City of Cynthiana

2025 was a transformative year for Cynthiana's water system. The City completed its Lead Service Line Inventory and successfully removed all but three known lead service lines. The final line is scheduled for removal, and a $1.2 million grant application has been submitted to close the chapter on lead service infrastructure fully.

Significant operational improvements were also made. A dedicated water distribution team was formally created, and licensing progress continues: two operators have passed their Class I exams, and the final operator's test is scheduled, bringing the team to full licensing. The department also welcomed a new Class III operator.

System reliability and water quality saw major upgrades, including:

Most notably, the City secured $14.3 million in grant funding for a Granular Activated Carbon (GAC) filtration system, a critical investment that will strengthen long-term water quality and system resilience.

Public Works made meaningful improvements across the City in 2025, balancing large projects with the daily work that keeps Cynthiana running. The purchase of a mini excavator significantly expanded the department's in-house capacity to complete projects, enabling the installation and repair of extensive drainage infrastructure, including new storm pipes, boxes, and grates.

The department completed sidewalk, curb, and gutter repairs, worked alongside the Recreation Department on park improvements, and addressed rough road locations with concrete repairs and resurfacing, including areas along Bridge Street and Newsome Avenue. Citywide crosswalks and striping were refreshed, new signage installed, and aging signs replaced.

Additional accomplishments included the cleanup of the city cemetery's northern treeline, limb and brush overhang removal, and preparation for winter operations, including the installation of a new plow and salt box. A new 550 dump truck has been ordered to support future needs. All of this was accomplished while maintaining essential daily services, including mowing, downtown trash pickup, storm cleanup, pothole patching, leaf collection, and snow and ice response.

Tourism saw strategic growth in 2025, guided by the creation of a comprehensive Tourism Strategic Plan that sets long-term priorities for sustainable development. Tourism invested $12,982.91 in Downtown Improvement Grants (DIG) to support building owners with façade improvements and small-scale projects that enhance downtown's appearance and vibrancy. New subcommittees were established (Downtown, Events, and Outdoor Recreation), opening the door to greater community involvement and idea-sharing.

Visitor data reflected an uptick in local tourism, with a 15% increase in overnight trips and a 14% increase in total trip nights compared to 2024. Creative initiatives like the Mural Walk brochure and website, which earned a Bronze Award from the Kentucky Travel Industry Association, helped tell Cynthiana's story in new ways.

Signature programming expanded, designating April as Art Month, the Great Spring Shopabout, and additional downtown activations, boosting foot traffic and supporting local businesses. A new public art mural featuring Cynthia and Anna at the corner of Pleasant and Main Streets was commissioned by Tourism, continuing the celebration of Cynthiana's history and identity through public art. Creative placemaking efforts continued through programs like the Cynthiana Skeleton Adoption Agency and the new Cynthiana Curiosity Adoption Bureau, blending storytelling with tourism.

The department strengthened marketing, improved website functionality, launched a community-wide events calendar, and advanced long-term placemaking projects that will continue into 2026.

In 2025, the Cynthiana Police Department made meaningful progress in strengthening public safety, officer preparedness, and community partnerships. Through successful grant writing and responsible use of funds, CPD secured and utilized more than $275,000 in grant and forfeiture funding to support operations, equipment, and training. These investments provided new body armor for all officers, updated Tasers, a fully equipped K-9 vehicle, improvements at the shooting range, and a generator at the repeater tower to enhance emergency communications. The department also completed digitizing police records dating back to 2000, modernizing recordkeeping and improving internal efficiency.

CPD continued to invest in its people by promoting Drew Merrill to Sergeant, training two new officers, and currently supporting another in the academy. CPD maintained strong partnerships with local organizations such as the Clayton Arnold Foundation and Hope's Helping Hands, continuing its commitment to serving the community beyond public safety. A dozen officers earned KACCA Animal Control certifications to expand service capacity. Together, these accomplishments reflect CPD's continued commitment to professionalism, preparedness, and service to the City of Cynthiana.

The Fire Department achieved several milestone accomplishments in 2025. On February 1, the City's improved ISO fire rating went into effect. Cynthiana went from a Class 4 to a Class 2, a meaningful indicator of fire protection quality that benefits both residents and businesses, large and small.

Funding and planning for the Station 1 expansion moved forward, and the City secured land for a fire training facility, supported by a $65,000 grant from the Kentucky Fire Commission and a $23,000 private donation from Bullard. These investments will expand training opportunities, improve readiness, and reduce long-term costs.

The department hired and trained a new firefighter recruit, completed its first full year of automatic aid with Harrison County Fire, and celebrated professional achievements, including three officers earning IFSAC Fire Officer II certification. New equipment was placed into service, and the department also honored the retirements of Assistant Chiefs Wagner Perrin and PJ Simpson, and Firefighter Lancer Mastin, after decades of service.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant treated approximately 401 million gallons of wastewater in 2025, maintaining its primary goal of compliance and achieving six consecutive years with zero violations. Operational efficiencies enabled the department to transition from a five-person crew to a four-person crew, with the resulting cost savings reinvested in capital improvements.

Major projects advanced, including the award of a construction contract for the Country Club Area sewer project, a three-lift station replacement project scheduled to begin in January, and preliminary engineering for a sewer line extension to the bypass serving the Cynthiana-Harrison County Economic Development Authority and future development.

New control panels were installed at key lift stations, GIS mapping continued to improve, and staff completed 915 utility locates. The plant also continued its contract with the Harrison County Sanitation District, treating wastewater without violations, while all operators maintained required certifications through 2027.

2025 marked a year of groundwork and modernization for Dispatch. The center achieved full ORI compliance, completed major CAD system upgrades, implemented comprehensive NCIC/LINK filing systems, and formalized training documentation and manuals across all major platforms.

Policies were updated for school safety and aviation emergencies, an Officer Safety Board was established, and internal documentation systems were strengthened to enhance accountability and continuity. Community engagement increased through public outreach, and updated keyholder information improved response efficiency. Above all, our 911 dispatchers are the calm, steady first point of contact in moments of crisis, standing ready every day to connect residents with the help they need.

In 2025, several large infrastructure projects moved forward, including the Old and New Lair Connector Road and Webster Avenue Roundabout projects, both of which are nearing completion of their design phases. These projects represent important steps toward improving traffic flow, safety, and connectivity around the City. Cynthiana also experienced a 6.65% increase in Occupational Tax revenue since 2024, reflecting continued economic activity and stability within the community.

In June, the Mayor arranged a partnership between WCYN and the City Commission to live-stream commission meetings, expanding transparency and making local government more accessible to residents. The City Commission also continued its work on a comprehensive five-year strategic plan to guide priorities, investments, and long-term decision-making for the City.

Behind every policy decision and public-facing project is the steady, essential work of the City Clerk's office. The City Clerk staff of four keeps the city operating day in and day out. They collect taxes, manage department budgets, and provide human resources support for the 100 city employees. They administer billing for over 2,700 water meters, handle business licensing, and manage federal and state grant funds, along with the extensive compliance requirements that come with them.

Just as importantly, the Clerk's office serves as the front line of customer service for the residents of Cynthiana. Whether answering questions, solving problems, or helping neighbors navigate city services, their work ensures that local government functions smoothly, responsibly, and with care.

The accomplishments of 2025 are a direct reflection of the dedication of City employees, department heads, community partners, and residents who believe in The Maiden City's future. While challenges remain, the groundwork laid this year positions the City for continued progress in 2026 and beyond.