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The Winchester Board of Commissioners voted to keep its tax rates level on Tuesday.

The Board members made their decision after hearing the second reading of an ordinance that will keep the real property rate at 14.6 cents per $100 valuation and 14.99 cents for personal property.

Per Kentucky law, there was a hearing before the vote, but no public comments were made.

The Board heard its first reading of the ordinance during its Sept. 7 meeting.

Fire/EMT Promotions

As loved ones looked on, four employees of the Winchester Fire-EMS department had their promotions approved by the Board.

“All four of these gentlemen went through a competitive process,” said Winchester Fire Chief Chris Whiteley. “The way they represented themselves not only brings great credit upon them as people but is a great reflection on the City of Winchester and the Winchester Fire Department.”

Fire Lt. August Fisher was promoted to battalion chief.

Firefighters Ethan Brogli, Austin Carr, and Thomas Napier were elevated to the rank of lieutenant.

Street Closures

The Board approved applications for two street closures in October.

Main Street from West Lexington Avenue to Court Street will be closed on the 4th from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. for a scout guide photoshoot.

Depot Street will be blocked off on the 16th, starting at 3 p.m. for the Oktoberfest Night Market. The event will last from 5 to 11 p.m.

Municipal Utilities Commission Appointment

The Board approved Mayor Ed Burtner’s appointment of Jim Roarx to a four-year term on the Winchester Municipal Utilities Commission. Roarx’s term begins on Oct. 1 and expires on September 30, 2025.

Contracts with Integrated Engineering

The Board authorized Burtner to execute documents that enter the city into two agreements with Integrated Engineering of Lexington.

The engineering firm will build a drawing survey for storm inlets and cleanouts for the project on Lincoln Street. The service will cost the city $8,949.

The firm will also perform a stormwater study on the area near Barlow Drive and Holiday Road for $19,890.

Alley Closure Ordinance

An unnamed 30 by 12-foot alley running from Redwood Court to 323 Main Street will be closed and become the property of James and Pamela Gillette.

The Board voted to pass the ordinance after hearing the second reading of it. The first reading took place at the Sept. 7 meeting.