Saturday, February 19, 2000
Officials want city reclassified
BY CINDY SCHROEDER
The Cincinnati Enquirer
INDEPENDENCE — Officials in this fast-growing Kenton County city have asked the Kentucky General Assembly to reclassify Independence as a third-class city.
Legislation was introduced last week by Rep. Tom Kerr, D-Taylor Mill, to change the city's classification.
The bill is scheduled for discussion and a possible vote Thursdayin the House Local Government Committee.
“I just think that for our size city, it makes a lot of sense,” said Independence Mayor Tom Kriege, who recently cast the tie-breaking vote in favor of the reclassification. “It really doesn't change a whole lot about our government, but I think it'll give us a little more clout with the state legislature.”
Independence, which had an estimated population of 13,800 in 1998, is currently a fifth-class city, a designation that normally includes cities with populations of 1,000 to 2,999. The third-class designation is for cities with a population between 8,000 and 19,999.
Independence's estimated population was up from 10,400 in 1990. When the figures from this year's census count are released, Mr. Kriege anticipates his city's population will fall somewhere between 15,000 and 17,000.
“A city is not required to change its classification if it gets larger or smaller, but it can (seek reclassification), if it wants to offer some services, or maybe impose some taxes that it currently can't,” said Carolyn Richardson, spokeswoman for the Kentucky League of Cities. “There are tons of cities in Kentucky that are totally misclassified, if you go strictly by population.”
Some Independence council members who voted against the reclassification were concerned about what new restrictions or costs might be placed on the city because of the change.
“Generally speaking, it will give (Independence) some options that it didn't have in the past,” said City Attorney Lawson Walker.
As a third-class city, Independence could switch to a Civil Service commission for hiring city employees, instead of a more informal system.
While the switch would not affect the mayor-council form of government, it would change the way Independence officials are elected, Mr. Walker said. If more than two candidates run for mayor, or more than 12 run for the six council seats, there would have to be a primary to narrow the field.
If the reclassification is approved by the General Assembly, it would take effect July 1.
Flooding hits Falmouth, may spare us
Falmouth flees rising river
Let children learn what they love to do
County may form stadium authority
Surprise cost hikes common
'Cheapest' gas is still $1.39
Ohio atttorney general wants Justin case
Walgreen's move to cost city $3.7M
Downtown shop closes after 95 years
Taft denies McCain tiff
Dems seeking to oust DeWine differ little
GOP rivals call DeWine soft
LaRosa's becomes police substation
Queen City's moments to shine reflected in book
GET TO IT
H.T. Chen dances are savory blend
Strauss, old Vienna enliven Music Hall
Bacteria found in chicken destined for schools
County race down to one
Deerfield inquiry under way
Fairfield councilman asked to quit
Green Twp. snags road money
Killing statement allowed
Officials want city reclassified
Peace is active, Assisi friar says
Property tax would be higher if Monroe updates own schools
Quilts made to give away
Racer won't face further sex charges
Residents to discuss parking
Suspect's claims of incompetency disputed
Teen riderhopes to make U.S. team
Theater to drop curtain on '60s wide-view films
TRISTATE DIGEST
