The Public Works Department is responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of the city's infrastructure. Services include but are not limited to: storm drain (528 total drains) maintenance; street (185 blocks of streets) and sidewalk maintenance; emergency response for snow and ice, flood, severe weather mitigation; maintenance of city facilities; mowing; code enforcement abatement; sanitation; and oversight of city projects.
The Department sponsors and supports several programs and services to city property owners and residents. The annual "Spring Clean Up" , "Paint Pick-Up" , and "Leaf Pick-Up" are three programs which greatly benefit the citizens of the city.
Spring Clean Up Dates Announced
Mount Sterling Public Works has announced the dates for the annual SPRING CLEAN UP for city residents. The SPRING CLEAN UP will take place beginning MONDAY, MAY 5th, and run through WEDNESDAY, MAY 21st. Please make sure you familiarize yourself with these program directions:
1. Please make sure you have your items placed out for pick-up on the date your street is scheduled. Public Works will not go back and pick up items after pick-up has already been conducted for your street.
2. We will not pick up these items: Tires -Liquids of any kind (oils, anti-freeze, etc.) -Storage drums of any size -Batteries -Propane tanks -Loose items (not bagged) - Human or animal waste.
3. Items should be placed outside by the curb. Please do not park a vehicle in front of your residence on day of pickup so our equipment can have access to your items.
4. All mattresses and box springs must be wrapped in plastic and taped.
5. Yard waste and brush (tree limbs) must be bundled and easy to lift. Items weighing over 50 pounds will not be collected.
6. Items over 8 feet in length will not be collected.
7. All smaller items must be placed in a bag or box which can be picked up easily.
8. Appliances will be collected. However, food items left in appliances will not. Make sure any appliances left out for collection have been cleaned.
9. Total pickup of trash and debris should fit into a spot no larger than 8 feet by 10 feet by four feet (8ft x 10ft x 4ft.)
10. No loose items will be collected (bound or place in bags or boxes.)
This service is provided for the residents of Mount Sterling only. Any individual or address suspected of collecting items for county residents will be bypassed. Additionally, the City of Mount Sterling has taken an aggressive stance on individuals found to be “dumping” on properties located within our city limits. Anyone found “dumping” unwanted items, trash, or debris on properties in our city will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Thanks for doing your part to keep our city clean! If you have any questions, please phone (859) 498-8744. You can download the schedule here: 
SPRING CLEAN UP SCHEDULE 2025.pdf
Street Light Outage Report (last reported May 8, 2025)
The following street lights have been identified and reported to KU for maintenance (marked with YELLOW tags).
All total, the city has 987 street lights in our inventory. Report all street light outages to Public Works at (859) 498- 8744 between 8AM-4PM, or submit a notification online below.
109 West Main Street
251 Richmond Avenue
106 Whitledge Heights
Tilghman Way (between Bypass and Willin Way
737 Cobbler Lane West
541 Willin Way
Bypass interloop between West Main St/Spring Street and West Main Street/West High Street.
Bypass Outerloop at corner of Grassy Lick Road
22 Winn Street
112 North Sycamore Street
Corner of West High Street and Broadway
100 Ann Street
108 Larkspur
604 South Magnolia Drive
Ridgecrest Drive
418 Wyandot Way
City Repaving and Sidewalk Schedule 2019-2025
The Mayor and City Council are committed to making significant investments in our infrastructure. You can review the street repaving schedule here: Repaving Schedule 2019 to 2025.pdf . We are also committed to replacing sidewalks which present significant trip or slip hazards. Many of those are older slate sidewalks, which can become slick during wet weather conditions. We've started at our city center (Main Street and Maysville Street intersection) and are working our way out from there. You can view our sidewalk replacement plan here: City sidewalk projects (SLATE OR HAZARD).pdf 2025 Identified Projects.pdf
Traffic Count Study (ongoing)
Ever wonder how many vehicles travel on your street every week? The City of Mount Sterling has been conducting traffic counts on various streets since 2021. You can view the latest counts here: Traffic Counter as of October 2024.pdf. The state of Kentucky also maintains counts on state maintained roadways and on selected city streets. You can view that map here: Traffic Counts (ky.gov)
Frequently asked Questions
Who takes care of curbs in the city? Curbs are considered part of the street and a portion of the right-of-way. The city is responsible for curb maintenance on city streets only.
Who takes care of the sidewalks in the city? The property owner has responsibility to maintain a safe sidewalk adjacent to their property. The sidewalk is to remain at the established grade, be in good working order and be free of ice, snow, earth, obstructions, etc. Property owners are responsible for any sidewalk repairs.
What is a Right-of-Way? Right-of-Way is the city-owned strip of land from the edge of the street back several feet. Its purpose is to allow the city to build and maintain the street, curb and gutter, storm sewers and possibly underground utilities. This land is the responsibility of the landowner but the city has the right to determine what takes place there. A right-of-way may include curbs, sidewalks and utilities.
Who is responsible for sight obstructions? Landscaping is the responsibility of the property owner. Landowners need to ensure that trees, bushes and other landscaping do not interfere with a driver's safe view of the streets.
What is a utility easement? Utility easements are areas where a utility has permission to enter a property to mark or maintain utility lines. A utility easement may or may not be in the right-of-way.
Who helps keep our city clean? To prevent accidents or further accumulation, Public Works does pick up trash dumped illegally on right-of-ways, clears tree limbs blocking the road and removes signs illegally posted in right-of-ways, but it is every resident's responsibility to help keep our city tidy and presentable. If you catch someone dumping illegally, please call City Hall immediately.
I Wish To Put a Dumpster In Front of My Property
dumpster ordinance.pdf
Report A Problem