LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) — Louisville Metro Council approved the city's amended $1.1 billion budget Thursday night, which finalizes spending plans for fiscal year 2026-27.

In a 22-3 vote, council approved the amended capital and operating budgets.

Mayor Craig Greenberg first unveiled his budget proposal April 23. Metro Council's Budget Committee made amendments Monday before sending the budget to the full council for final approval.

The amended budget reduces planned borrowing by $6.2 million and adds $500,000 to Metro Government's rainy day fund, which originally had no money allocated.

"My goal from the beginning was to seek ways to reduce the amount of borrowing needed to support this budget, while also making sure that every corner of the community received the support it needed," Budget Chairman Kevin Kramer said.

The council also trimmed some of Greenberg's largest proposed projects.

Funding for the Belvedere renovation was reduced from $15 million to $10 million, while funding for the Louisville Affordable Housing Trust Fund was also cut from $15 million to $10 million.

The largest share of spending is in public safety. About half of the city's budget is going toward police and fire services.

That includes a 5.8% increase in the operating budget for the Louisville Metro Police Department, along with new tools for officers on patrol.

The budget also reduced police overtime spending by about $2 million.

Police overtime has been under increased scrutiny following WDRB investigations that found some officers doubled — and in some cases tripled — their salaries through overtime pay. LMPD spent $66 million on overtime over the last three years and, even with the reduction, is still budgeted for about $20 million in overtime next year.

Last month, prosecutors charged an LMPD officer with theft and official misconduct for allegedly lying on his timecard.

Councilwoman Jennifer Chappell, who represents District 15, was one of three members who voted against the budget. During a budget hearing in May, she asked for a break down of overtime by division, and to see the officer's activity while working that overtime.

Chappell said Thursday she believed too many of the budget discussions were done behind closed doors.

"I have a lot of questions that I posed that still are not answered, and I doubt that they ever will be," she said.

Beyond public safety spending, community investments include $40 million for housing needs and $30 million for paving and road improvements. There is also $4.5 million set aside to complete renovations at Sun Valley Park pool and $5.9 million for a gymnasium at the Newburg Community Center.

Additionally, council increased funding for park maintenance from Greenberg's original proposal from $3 million to $4.4 million and added funding for other smaller projects across the city.

Other highlights include:

  • $500,000 for a database to track repeat violent offenders
  • $500,000 for solar projects in Metro buildings and streetlights
  • Nearly $400,000 for traffic safety improvements
  • $1.5 million for land near parks or a future community center in southwest Jefferson County
  • $1 million in improvements at McNeely Lake Park
  • $100,000 for school bus stop lighting study
  • Restoration of Funding for the Kentucky Soil and Water to $113,000
  • $125,000 to Parks & Recreation to build the Florence Skate Spot
  • $250,000 each for capital projects planned by Heuser Hearing Institute and as well as Hosparus Hospice Center

Greenberg released the following statement following the budget's approval:

"Today, with the passage of the FY27 budget, Louisville took another important step forward. I want to thank Metro Council for approving this year's budget and for their partnership throughout the process. Together, we are investing in Louisville families, strengthening neighborhoods, improving public safety, and creating opportunity across our city.

This budget expands access to early learning through Thrive By 5 Louisville, supports affordable housing and homelessness initiatives, invests in parks, libraries, and community centers, strengthens healthcare and food access programs, and continues our commitment to making Louisville safer.

We are making smart investments in our people and neighborhoods while respecting the hard-earned tax dollars that Louisville residents entrust us to manage. Most importantly, this budget is about people. It is about creating opportunities for children to succeed, helping families build stable futures, supporting our seniors, and ensuring every Louisville resident has the chance to build a strong future."

A final amended version of the budget can be found here. It officially takes effect July 1.

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