By Ryan Clark
NKyTribune reporter

It began with the retirement of Chief Rob Nader, but now it seems like the game of Police Musical Chairs has ended.

Four police promotions were approved at Tuesday night’s regularly scheduled legislative meeting, bringing an end to what was a lengthy process that began when the chief retired in August.

The promotions are as follows:

• Police Department Capt. Marcus Jordan to Lt. Col. (Assistant Chief)
• Police Department Lt. Robert Rose to Captain
• Police Department Sgt. Justin Bradbury to Lieutenant
• Police Department Lt. and Specialist Aaron Ashley to Sergeant

It says something about the talent and trust of those in the department, Mayor Joseph U. Meyer said, that when someone leaves, everyone else can move up — and excellence is not only hoped for, it is expected.

“Thank you for sticking it out and thank you for protecting our citizens and our guests,” Meyer said.

“Let me join in and say that Covington has been blessed with extraordinary leadership for our Police Department for many, many years. And each time there’s a transition, another talented person is in a position to step up and assume those leadership positions. Again, we’re seeing this today where we have highly qualified person after highly qualified person taking another step up the chain of command, so that the result is a continuation of excellence in leadership for the Covington Police Department.”

Lawyer Hired for Property Reinvestment Program

The Law Office of Jerry N. Higgins, PLLC, was hired by Commissioners to provide legal services for the Neighborhood Services Property Reinvestment Program, or ARPA Project 19.0.

After Neighborhood Services and the Legal Department issued an RFP seeking an attorney or law firm to provide legal services needed for acquisition of properties for the program, it was announced last week that only one proposal was received.

However, the selection committee reviewed and believes the Law Office of Jerry N. Higgins is “qualified to provide the services needed and has proposed to do so at a fair price, below what is presumed reasonable for similar services under Kentucky law,” city documents say. “The firm has significant experience and established processes in place to provide the services needed with speed and efficiency.”

The services, according to the city, would cost “up to $500,000,” and would be finished by the end of 2026.

Wolf Road Agreement

Commissioners approved…