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1. Can I request public records from the City of Winchester?

Public records, City Commission resolutions and ordinances, and other information can be requested by submitting the Open Records Request Form to the City Manager’s Office.

Open Records Request Form

2. I sustained an injury / damage and the City is responsible, what do I do?

If you have sustained an injury or damage for which you believe the City or one of its employees is responsible, you may report the incident to the HR.Risk Manager who will submit the claim to the City’s insurance carrier.

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1. How do I request Public Records from the City of Winchester?

Download and fill out the Open Records Request form. Then fax it (859-745-4590) or email it (dlayne@winchesterky.com) to Dianna Layne. 

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1. When are property tax bills mailed out and when are they due?

Property tax bills are usually mailed out the end of October or beginning of November. The due date is the first Friday in December.

2. I didn't receive my property tax bill, what should I do?

If you did not receive your property tax bill, please contact the Finance Department at (859) 744-1660. You may also use our Property Tax Lookup to lookup your bill.

Property Tax Lookup

3. What happens if I do not pay my property taxes on time?

Property tax bills are due the first Friday of December each year. After that date, a ten percent (10%) penalty is added to all unpaid bills. Beginning January 1st, a one half percent (0.5%) interest per month is added to all unpaid bills. Delinquent notices are sent out March 1st and are due by March 31st. A second delinquent notice is sent out in June. If property taxes are not paid by the end of June, a lien will be placed on the property.

4. How do I get a Homestead Exemption on my Property Tax Bill?

To apply for a Homestead Exemption, please contact the Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) office at (859) 745-0250.

5. Additional FAQ's

Home > Frequently Asked Questions

6. When are Business license renewals due?

Business license renewals are due May 31st each year.

7. How much does a Business License cost?

Business License Fees are determined by predetermined categories. The costs range from $10 to $800. Winchester Code of Ordinances

8. How do I get a City Beer/Liquor License?

To obtain a City Beer/Liquor License, you must first obtain a State Liquor License. To obtain a State License, please contact the City Clerk at (859) 744-6292. Once State License is issued, you may apply for a City Beer/Liquor License.

9. How do I get a Fireworks Vendor License?

You can obtain a fireworks vendor license by contacting the Finance Dept in City Hall at 859-744-1660. The fee is $175.00 per day or $800.00 for ten days. Fireworks License

10. What is your current occupational license fee (payroll tax) rate?

Our current rate is 2%.

11. Do I have to file payroll taxes monthly or quarterly and when are the due dates?

If the quarterly payroll tax is $300.00 or more, employers are required to pay monthly. Monthly payments are due on the 15th of the following month, except for December's payment which is due January 31st. Quarterly payments are due the last day of the month following the end of the quarter.

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1. Why does a fire truck show up when I call for EMS?

All members of WFD are medically cross trained. In some cases, a fire apparatus may be closer. In other instances, a fire apparatus comes for assistance and to provide manpower.

2. Why are fire hydrants painted various colors?

Hydrants are color coded to indicate the gallons per minute and water flow that they can provide.

3. How many hours does a Firefighter/EMS responder work annually?

WFD responders work a 24 hours on, 48 hours off schedule. This is a 56-hour work week average and approximately 2,800 hour annually schedule. As a comparison, a typical 40-hour work week employee works approximately 2,000 hours annually.

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1. Who do I contact for a street light that is out?

Street light outages can be reported to Kentucky Utilities directly at 800-981-0600 or you may report your outage to the Engineering Department at 859-749-7272.

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1. How many work reference forms do I need to fill out?

You will need to complete three work reference forms and attach to your application. Please only complete your required boxes on the forms. We will mail the forms to your references for them to complete their part and return to us.

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1. How do I get a copy of my driving record?

Driving records are maintained by the Kentucky State Police (KSP). To obtain a certified copy of your driving record, contact Kentucky Department of Transportation at (502) 564-1257. You may visit the Driver's License division of the Circuit Court Clerk and order the record for a fee of $3.00.

2. How do I get a copy of an accident report?

For a copy of an accident report, please contact the Records Division at (859) 745-7400 or come by the Police Department at 16 S Maple Street between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

3. If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Winchester Police open my vehicle for me?

No, however, the Winchester Police Department will assist you in obtaining the services necessary, such as certified locksmith, to unlock your vehicle.

4. How do I get a copy of a delayed accident report?

You may obtain a copy of a delayed accident report from the Kentucky State Police.

5. Need a Police Report?

If you are in need of a police report in which you are named, or if you need a collision report, please contact Administrative Assistant Wendy Horseman at (859) 745-7400 or email. Wendy can make arrangements for you to come in person to pick up a report or make other arrangements for fax or email if appropriate.

You cannot obtain police reports or collision reports unless you are named in the report. If you wish to obtain reports that do not pertain to you specifically, you will need to file an Open Records Request. 

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1. How do I report a street light outage?

Street light outages can be reported to Kentucky Utilities directly at 800-981-0600 or you may report your outage to the Engineering Department at 859-749-7272.

2. How do I establish utility service for an existing residence?

Inside City Limits, contact Kentucky Utilities at 800-981-0600 for electrical service. Contact Columbia Gas for heating (if you have gas heat) 800-432-9345. For water, sewer, and garbage collection call Winchester Municipal Utilities at 859-744-5434.

3. When will my street be cleaned?

Residential streets within the City limits are swept weekly. If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department at 859-744-3253. Street Cleaning.

4. Who do I contact for cable / internet problems?

If you are having problems with your Spectrum cable or internet service, please contact Spectrum at 1-888-406-7063.