newcomer's guide

Whether you're considering relocating to Lexington or you're already on your way to becoming a citizen of the "Horse Capital of the World", here is a guide to what you'll need to get settled into the Bluegrass.

Local Government

tops in lexIn 1974, the governments of the city of Lexington and Fayette County, Kentucky merged to create the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, often referred to as the LFUCG. This move was prompted by efforts to make the local government more efficient and cost-effective. Lexington has an elected mayor and a 15-member city council. Twelve representatives are elected to the Urban County Council for two-year terms and three at-large members are elected to 4-year terms, with the member receiving the most votes becoming the Urban County Government vice mayor.

To receive general info, for assistance with city services and all related queries, dial 311 from a Lexington landline telephone or call the Urban County Government's switchboard: (859) 425-2255.

The LFUCG Website.

State Government

The Commonwealth of Kentucky is one of four US States to use the term commonwealth, which denotes that the state has a "government based on the common consent of the people." The state capital is Frankfort, the state's 10th largest city.

As one of 5 states to hold elections for state officials in odd-numbered years, elections for major state officials occur every four years in the years preceding the Presidential elections. Kentucky has both a House of Representatives (with 100 members) and a Senate (of 38 members).

State of Kentucky Website.

Licensing and Automobiles

Licenses must be changed to reflect a new address within 10 days of establishing residency. A Kentucky license plate must be obtained by those moving to the state of Kentucky within 15 days of establishing residency.

Persons with no license who wish to obtain one must first complete a written test and eye exam to obtain a learner's permit. After a waiting period of at least six months, a road test may be taken. A learner's permit costs $12 and a Kentucky driver's license costs $10. Renewal of driver's licenses costs $20, and must be renewed every four years.

Fayette County drivers are required to carry liability insurance. In order to obtain vehicular registration (which must be renewed annually,) proof of insurance is required.

All processes related to vehicular registration and licensing are handled at:

Fayette County Clerk's Office
162 E Main St, Room 206
(859) 246-2151
Monday: 8:30AM - 6:00PM
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30AM-4:30PM

Testing Hours: Monday: 8:30AM-5:00PM
Tuesday-Friday: 8:30AM-3:00PM

Pets

All dogs and cats in Fayette County must be licensed annually starting at 6 months of age and vaccinated for rabies at 4 months of age. Both tags must be worn at all times. An altered (spayed/neutered) animal license is $8 and a unaltered animal license is $40.

Licenses may be purchased at Lexington-Fayette Animal Care & Control or participating vet offices. For a list of licensing vet offices or to mail-in your license application visit, www.lfacc.org. Call (859) 255-9033 ext. 244 with any questions.

Schools

Fayette County Public Schools consists of 5 high schools, 11 middle schools and 33 elementary schools. Additionally, there are a number of private schools, including Clays Mill Road Christian Academy, Lexington Catholic High School, Lexington Christian Academy, Montessori Middle School of Kentucky, Sayre School, Trinity Christian Academy, Saint Peter and Paul School and a number of private preschools. Two major colleges are located within the city of Lexington: the University of Kentucky and Transylvania University, as well as Bluegrass Community and Technical College, Sullivan University, Strayer University, Spencerian College and a location of Indiana Wesleyan University.

Important Numbers

Blue Grass Airport (859) 425-3114

Blue Grass Energy Cooperative Corp (859) 885-4191
Emergencies (888) 655-4243

Chamber of Commerce (Commerce Lexington) (859) 254-4447

Columbia Gas of Kentucky (859) 288-0200
Emergencies (859) 288-0205

Downtown Lexington Corporation (859) 425-2690

East Kentucky Power Cooperative (859) 744-4812

Emergency Services 911

Greyhound Bus Line (800) 231-2222

Insight Communications (Cable, Phone, Internet) (859) 514-1400

Kentucky Utilities (LG&E)
Residential (800) 981-5582
Emergencies (800) 981-0600

Kentucky-American Water Company
Customer Service/Billing (800) 678-6301

Lexington Fayette Urban County Government
Switchboard (859) 425-2255
From Lexington phone: 311

LexTran (Public Buses) (859) 253-4636

Taxis
(859) 231-8294
(859) 381-1010

Traffic Information
(859) 258-3611 (Lexington)
(866) 737-3767 (Kentucky)

Visitor Information
(800) 845-3959 (Lexington)
(800) 225-8747 (Kentucky)

Weather Line (859) 253-4444

Windstream Communications (Phone, Broadband, TV)
Residential (866) 445-3402
Repairs (800) 782-6206
Internet Service (888) 292-3827

A very special thanks to Commerce Lexington for providing some of the information contained within this page. Visit commercelexington.com

Join TOPS on Facebook




tops in lex twitter