December 15, 2022

First Steps to Success for Newly Elected Officials

Many cities across the state are preparing for newly elected officials to begin serving on Jan. 1. These are a few important first steps to ease the transition and ensure everyone gets off on the right foot:

  1. Have all newly elected officials take the oath of office before Jan. 1. The oath can be given as soon as the election results are certified. (Note, Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and Louisville Metro Government elected officials are required to complete the oath by the first Monday in January.) You can access an affidavit for the oath of office here.
  2. Have elected officials who will handle or have access to public funds bonded before Jan. 1. (KRS 62.050 and KRS 65.067)
  3. Explain the city form of government and their role (specific job duties) within the form of government. A copy of city ordinances and the KLC City Officials Legal Handbook would be very helpful. (The 2023 KLC City Officials Legal Handbook will be available in January, and everyone attending the City Officials Academy will receive a complimentary copy!)
  4. Provide a city organizational chart with employee names, job titles, and other information, such as physical location, reporting relationships, and job responsibilities.
  5. Provide a calendar that includes upcoming important dates and events. This could include dates for setting tax rates, budget deadlines, audits, and the regular monthly meetings schedule. You can find KLC’s legal deadline calendar here.
  6. Provide information on city boards and commissions, including their duties and how appointments are made. Also, advise if any upcoming appointments will need to be made.
  7. Provide information on the mayor’s requirements to distribute open meetings and open records act information.
  8. Plan a time for the newly elected officials to meet city employees.
  9. Give them information about KLC, including the website (www.klc.org) and who to call when they have questions.
  10. Have first-time elected officials register and attend your region’s City Officials Orientation in December and the City Officials Academy in January (offered in Bowling Green and Lexington).