Mayor James R. Knight Jr. presented his proposed 2025–2026 budget Friday at the City of Hopkinsville Municipal Center, featuring public safety, economic growth, city infrastructure, and support for municipal employees—while promising no new tax increases.
click to download audioThe $56.9 million proposed budget represents an 11.22% increase in total expenditures but avoids raising taxes by relying on projected growth in payroll and insurance premium tax revenues, as well as reductions in pension costs.
“Since 2023, we have made great progress in public safety, economic growth, city cleanliness, and staff support,” Knight said. “We’re investing in quality of life for our families, our children, our business, and our soldiers.”
Among the major highlights, Knight announced the near-completion of Fire Station 5, marking the first expansion of fire protection in more than two decades.
click to download audioThe city will also add two new fire trucks—one already in service and another arriving in the coming weeks—and 13 new personnel, including nine firefighters and EMTs, three lieutenants, and a fire training officer.
“These trucks are more than just a vehicle,” Knight said. “They are life-saving tools that help our firefighters respond quickly and safely to the emergencies here in Hopkinsville.”
The police department remains fully staffed and accredited, and Knight shared active accreditation efforts for the fire department, emergency communications center, code enforcement, and public works.
click to download audio“Hopkinsville is serious about the quality, safety, professionalism in every department that serves our citizens,” he said.
The budget includes projects designed to stimulate economic growth, including a proposed reduction in business license fees and the launch of a small business conference.
“We are creating more opportunities for local business to thrive,” Knight said. “New business, new industry are coming to Hopkinsville and we have created many new jobs.”
The city’s Downtown Entertainment District is expected to open this summer, which Knight hopes will revitalize the city center.
click to download audioKnight also pledged more resources for city cleanliness and infrastructure. The budget includes additional funding for the demolition of abandoned structures and hiring a contract attorney to resolve property liens and return vacant lots to productive use.
“When a lot is empty and run down, it costs taxpayers money,” he said. “We are stealing from the wealth and families in our community if we allow this to continue.”
The city will supplement its Municipal Road Aid fund with an additional $583,000, with 83% of that allocated for road construction and repair. Funds will also target sidewalk improvements, signage, vehicle maintenance, and snow response.
City employees will receive a 3% raise, and the city will absorb the rising cost of health insurance to prevent added expenses for workers.
“Our employees are the heartbeat of the city,” Knight said. “We are including a three percent salary increase across the board for all.”
The budget also calls for several new positions, including a payroll coordinator, a director of technology and public information, and a recreation program coordinator for youth and senior programs at the Sportsplex.
In a show of support for local nonprofits, Knight announced the launch of “Hoptown Helps,” a new grant program for 501(c)(3) organizations. Funding for the program will increase from roughly $180,000 to between $200,000 and $250,000 this year.
The city will also maintain its partnership with Fort Campbell through the Intergovernmental Support Agreement (IGSA) and continue work with the Military Affairs Committee.
“These efforts help strengthen our connections with the military community to support the soldiers and their families who live, work, and serve in our region,” Knight said.
Throughout the address, Knight reiterated the city’s “Growing Home” project as the guiding principle behind every budget decision.
“Growing Home continues to guide everything we do here in the city,” he said.
click to download audio“Hopkinsville is my home. Hopkinsville is YOUR home. And together, we are keeping the promise of Growing Home,” Knight added.
For more information or to view the full address, visit the City of Hopkinsville’s YouTube channel at @cityofhopkinsvilleky <https://www.youtube.com/@cityofhopkinsvilleky>.
