Kentucky Attorney General AG releases opinion that Fayette County Schools Tax Hike is Unlawful

Board failed to meet the state statutory requirements

FRANKFORT, Ky -  Kentucky's Attorney General Russell Coleman has announced the Fayette County Public Schools (FCPS) Board unlawfully attempted to raise taxes on Kentucky families. General Coleman released a formal Attorney General’s opinion that found the FCPS Board failed to meet the state statutory requirements to provide public notice before levying an occupational tax increase at its May 27, 2025 meeting.

Senator Amanda Mays Bledsoe (R-Lexington) first requested the Opinion of the Attorney General after hearing from her constituents about the unlawful tax hike. 

“Tax and spend government is a danger to Kentucky’s future, especially when officials who should be accountable to Fayette County voters try to ignore the rules to raise taxes,” said Attorney General Coleman. “If the Fayette County School Board members believe they need more of Kentuckians’ hard-earned dollars, they should clearly and publicly make their case before their own constituents.”

The Office of the Attorney General is responsible for providing legal opinions to public officials to assist them in the performance of their duties. Opinions of the Office are persuasive in Kentucky courts and public officials are expected to follow them.

Read the Opinion.