Fort Mitchell residents will get their first look at next year's property tax rate, a new e-bike ordinance and an update on Flock license plate readers when the city council meets Aug. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at council chambers, 2355 Dixie Highway.
The city council agenda lists first readings of four ordinances that touch residents' wallets and sidewalks. None will take effect Monday. All require a second reading and vote at a future meeting.
Tax rates and trash fees
Three of the four ordinances set fiscal year 2026–27 charges:
- Ordinance 2026-09 adopts the compensating real property tax rate.
- Ordinance 2026-10 adopts the park tax rate.
- Ordinance 2026-11 sets waste, garbage, trash and recycling collection charges.
Specific dollar amounts and rates have not been made public. Under Kentucky law (KRS 132.027), the compensating rate is designed to produce roughly the same revenue as the prior year even as property values rise. A city can adopt it without a public hearing; exceeding it triggers a hearing and potential recall petition.
E-bikes on sidewalks
Ordinance 2026-12 would amend Chapter 73 of city code to regulate electric bicycles and other devices on city sidewalks. The move follows months of resident complaints.
"The safety of the walker must take precedent over the safety of the e-bike rider," Mayor Greg Pohlgeers said at the June 1 council meeting, where he voiced support for banning Class 3 e-bikes, throttle-equipped models that reach 28 mph, from sidewalks.
City Attorney Olivia Amlung cautioned at that same meeting that e-bike bans are "very difficult to enforce" and noted the Kentucky League of Cities is studying the issue statewide. Fort Mitchell joins Fort Thomas, Florence, Union and Alexandria among Northern Kentucky cities actively working on e-bike rules this year.
Flock license plate readers
Mayor Pohlgeers will brief the council on Flock automatic license plate reader cameras during his Mayor's Report. As of April 2025, Fort Mitchell Police Chief Rob Nader reported that one Flock camera was operational in the city while others faced installation problems.
The mayor has publicly backed the technology. At the June 1 meeting, he told council members they have "the responsibility to research this topic" and said he does not want the city to "lose the opportunity to find a kidnapped child, for example, because we do not have Flock cameras." Several council members expressed support at that meeting.
The discussion comes as Flock cameras draw scrutiny across the region. Newport backed away from its own Flock proposal in July after public opposition, and Rep. Thomas Massie announced July 25 that he plans to introduce a federal bill to withhold money from municipalities that deploy the cameras. Kenton County is still weighing countywide implementation.
Other business
The council will also vote on Municipal Order 2026-09 to surplus police cruisers and Resolution 2026-07 authorizing continued participation in the National Flood Insurance Program.
The next two council meetings are scheduled for Aug. 31 and Sept. 14, both at 6:30 p.m. at the same location. Residents can attend Monday's meeting in person at council chambers.
