the key to the city for her work with Richmond youth, the mayor awarded $50,000 to various charities and organizations, and Commissioners praised volunteers at the Battle of Richmond reenactment. 

“Citizens come up with wonderful ideas of things that we can do and then they invest themselves in it,” Blythe said about the various commemorations.

Blythe gave youth soccer coach, Rachel Poynter, who was in tears, a symbolic key to the city for her work with the Madison United Soccer Association. Poynter was named the Kentucky Youth Soccer Association (KYSA) Boys Competitive Coach of the Year. 

“What you’ve done and shared with these children and young people enhances the quality of life for this entire community,” Blythe said. 

Blythe also read a comment submitted by a nine-year-old citizen named Benny. “Coach Rachel has taught me so much, and I can use that no matter what team I’m on. And I know she’ll always be cheering for me,” he said. 

Poynter told the Commission it was a privilege to work with her players and to have the ability to impact their lives. “We always think we can’t do enough, we need to do more,” Poynter said while holding back tears. “And so when you know you’ve done enough for at least one child, it’s a good feeling,” 

The Millstone Festival, which will take place on October 3rd from 11 am to 8 pm along Main Street will feature live music, craft, community, and food vendors, as well as a car show, a magician, petting zoo, train, and an identical twin contest. Parking will be available in areas surrounding Main Street. Alternatively, Kentucky River Foothills will provide transportation to the festival from the Madison Central High School parking lot, according to City Public Information Officer Kelley McBride. 

McBride also highlighted the NEON Night 5K Run/Walk taking place on September 25 along Water Street. The event will raise money to support cancer patients in Madison County. There will be a block party from 6 pm to 10 pm, with a kick off event at 7 pm. The race will begin at 8 pm.  

These are briefs from the September 8, 2026 Richmond City Commission meeting. For agenda and minutes of all Commission meetings, visit the City's website. To watch live streams or previously recorded City meetings, visit the City's YouTube channel and choose the "live" tab.