Search 130 Ohio County Fiscal Court meetings

The court handled routine business, approving the minutes from the July 28 meeting, paying bills and claims, and acknowledging the county clerk's July financial report and the health department tax rates report. Jailer Landon reported on food service bids for the jail, recommending switching to Kwell Food Management, a Kentucky-based company, over national provider Trinity Service Group. The court approved the switch, which is expected to save significant money compared to the current budget of about $140,000. Sheriff Adam Wright gave an extended update on his office's activities, highlighting new body-worn cameras (funded entirely through grants), efforts to combat illegal drug sales in partnership with Kentucky State Police, community outreach programs including a Sheriff's Explorer program for students, an online safety event for parents and children, and the successful integration of the 911 dispatch center into the sheriff's office. He noted over $169,000 in equipment obtained through grants at no cost to the county. The court approved two personnel hires (a part-time solid waste worker and a seasonal park worker), a legal services proposal with the McBrayer firm for landfill franchise procurement, a waterline priority list update including two new fire hydrants, and authorization for the judge to sign paperwork for the Meals on Wheels/homebound meals program. During public comment, a representative of the Ohio County AARP chapter requested storage closet space at the senior center for event supplies, and the general manager of Republic Services reported the July landfill host fee ($8,123,175.41 on 542,724.41 tons) and invited the court to tour the landfill facility. The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene in two weeks, coinciding with the AARP's annual picnic at the senior center.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 28, 2026. After a prayer, pledge, and a proclamation declaring August 2026 as National Eye Exam Month, the court handled routine business: approving the July 14 minutes, paying bills/claims, and giving second reading and unanimous roll-call approval to the fiscal year 2026-27 budget amendment (Ordinance 2027-1). The court passed a resolution allowing the county to serve as the pass-through applicant for up to $500,000 in state funds (secured by Rep. Scott Lewis via House Bill 900) to benefit the Boys and Girls Club. Detention center food-service bids were opened but tabled for further review since the bids weren't directly comparable. Jimmy Cantrell of the ARCH program gave a detailed report on services to justice-involved residents, including drug testing, treatment referrals, housing and ID assistance, and low recidivism rates, and two program participants shared personal testimonials. The court reappointed Deborah Phelps to the library board and approved hiring a seasonal road department worker (Johnny Bryant). After a brief closed session on litigation, the court returned to open session and voted to accept all stone bids, including a late bid from Kyville Stone that had been delayed in the mail. The needs assessment committee's list, totaling $325,611 with remaining funds directed to a truck and trailer purchase for the road department, was approved. Committee reports covered the financially healthy Green River District Health Department (no tax rate increase) and a new road-viewing committee to study extending Autry Lane near Horse Branch. Magistrates raised concerns about dust and safety hazards on Middle Road from heavy trucks and discussed a potential new road extension off Cook Lane tied to a housing development, Easter Lily Farms. During public comment, Republic Services announced it would reinstate a $33 flat rate for residents dropping off waste (matching Daviess County) starting August 1 and discussed rising host fees paid to the county under its current landfill arrangement, with an upcoming RFP decision looming. Representatives of the Cromwell Community Development League addressed criticism of the Cromwell ballpark's condition, described repair efforts and fundraising, and disputed claims about financial support and missing donations, with the judge indicating the county would look into questions about collected funds. The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene in two weeks.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 14, 2026, handling routine business alongside several larger items. The court approved minutes, bills and claims, and acknowledged multiple treasurer and clerk financial reports, all passing without opposition. Magistrates gave second reading and approved Ordinance 2026-5 (administrative code) and a related budget amendment (2026-1) to allow carryover of discretionary funds, plus a resolution renewing the interlocal workforce agreement with GRADD. The court also authorized the judge-executive to sign contracts for state-funded resurfacing of Harmon's Ferry, Yaman, and McGrady Creek roads, approved a $50,000 OCED loan for a local business purchase, and applied for a Homeland Security grant for two portable radios. Personnel actions included reappointing Toby Suthers to the Airport Board, accepting a low bid from Corson's Fire Suppression ($2,233) for the jail's fire suppression system, approving purchase of a replacement roller for chip-and-seal work using insurance proceeds, and hiring two new road department employees. The court also went into a brief closed session to discuss a pending litigation matter, with no action taken. Jailer Landon Spurlock updated the court on jail improvements funded by grants, inmate reimbursement recoveries, new rehabilitation programs, and community work crews. Magistrates reported on district issues including fire hydrant additions, fair funding needs, and praise for the road department's handling of heavy rain. During public comment, representatives from the Ohio County Mission Center detailed how a technology grant improved their services to residents, and a Cromwell resident raised serious concerns about the deteriorated and unsafe condition of the Cromwell ball park, asking the court to help coordinate repairs with the park's community board. The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene in two weeks.

The court opened with a proclamation declaring July 2026 as Parks and Recreation Month, followed by routine approval of minutes, bills/claims, the treasurer's May financial statement, and renewal of the treasurer's bond. A major focus was the county's administrative code, budget, and pay scale for the new fiscal year. The court gave second and final reading to the 2026-2027 fiscal year budget and a related budget amendment ordinance, both passing unanimously by roll call. The wage compensation schedule reflecting CPI raises was also approved. The court authorized signing a contract for state contingency funds to repair the Quarter Horse Bridge, described as the last bad bridge in the county. The Ohio County Economic Development Authority (OCEDA) board presented two well-secured revolving loan fund requests — $100,000 for an HVAC filter manufacturing business and $45,450 for an ice cream shop expansion — both approved unanimously. The court also approved annual road department bids for stone, pipe, asphalt, salt, oils, and HVAC/electrical service, largely accepting sole bids or allowing staff to shop around when no bids were received. The court renewed its ambulance service contract with CommCare with minor revisions, and approved several new seasonal and part-time hires for the golf course and judge's office. Sheriff Holman presented a juvenile seized-funds settlement and a resolution to apply for a COPS grant to fund a full-time school resource officer at Fords Hill/Horse Branch Elementary, both approved. Under committee reports, magistrates discussed plans for annexing the county golf course and park into the City of Hartford, upcoming community events (Fourth of July fireworks, Rockport boat ramp cleanup, McHenry Summerfest), and an America250 Liberty Tree dedication ceremony planned for that Thursday. The meeting adjourned with the next meeting set for July 14th.

The court opened with a prayer, pledge, and a proclamation declaring June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Routine business followed, with the court approving the May 26th minutes, paying bills and claims, and acknowledging both the county treasurer's and county clerk's financial reports. A major update came from the second highway district engineer regarding the long-closed Kentucky 1903 road. A new agreement with the coal company sets a firm deadline of December 31, 2028 for the road to be reconstructed and reopened, a significant improvement over a previous, much later target date. The court also noted a state grant to fix drainage issues on Highway 62 between Beaver Dam and Rose Lane. Two ordinances were addressed: proposed updates to the administrative code (Ordinance 2026-5) were tabled pending further review with the state auditor's office, while a budget amendment ordinance (Ordinance 2026-6) to front the cost of the new Shirey Bridge — to be reimbursed later by the state — passed its first reading by roll call vote. Good news was shared about the upcoming Seven-County Senior Games, to be hosted in Ohio County for the first time on June 12th, coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the senior center, funded by a tourism grant at no cost to the county. The court also went into a brief closed session to discuss pending litigation, with no action taken. The most contentious matter of the night was a proposal by Magistrate Larry to impose a 12-month moratorium on data centers in the county. After extended debate over the legal effect and enforceability of such a moratorium, and split opinions among magistrates about economic development versus community concerns, the motion passed on a roll call vote, though several magistrates expressed reservations and requested a written draft before further action.

The fiscal court approved minutes and bills, gave first reading approval to the FY2026-27 county budget ordinance, and renewed the treasurer's standing orders allowing routine payment of utility bills. Following a brief closed session concerning potential litigation, the court approved a one-year, $15,000 consulting agreement with SMR Environmental related to a possible landfill franchise agreement, citing closure issues that may require expert and legal review. On the roads front, magistrates voted to raise the road department's steel-toed boot allowance from $150 to $200, effective with the new budget, in response to rising costs. Residents were also asked for patience with pothole repairs, as recent rain has delayed bridge and road work. Several magistrates announced community events, including Freedom Fest on July 11th at Horseshoe Park and an upcoming first responders appreciation dinner at the senior center, drawing support from public officials including a congressman and a video message from the governor. The court also voted to contribute a total of $2,000 from discretionary and reserve funds to Audubon Area for community programs including the Foster Grandparent, RSVP, and Senior Companion programs, combining individual magistrate contributions with $700 pulled from reserves to meet the requested amount.

The court opened with two proclamations honoring local first responders: one recognizing May 17–23 as Emergency Medical Services Week, saluting ambulance director Jim Duke and his team, and another recognizing May 10–16 as National Police Week in honor of law enforcement. Routine business was handled quickly: minutes from the April 28 meeting were approved, bills and claims were paid, and the county clerk's April 2026 financial report was acknowledged. The court declared several pieces of county equipment as surplus for auction or donation, including an old motor grader, a broken fairway mower from the golf course, and a stage trailer that will likely be donated to Centertown. The court also approved a bid from Select Tech for an ambulance remount at $199,800, though officials cautioned the new truck won't be ready until the 2027–28 fiscal year due to industry-wide delays. A second bid was opened and approved for FEMA-funded repairs to walking trails at Rosine Park and the county park on Route 69, awarded to Extreme Excavation of Beaver Dam as the sole bidder, totaling roughly $162,700 across both parks. Judge Johnston announced that copies of the proposed county budget will be available starting Friday, either in hard copy from the judge's office or by email, ahead of a budget workshop before the next meeting. Magistrates gave brief district reports touching on storm cleanup, road materials, and Tuesday's upcoming election, with reminders to verify information before sharing it on social media. The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The court opened with two proclamations: one recognizing May 2026 as Military Appreciation Month, honoring local veterans and service members present in the audience, and another declaring May 4–8, 2026 as Teacher Appreciation Week, thanking Ohio County Schools staff for their work with over 3,600 students. Routine business was handled efficiently: minutes from April 14th and the April 23rd special call meeting were approved, along with bills, claims, payments and transfers (which included funding for storm siren repairs). The court also approved the standard transfer of delinquent property tax bills and the county clerk's fee for calculating motor vehicle and boat tax bills, and passed a resolution accepting the County Road Aid (CRA) funding agreement of roughly $1.6 million from the state fuel tax program (down from about $2 million last year). The county clerk's budget adjustment for payroll purposes was acknowledged without objection. Magistrates reported on road and infrastructure issues, including a washed-out walking trail at Portersville Park needing backhoe repair, unclear siren testing in Dundee, and cleanup of road ramps. The judge executive announced the county had secured about $2 million for drainage improvements on Highway 62 East between Beaver Dam and Rose Hill. A significant portion of the meeting focused on the county landfill contract, described as one of the biggest issues facing the court in coming months, with officials working to retain a professional engineer to help negotiate protective contract terms. James Brown presented a funding request for Broken Pieces Recovery Center to purchase a building in Beaver Dam, with a total cost (building plus renovation) of about $410,000; no funding motion was made, but the court expressed support. A representative of the Mission Center also requested help funding a technology grant match; the court agreed to provide $500 immediately from discretionary funds and invited a formal budget request after July 1st. Sheriff Adam gave an update on a EF1 tornado that touched down north of Hartford the previous night, praising the quick and effective response of deputies, firefighters, EMS, and the road department, as well as neighbors helping each other. The meeting closed with light-hearted remarks before adjournment.

The court opened with a prayer and pledge, then honored Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month with a proclamation, followed by a presentation on a new "Ohio Safety Lifeline" bracelet program to help locate lost individuals. The court also proclaimed April 19–25 as National Library Week, recognizing the local library's community role. Routine business included approval of March minutes, bills/claims, and financial statements from the treasurer and clerk. The court approved a $42,400 OC IDA-backed loan for a new mobile breakfast food trailer business called "The Cracked Egg," with the county's development board securing a first lien on the trailer itself after renegotiating out risky upfront operational costs. The court also approved its annual use of ARDAP/TVA funds to make an $80,000 water debt payment. A major action was the second reading and unanimous passage (by roll call) of Ordinance 2026-3, establishing responsible bidder requirements for county construction projects over $40,000, with an added provision requiring a standard bid information package. The court also approved TomCare's bid for ambulance services and discussed the aging ambulance fleet, ultimately voting to advertise for bids to remount an ambulance chassis using state EMS grant funds before a looming deadline. A resolution allowing the county to continue GRADD-administered senior transportation funding was passed, as was a resolution designating the judge executive as authorized representative for housing development grant applications. Emergency management coordinator Charlie gave an update on FEMA reimbursement status from recent flooding and snowstorm events, noting hundreds of thousands of dollars received and hundreds of thousands still pending due to the federal government shutdown. He also raised concerns about malfunctioning weather sirens needing costly repairs; the court tabled the sirens repair funding decision to the next meeting pending further budget review. The wage committee recommended and the court approved raising the county coroner's salary to $26,000 effective for the term beginning after the 2027 election. Magistrates also each pledged personal discretionary funds (totaling $1,200) toward the local "Senior Sunrise" (formerly Project Graduation) event. During public comment, a resident raised concerns about high landfill tipping fees compared to neighboring Daviess County, especially given rumors of a potential landfill sale, and the judge indicated an RFP process would be used to explore future landfill contracts. Another resident asked about accessing the new bidding ordinance for construction work opportunities.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on March 24, 2026, opening with a prayer, pledge, and two proclamations — one designating April 3, 2026 as Arbor Day and another naming April as Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month, both signed by Judge/Executive David Johnston with representatives from the Children's Advocacy Center on hand. Routine business included approval of the March 10 minutes, approval of bills/claims/payments/transfers, and acknowledgement of the treasurer's report. Two ambulance service bids (from CompCare/AMR-related entities) were opened and read but tabled until the next meeting so magistrates can review the terms in committee, with a joint road/ambulance committee meeting planned for April 14. The court approved participation in a new opioid settlement covering six remnant defendants, expected to bring in roughly $7,000–$8,000 to the county. The court also passed the first reading of Ordinance 2026-3, a 'responsible bidder' ordinance requiring vetting of contractors on county construction projects over $10,000; a second reading will follow after advertising. Department reports covered road department work (ditching, pothole repair, bridge replacements including the last wooden bridge in the county, and flood damage still awaiting FEMA paperwork due to the government shutdown) and a tourism report showing tourism's growing economic impact but declining hotel transient-tax revenue, with a request for help mowing Everett Park. During public comment, a resident continued to press a longstanding dispute over a locked gate/fence on a road near a mining operation, seeking reimbursement of money spent and raising concerns about mine safety practices and permit signage; the county attorney reiterated there was little legal remedy available through the court. The judge also gave an update on contract 1903, noting the state is likely to revoke a company's bond over expired contract terms. The meeting adjourned with the next session set for three weeks later.

The court handled routine business first, approving the minutes from the February meeting, paying bills and claims, approving the deputy coroner's bond, and acknowledging receipt of the clerk's financial report and the annual hazardous waste report. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to the long-running closure of Kentucky Highway 1903, which has been shut for years due to a coal mining operation. Denra Henderson of the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet explained that the mining company's permit allows the road to stay closed through 2030 if actively mining, but local residents and county officials believe the company has stopped mining and is now only doing reclamation/dismantling work. Numerous residents spoke passionately about the hardship the closure causes — added travel distance, cost, and safety/emergency-response risks — and pushed for the county to obtain and publicize the original agreement and to push the state to enforce the bond or force the road's rebuilding. Henderson agreed to return in a couple of months with an update and to provide the agreement for public review. Local businessman Justin Miller presented a proposed county ordinance intended to require outside contractors doing county-funded work to prove bonding, insurance, and compliance with occupational tax rules. The court voted to send the proposal to County Attorney Justin Roberts and the administrative code committee for revision and a report back at the next meeting. PVA Arthur Leech gave an update on his office's operations, noting a fully staffed office, high volumes of vehicle assessments, tangible property forms, deed transfers, and mapping work, and explained that rising home values (driven by state law requiring fair market assessment) have added nearly $39 million to the county's tax base this year. The court also went into a brief closed session regarding a possible litigation matter, returning with no action taken. One personnel hire was approved (a seasonal golf course worker), and magistrates reported on road department storm repair efforts and other minor updates before adjourning to reconvene on March 24.

The court opened with a prayer, pledge, and a proclamation recognizing FFA Week (Feb. 21-28, 2026) in Ohio County. Routine business followed with approval of minutes, bills/claims, the treasurer's January 2026 financial statement, and both the sheriff's final 2025 budget and estimated 2026 budget. Several community groups presented to the court. 'No One Fights Alone in Ohio County,' a cancer-support nonprofit, described their work helping local families with cancer-related expenses and promoted their upcoming car/bike show fundraiser on April 18th. The court approved an acknowledgment supporting the Ohio County Clothing Bank. Celebrate the Child organizers requested donations for fireworks and hot air balloons for their April 25th event, and magistrates pledged over $700 in discretionary funds toward the cause. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation from the Kentucky Division of Forestry's Tornado Strike Team, which proposed a Community Wildfire Protection Plan (CWPP) for Ohio County following increased wildfire risk from 2021 tornado damage. The plan would make local fire departments more competitive for state/federal grants and allow the strike team to continue mitigation work. The court appointed a committee (David Stevens, Jason Gary, and Justin Cooper) to work with Charlie Shields to review and refine the draft plan before formal adoption. In other business, the court approved a seasonal hire for the golf course and heard updates on new HVAC systems in the courthouse, which have produced significant cost savings. Magistrate Larry Morrow requested a new water line for Front Lane, which was added to the water project priority list, sparking some discussion about how projects get added and reassessed. Magistrate Larry Morrow also raised questions about a $15,000 line item benefiting the Father's House organization, seeking clarity on how the funding decision was made. The meeting closed with reports from magistrates on district matters, confirmation that boil water advisories in Hartford have been lifted, and an announcement that the state highway department will present an update on Highway 1903 at the next meeting on March 10th.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on February 10, 2026, opening with a prayer, pledge, and a proclamation declaring February as American Heart Month, recognized with guests from Ohio County Healthcare. The court handled routine business, approving minutes, bills and claims, an amendment correcting the jailer's salary compensation figure, and several calendar-year budget and salary orders for the County Clerk and Sheriff. The County Clerk presented a proposal to fund a required computer system upgrade for the next five years, partly using the storage fee account, but the court opted to table the decision until funding sources could be clarified for the next meeting. The court went into closed session briefly to discuss a personnel matter, returning to approve the hiring of a seasonal golf course manager. Committee reports included praise for the road department's efforts during a severe ice storm, and a report setting salaries for several county offices (County Attorney, Coroner, Jailer) effective for the next term beginning in 2027, with magistrate salaries tied to CPI adjustments. During public comment, a resident raised concerns about being charged restitution for cutting down a cemetery gate on a coal company-controlled road, sparking discussion about access rights and federal mining regulations; the judge agreed to follow up with the coal company. A representative from the Mission Center requested official county recognition as the local clothing bank, which the court agreed to consider at the next meeting. The meeting closed with magistrates thanking the road department for its storm response and honoring the county clerk, who is retiring, for her decades of service.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on January 27, 2026 and handled routine business, including approving minutes, paying bills and claims, and passing the second readings of two ordinances: one creating the Ohio County Public Facilities Corporation (related to the hospital) and one amending the administrative code. Both ordinances passed unanimously by roll call. The court also approved surplusing two wrecked Ford Explorers, with proceeds directed back into the emergency fund that paid for their replacements. A representative of the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters spoke about concerns over unlicensed and underpaid construction labor on large local projects, including alleged mistreatment of Latino workers, and asked the court to consider an ordinance requiring certified payroll on construction projects. The judge asked the county attorney to research what the county could do and asked the union to follow up with the county's staff. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to a contentious debate over a proposed poultry (egg) house on Toms Branch Road tied to Vital Farms. Neighbors, led by Sean Steel, argued that the operation would damage the road, create safety hazards, and harm the creek and environment, and asked the court to pass an ordinance restricting where such facilities could be located or at least limit road use. The landowner, Zach Kentucky, defended the project as a small family operation meeting Vital Farms' pasture-raised standards, argued poultry is the county's largest agricultural revenue source, and pushed back on claims of environmental or traffic harm. The court indicated it does not currently intend to pursue the proposed ordinance, citing poultry's importance to the county's economy, but agreed to continue discussions. Citizens raised the broader question of whether the county should adopt zoning or put the issue to a public referendum; the county attorney noted a referendum process exists but requires significant signatures and a vote. The judge announced he will chair a new committee, working with the treasurer and others, to develop a proposal on raises for elected officials' salaries, including magistrates, the county attorney, jailer, and coroner, to be presented at the next meeting. A housing committee report noted an upcoming meeting on February 1 to address housing shortages in the county. Magistrates gave updates on road conditions following recent snow and ice, thanking road crews for their work despite equipment and staffing limitations. During citizen comments, a resident asked about obtaining open OCA meeting minutes, and another tense exchange occurred between a Toms Branch Road resident and another citizen regarding the poultry house dispute, which the judge shut down as inappropriate for the meeting. The meeting was then adjourned.

The court handled a series of routine housekeeping items at the start of the meeting: approving the December 16th minutes, paying bills/claims/transfers (including an $82.90 uniform reimbursement for the Beaver Dam Fire Department out of a magistrate's discretionary fund), accepting the treasurer's December financial statement, renewing the sheriff's revenue bond, and receiving the clerk's December and fourth-quarter financial reports. All passed unanimously by voice vote. The court also convened jointly as the Ohio County Public Facilities Corporation to give first reading to Ordinance 2026-1, related to renewing hospital bonds (roughly $10 million) tied to expansion work at the hospital, and passed a companion resolution for the corporation. A road department hire (equipment operator, class B tanker/multi-equipment endorsement) was approved by roll call. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to public comment from residents of Toms Branch Road, who raised serious concerns about a proposed large-scale outdoor 'pasture-raised' egg operation (Vital Farms) planned near their homes. Residents described a narrow one-lane road, an aging bridge, a nearby creek prone to flooding, and worries about property devaluation, water pollution, air quality/respiratory health impacts (citing a neighbor's child with asthma), and the secrecy surrounding the land purchase and site clearing. They asked whether the county had prior knowledge, whether county funds would be used to widen the road for a private landowner's benefit, and whether any ordinance could regulate or require notice of such commercial agricultural operations. The judge-executive and county attorney explained that Ohio County has no zoning, that poultry operations fall under agricultural exemptions, and that the county's main leverage is over road weight limits/permits, while noting the Kentucky Division of Water would have to review any creek crossing. Magistrates said they only recently learned of the project and discussed possibly investigating an ordinance, but no formal action was taken. In other business, the court passed first reading of Ordinance 2026-2, an amendment to the county's administrative code allowing the sheriff, clerk, jailer, and court to grant time off as a reward for employee accomplishments (e.g., completed training). A committee was appointed to plan a Liberty Tree planting on the courthouse lawn for the nation's 250th birthday near July 4th, chaired by Magistrate Dale Bevill. The court also set a special committee meeting for salary-setting (magistrates, jailer, coroner, county attorney) before the primary election, to occur at 4:00 pm on the next regular meeting date (January 27th). Finally, Jackie Brown, founder of Broken Pieces Recovery Center and manager of the Mission Center (Ohio County's clothing bank), gave a presentation about efforts to build a women's/family addiction recovery campus and to purchase the Mission Center's current building before it is sold out from under them. She said the initial funding need is just under $500,000 for building purchase, renovation, and licensing, and asked for community awareness and prayer rather than an immediate financial ask from the court.

The Fiscal Court handled a full slate of routine business, including approval of prior meeting minutes, treasurer financial statements, bills and claims, and the 2026 County Clerk fee office budget. Dennis Cook of the Bill Monroe Foundation reported that this year's festival saw a big attendance jump (from 720 to 1,438 visitors) and a swing from a $32,000 loss to a $12,000 profit, thanks to lower ticket prices and free camping that drew more visitors to local businesses. The court approved a resolution for a $100,000 bridge/tile project on Robby Lane, with the county covering 20% of the cost through in-kind work. Several vehicle and equipment matters were addressed: the Sheriff's aging 2020 Dodge Durango K9 unit was declared surplus due to repeated breakdowns and costly repairs, with proceeds to help fund a replacement 2022 Chevy Tahoe police package vehicle; the Road Department's one-year-old Kenworth dump truck was surplused (sold at auction) and a new Mack truck approved for purchase; and a lease renewal with Triple Crown Realty for county office space was approved. A significant new initiative discussed was Project Lifesaver, a radio-frequency tracking program for individuals with autism, dementia, Down syndrome, and similar conditions prone to wandering. Coroner Charlie Shields and a mother of a child with autism made an emotional case for the program, which would cost about $6,550 to start. The court approved funding this through $5,000 from the general fund (to be reimbursed by a FEMA/EMA check) and $1,550 from community contributions. Judge-Executive Manchester made two appointments to the Ohio County Extension Council (Fred Maiden and Sarah Smith), both approved by roll call. Magistrates gave brief district updates, including news of $187,425 in coal severance/CPP funding for blacktop projects on Yaman Road and McGrady Creek Road, expected to move forward next summer. Kenergy's fiber internet expansion into the Centertown area was also noted. Finally, the court discussed a potential annexation of the county golf course and park area to accommodate a private investor interested in building a restaurant at the clubhouse. No formal action was taken, but the county attorney will research annexation procedures and report back for further discussion with the investor early next year. The meeting closed with no further public comments.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on November 18, 2025, opening with prayer and a pledge of allegiance, and extended condolences to Butler County following the death of their jailer. The court approved the October 28 minutes, bills/claims/transfers, and the October financial report and budget amendment with routine unanimous votes. The court completed the second reading and roll-call approval of Ordinance 2025-5, an amendment to the administrative code, and authorized the judge/executive to sign a contract with Jave for the Shere bridge project, correcting an earlier oversight where that authorization was left out of the original motion. Magistrate Jason Johnston raised concerns about repeatedly having to add treasurer/judge signing authority to motions and asked County Attorney Justin to look into a standing resolution to streamline this. The court approved spending road maintenance/FEMA-related funds to complete the Caroline Lane road project in the second magisterial district. After a brief closed session with the county attorney, the court returned to open session and passed an amendment to Resolution 2025-20, lowering the dollar threshold requiring court approval for contracts/leases from $10,000 to $5,000. Treasurer Candace/Sonia presented a proposal, in place of the annual employee banquet, to give roughly 130 non-elected employees $25 gift cards (about $3,250 total), pending confirmation of proper language from the state auditor's office; the court approved this pending that approval. Under committee reports, a bid of $28,721.30 from Rosco Leasing for a pothole patching truck was discussed, but the court voted to table the purchase pending clarification of how much money was raised from recent equipment surplus sales. Magistrates gave district updates, including a Dundy Fire Department Thanksgiving meal event, road repair work praised in the fifth district, and a call for volunteers for the housing committee from Magistrate Jason Johnston. The court announced its next regular meeting for December 16 at 5:00 pm, plus a joint meet-and-greet with city councils and mayors on December 11 at 6:00 pm, before adjourning.

The court opened with prayer and the pledge before moving into routine business. A clerical correction to the October 14 minutes was approved — a bio-digester ordinance number was fixed from 2025-5 to 2025-6 — and the amended minutes, along with bills, claims, transfers, and the September treasurer's financial statement, were approved unanimously. Two items, a resolution allowing execution of certain lease agreements and a rental agreement for the north fire station, were tabled until the next meeting due to personnel absences and unanswered questions. The court did approve adding a roughly 1,475-foot water line extension on Horton Spur Road in District 2 to the county's water line project list, to serve several households including new homes being built there. A highlight of the meeting was a presentation from Katie Abner about "No One Fights Alone" (NOA), a local nonprofit she helps run that assists Ohio County residents affected by cancer with things like gas, food, hotel stays, and bills. The group grew out of the discontinued Relay for Life effort and has helped seven families over about two years, funded largely through car show fundraisers. In committee reports, the road committee noted one bid was received for a pothole patcher and will be addressed at the November 18 meeting. Magistrate Michael McKenna renewed his call for volunteers to join a housing committee looking at affordable housing needs in the county. Citizens raised awareness about potential SNAP benefit disruptions and pointed residents toward school family resource coordinators and local food pantries for help. Wes Pate, a Leport City Council member, announced his intent to run for the 14th District seat being vacated by Scott Lewis. The court confirmed that, per holiday tradition, there will be only one meeting each in November (Nov. 18) and December (Dec. 16), both at 5:00 pm. The meeting then adjourned.

The court opened with a proclamation declaring October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, followed by routine approval of minutes and bill payments. The biggest item of the night was the second and final reading of the bio-digester ordinance, which passed unanimously. The ordinance doesn't ban the industry outright (the county lacks planning/zoning authority to do so) but imposes strict containment requirements, including an expensive concrete berm, that officials believe will effectively deter any company — including the one currently being discussed — from locating in the county. The debate got heated, with magistrates and residents accusing each other of spreading misinformation during the public comment period. The court approved several financial and infrastructure items: purchase of CDs with opioid settlement funds to earn interest, acknowledgment of the county clerk's September financial statement, addition of a water line extension on Nephas Road to the rural waterline project list (and moving it to the top of the list), and awarding of two equipment/construction bids — a $25,749.80(ish) boom-reach telescoping mower attachment to B&C Brown Equipment, and a $386,300 bid to J&J LLC for replacement of the last wooden bridge in the county on Sherree Road, funded largely through a state bridge program. Personnel and policy items included approval of a request from the jailer to eliminate a vacant full-time position and convert it to part-time, allowing a $1/hour raise for jail staff while saving the county money. A related administrative code change was given a first reading, requiring that any eliminated position not be reinstated for a minimum of three years, to prevent departments from re-requesting the same position in the next budget cycle. Julie Francis was reappointed to a full four-year term on the library board. Committee reports noted ongoing road repair needs, a request for bids on a new pothole-patching machine, and a call for volunteers for the county housing committee, which is exploring ways to address affordable housing needs. A magistrate asked the court to keep former treasurer Ann Melton's family in prayer after the loss of her son. During public comment, a resident asked whether the county could help a local mission ministry ("Broken Pieces") that assists abused and pregnant women, specifically to help cover nonprofit filing fees; officials pointed her toward a local advocate familiar with the process. Additional public comments focused on the bio-digester debate, with residents expressing frustration over lack of transparency about potential site locations and impacts on property values; officials responded that no specific site was ever confirmed and that the new ordinance likely ends the issue going forward.

The fiscal court handled routine business first, approving the minutes from the September 9th meeting, paying the bills/claims, acknowledging the clerk's transfer of 2025 tax bills, and acknowledging the treasurer's August report. The road committee brought several items forward. The court agreed to extend Hawker Street/Lane by 350 feet into the county road system. The court also declared several pieces of aging road equipment (John Deere tractors, a pothole patcher, and a mower) as surplus to be sold on GovDeals.com, with proceeds going toward new equipment purchases. A motion passed to purchase a new mowing tractor before a price increase deadline, funded by surplus sale proceeds and an advance against incoming FEMA reimbursement money, with the treasurer authorized to borrow funds in the interim. Magistrate Michael Morrow brought a motion to bring Tucker Holler Road Extension into the county road system as a low-maintenance road, driven by a need to get a utility easement for extending a water line to serve residents; this passed despite not fully meeting standard road criteria, since the county would not be responsible for maintaining it. The wage scale committee met but had no recommendation yet. Magistrates gave brief updates on local road slide repairs, blacktopping schedules, and a road hump needing repair. A judge/committee member gave an update on Spectrum's aggressive broadband expansion efforts in the county, encouraging residents in underserved areas to contact Spectrum about service. No other major business was conducted; the meeting was adjourned with the next meeting scheduled for October 14th.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on September 9, 2025, opening with a thank-you from the Ohio County Honor Guard for county-funded roof and lighting repairs at their post. The court handled routine business, approving the August 26 minutes, paying bills and claims (with some discussion of utility billing discrepancies and FEMA-related road rock costs), renewing the tax administrator's bond, and acknowledging the clerk's August financial statement — all passing unanimously. A new housing committee, chaired by Christina, reported it is beginning work on a countywide housing needs assessment. Judge-Executive and Magistrate Jason Bullock asked the court to help fund a $12,000 University of Kentucky 'Blueprint Kentucky' housing demand study, with the City of Beaver Dam and City of Hartford also contributing; the court approved a $4,000 contribution by roll-call vote. Much of the meeting was devoted to a proposed bio-digester (distillery byproduct) plant. A committee (Magistrates Bullock and Westerfield, plus outside counsel) has drafted a county ordinance to add setback, fencing, containment, and flaring requirements beyond state/federal rules. Discussion grew heated, with Magistrate Larry Morrow expressing strong concerns about truck traffic, safety, and lack of transparency from the company, while Magistrate Bullock urged caution about limiting a potential source of county income and offered to seek more information before restricting the industry. The court ultimately passed the first reading of the ordinance by a 5-1 vote (Johnston opposed), with a public hearing and second reading expected at the first October meeting. Other business included a report on expanding broadband/spectrum service in the Rosine and Liberty Road areas, appointment of a road-viewing committee (Larry Clayton, Jason Bullock, Bo Bennett, and the road foreman) for a Hawker Lane extension request, and magistrates announcing upcoming community events (Dundee Day and Fordsville Days). During citizen comments, a resident raised concerns about the deteriorating floor and electrical system of the county's event trailer ahead of Centertown Days; the judge said he would follow up with the parks department. The court also discussed the long-delayed reopening of a road near an industrial site, with the judge promising to contact the state highway commissioner before the next meeting to push for progress.

The court handled a routine slate of business, approving minutes, bills/claims, and several tax rate acknowledgements. Notably, the Ohio County Public Library presented a lower tax rate for the coming year, and the Extension Office also came in at a reduced compensating rate — both were acknowledged by the court without objection. A sad but practical decision was made regarding K9 Astro, the Sheriff's Office drug dog, who is nearing six years old and developing health issues. The court voted to declare him surplus property so his handler, Kelsey Taylor, can purchase him and let him retire as a family pet. The court approved a $6,000 contract to repair flooring corners in an office building, and after a committee review, approved a major upgrade to the county's phone system — moving from old copper landlines to an internet-based fiber system with AT&T, locking in a 60-month contract that is expected to save roughly $12,000 a year. Several personnel changes were approved via roll-call votes, including a pay classification change for the Emergency Management Director (to comply with overtime rules), a raise for a road department employee newly certified on heavy equipment, and two part-time hires for the Senior Center and courthouse maintenance. A proposed digester (waste/composting) ordinance failed on its first reading by a 4-2 vote, with several magistrates wanting more information before committing. Magistrate Larry Wood raised ongoing complaints about road conditions on Cook Lane, and a citizen, Brandon Hamilton, pressed the court for updates on the long-closed KY 1903 near Armstrong and a proposed water intake project on Rough River — both remain unresolved but officials pledged to follow up. The court also closed for a brief executive (closed) session regarding a pending personnel matter, but no motions or business were conducted during that session.

The court held a brief public hearing on the coming year's property tax rates before opening the regular meeting. The magistrates' plan, which they carried through, was to keep the real estate, tangible, motor vehicle, and watercraft tax rates the same as last year rather than take the lower 'compensating' rate, meaning the county will collect slightly more money as property assessments rise. All rate-setting motions passed unanimously by roll call. Routine business included approval of minutes from the July 22 and August 4 meetings, payment of bills and claims (with a question raised about high park water usage tied to a possible leak), and acknowledgment of the county clerk's financial report. The court also approved the county's participation in the opioid (Purdue/Sackler) bankruptcy settlement plan and authorized the judge-executive to sign the paperwork. The Ohio County Airport Board presented plans for a ramp expansion funded almost entirely by federal and state grants, with local match already covered; the court approved signing the grant applications. The court also passed a resolution urging Kentucky's congressional delegation to increase black lung benefits, and declared a high-mileage 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan surplus for sale. A closed session was held for a personnel matter, but no motions resulted. Magistrate Larry Johnston pushed for the court to move forward on drafting a bio-digester ordinance, citing months of delay; after debate the court agreed to hold a public committee meeting on August 26 at 4pm before the next regular meeting to review draft questions, and a motion to draw up the ordinance passed despite several no votes and an abstention. The sheriff asked the court to consider purchasing a new patrol vehicle, noting aging cruisers with high mileage and recurring mechanical failures; the finance committee will gather cost estimates. Finally, residents of Hook Lane/Tucker Hollow Lane pleaded for road repairs after logging and rock-truck traffic destroyed a previously chip-and-sealed road, and the judge-executive committed to getting a road crew out as soon as possible, though he could not give a firm timeline given ongoing flood-recovery work.

The court handled routine business including approval of the July 8 minutes, bills/claims, and a road-department skid steer rental that is being financed with anticipated FEMA reimbursement funds. Landon presented the annual jail commissary report for the fiscal year ending June 30, and the court passed the second reading of a budget amendment moving discretionary funds. The delinquent oil, gas, and limestone tax bills for 2024 were transferred to the county clerk as required each year. A major agenda item was the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's presentation on the FY2026 Rural Secondary road program. The county will receive about $1.4 million total, with roughly $391,000 in flex funds. The court approved resurfacing KY 878 from the KY 1543 intersection (near Cedar Grove Church) to the Breckinridge County line (~$450,000) and KY 369 from the ferry to KY 1 Road (~$420,000), with remaining funds to go toward culvert replacement and base repairs elsewhere in the county. The court also approved keeping the flex funds and passed a CDBG-related resolution (2025-17) for paving of Bea Road and Raymond Curry Road, plus a separate flex-fund roads resolution affecting Channel Loop, Flint Springs, and Morgantown Roads. Personnel actions included hiring Paige Brandon at the golf course and Paula Bratcher at the senior center, both part-time/seasonal positions at $14.40/hour. Committee reports covered a proposed special-purpose-vehicle (side-by-side) ordinance based on new state legislation, plans to tour a digester plant on July 30 with the ordinance in mind, tourism/parks updates (Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival and the Ohio County Fair), and an ongoing county housing/homelessness committee discussion. Road department issues included a shortage of workers and mower breakdowns, with discussion of possibly replacing aging equipment. A local mental health case manager spoke about services available to residents including housing, transportation, and benefits assistance, and a magistrate announced a new "Pay It Forward Ohio County" program to help homeless residents get meals at local restaurants. The next meeting was set for August 11 at 3:30 p.m., a special time due to the first day of school, where the court will begin discussing tax rates.

The court handled a routine slate of financial business, approving minutes, bills/claims, the treasurer's June financials, a budget amendment (first reading) to move restricted revenue into this year's budget, and several settlement/report acknowledgments including the annual treasurer settlement, sheriff's 2024 settlement, and county clerk reports. The outgoing treasurer was praised for the county's strong financial position, including full staffing, no budget cuts, and healthy insurance benefits over the past five years. Two significant economic development items came through the Ohio County Industrial Authority (OCIDA/OCA): a $115,000 loan for Righttime Broadcasting LLC (Josh Wright's radio station, WXMZ), secured by equipment, tower, and land, approved 4-1 with one magistrate opposed to a 'second mortgage'; and a plan to draft a resolution granting Fordsville Pellet LLC a five-year occupational tax abatement for new hires, similar to past incentives given to other companies. The court approved covering a $4,225 fire hydrant installation cost near Fordsville in partnership with the city, and after a closed session on litigation and personnel, approved hiring a seasonal parks worker at $14.40/hour. Discussion continued on a proposed street-legal special purpose vehicle ordinance (tied to Senate Bill 63) and a possible bio-digester ordinance, with magistrates wanting more research before drafting anything. Magistrates discussed using discretionary and community contribution funds to help finish a splash pad shelter and pickleball court, and approved a motion directing that $10,000 per magistrate in discretionary funds plus community contribution and dumpster funds be drawn against money to be repaid later into emergency savings, tied to earlier CARES Act funding committed to a museum annex project in Rosine. The sheriff turned over $5,400 in proceeds from sold guns to be placed in his capital outlay fund. A resident raised concerns about a stalled petition to have the county take over Loopy Road near JT King Road, with officials agreeing to locate the missing paperwork and revisit forming a viewing committee. The meeting closed with a reminder to keep flood victims in Texas in prayer, and the court adjourned.

The court handled a heavy load of routine business, approving minutes, bills/claims, a budget transfer of $5,000 to support the Ohio County United for Youth program, and the annual wage and compensation schedule for the 2025-26 fiscal year. Much of the meeting was devoted to reviewing and accepting bids from an earlier bid-opening session for annual contracts covering stone, steel pipe, oils, diesel/gasoline, blacktop, plastic pipe, HVAC service, and trash collection. Republic Services was selected for trash service over Green River and Impact Waste, saving the county about $200 a month. A concern was raised about the quality of blacktop material (possible remanufactured asphalt) that the road department will look into. The court gave second reading and approved an administrative code amendment addressing social media policy and electronic payments (though procedurally the formal motion/second had to be redone after a closed session). The court also went into closed session to discuss possible litigation, with no action taken during that session. Several appointments were made by roll call: Charlie Shields and Jason Eeler to the Rochester Dam Water Commission Board, David Woolley reappointed to the Airport Board, and Julie Francis to the Library Board. The detention center director presented an update on the medical contract, noting reduced hospital runs and a healthier budget, and the court approved an amendment to add a cost-of-living (CPI) adjustment for the medical provider and nurse, consistent with other county employees. The court also approved allowing the outgoing treasurer to purchase her county-issued mini computer, monitor, and keyboard at cost upon her retirement. Committee reports included updates on broadband expansion (Spectrum service reportedly rolling out in the Rosine/Horse Branch area), a successful Gospel Fest event that will expand to two days next year, and discussion of upcoming fireworks and community events. A magistrate raised concerns about the stalled biodigester ordinance, and the court noted plans to visit a similar facility in Butler County. Outgoing treasurer Ann was thanked for her years of service.

The court handled a short slate of routine business, opening with the hiring of Sonia Davis as the Judge Executive's administrative assistant. Magistrates approved the May 27 minutes, paid bills and claims, and acknowledged the treasurer's and county clerk's May financial reports. The court renewed the treasurer's bond for a short 30-day period (through the end of June, since the new bond term starts July 1), and voted to add Cassidy Stevens and update Candace's name on the bank signature card effective July 1. The judge executive was authorized to sign a resolution needed to secure reimbursement on a grant for the Stanley Road water line project. A significant item was the first reading of Ordinance 2025-5, a new social media policy for county employees, approved unanimously by roll call. The court also discussed possibly revisiting regulation of side-by-sides/UTVs on county roads following new state legislation, with magistrate Jason Bennett encouraging colleagues to attend a KOC training session on July 9. A closed session was held to discuss possible litigation, though no official action was taken. During public comment, a resident raised concerns about whether a

The court handled a routine agenda including approval of prior minutes, bill payments, and several personnel changes. Notably, the second reading of the FY2025-26 county budget ordinance passed unanimously by roll call vote after confirmation that the state had no objections. The court approved surplusing a 2015 Dodge Charger from the Sheriff's Office for sale via GovDeals, and passed a resolution (2025-15) to protect volunteers at the North Park through liability coverage while activities occur there. Several personnel actions were approved, including new part-time hires at the Senior Center and Park, a status change moving an employee to Senior Administrative Assistant, and a pay increase for a Parks Department clerk moving into an administrative role. Committee reports touched on an in-progress consolidated nuisance ordinance covering odor/setback issues (including from a proposed biodigester) and continued work on flex funds applications for road paving. Magistrates discussed ongoing road maintenance progress, with crews mowing and working through a three-pass mowing goal for the year, and fielded a resident complaint about severe road damage on New Bam Road near Underwood, which the road department was asked to prioritize. Officials also discussed drooping fiber optic lines (likely Spectrum or Warren Electric) needing follow-up, an update on FEMA disaster assistance signups (going well but with some residents not following through), and plans to open bidding next month for waste pickup services with an eye toward a 2027 landfill redevelopment. The solar farm/variance litigation remains stalled with no court date, and magistrates indicated a preference for future solar development to occur on reclaimed strip-mine land rather than farmland. Finally, magistrates agreed to move their June meeting from the 10th to Monday, June 9th, to accommodate travel to a conference in Lexington.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on May 13, 2025, handling routine business including approval of minutes, bills and claims, and financial statements, plus a resolution accepting increased county road aid funding (roughly $1.9 million with an emergency fund of about $2 million) for road maintenance. The court also approved closing an old savings account and opening a new money-market account at First United Bank and Trust for better interest. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation from the North Park Improvement Committee, which asked to become a subcommittee of Fiscal Court so its volunteers could get insurance coverage for community fundraising events at Ohio County's North Park in Fordsville. The judge indicated he would research options such as an advisory committee designation and report back. The court held a closed session to discuss personnel and pending litigation; no action was taken on the litigation. After returning to open session, a motion to pass the first reading of a bio-digester ordinance with a 600-foot setback failed on a 3-3 tie vote, with several magistrates wanting to see a similar operating facility in Booker Noe before proceeding. The court will hold a special committee meeting on May 27 to discuss the issue further. Two personnel hires were approved unanimously: a seasonal road department worker (Charles Wayne Crow) and a part-time courthouse custodian (Rachel Williams). Michael Newman was also approved as a new water board member. The Ohio County Honor Guard requested roughly $13,000 in county help for roof repairs, new lighting fixtures, and ceiling tile replacement at their building; the court asked the group to return in two weeks once funding could be identified. The Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center recognized 14 Ohio County High School students as 'High School Heroes' for donating blood, awarding a $1,000 scholarship to graduating senior Maddox Mason. The Ohio County Airport board also updated the court on a new 10-bay hangar, upcoming ribbon-cutting and runway resurfacing projects funded by state and federal grants at no cost to the county. Magistrates also discussed concerns that a possible federal executive order affecting the Digital Equity Act could threaten funding for ongoing rural broadband expansion in the county's southern electric cooperative areas. The meeting closed with public comments praising the road department's flood response and the airport's community programs before adjournment.

The court held a short special-called session primarily to finalize the resolution authorizing Grabhorn Law to pursue claims against additional defendants in the opioid settlement litigation, and to walk through the first reading of the county's proposed 2025-26 budget. The opioid settlement resolution was passed unanimously on a motion by Magistrate Dale, seconded by Magistrate Bo, clarifying that Grabhorn Law is paid only a percentage of any settlement recovered, not a flat fee, similar to arrangements in other Kentucky counties like Louisville and Cincinnati. Much of the meeting was devoted to a page-by-page review of the draft budget, which dropped from roughly $24 million to a lower figure mainly because of one-time USDA grant funds received last year that won't recur. Officials discussed adjustments for a roughly 8% increase in basic health insurance costs and about 12% for the enhanced plan, along with offsetting changes in workers' comp and general liability premiums. Magistrates also discussed road department administrative cost transfers, community contribution funding, golf course revenue growth, and the ongoing cost and progress of building HVAC/boiler upgrades. The court voted to approve the first reading of the budget, with an understanding that if surplus or unanticipated revenue (such as needs-assessment money) becomes available, roughly $75,000 would be added back for magistrates' discretionary funds, community dumpsters, community contributions, and the honor guard. The vote was unanimous among magistrates Bennett, Johnston, Bivens, McKenna, and Bullock, with Bullock noting he would support it this time but wanted the money restored before a future vote. Finally, the Judge/Executive proposed shifting roughly half of the ARCH program's payroll costs from the ARCH fund to the opioid settlement fund, in order to demonstrate active use of opioid settlement dollars and extend the life of ARCH program funding; no formal roll-call vote was recorded on this item. The meeting closed with brief remarks and adjournment.

The court handled a routine agenda that included approving minutes, bills, a health insurance renewal, and a postage meter lease. The health insurance renewal with KCO stood out because rates jumped significantly — 5-9% on the basic plan and 11-9% on the enhanced plan — but the court chose to keep employee contribution rates unchanged for another year rather than risk losing coverage. The jailer received approval to surplus a 2012 Ford F150 and a broken commercial refrigerator, with proceeds from the truck going back into the jail's capital outlay budget. The court also updated its interlocal agreements with all six cities in the county, which allow the county and cities to share equipment and labor on projects; these agreements will now run through the end of the current term (Jan. 2027) rather than lapsing inconsistently. In a significant personnel decision, after a lengthy process the court voted to appoint Candace Thomas as the new Ohio County Treasurer, with one magistrate (Johnston) voting no. Road and storm damage remained a major topic: several roads are still underwater, and the road committee is working with FEMA on damage assessments while also planning "flex fund" road paving priorities for each district. A proposed bio-digester ordinance discussion was postponed again to allow OCA representatives to attend and explain its value. The court also voted to become a $500 Platinum sponsor of the Beaverdam Nursing and Rehab's annual "Senior Prom" community event on June 7. Finally, county attorney Chris confirmed that the county's lawsuit related to a prior matter has been filed and is awaiting service of process on the named companies, who will have 20 days to respond once served.

The court handled routine business first, approving minutes from two March special call meetings and the March 24 regular meeting, along with the bills, claims, and treasurer's report. The court also renewed its role as fiscal agent for the Kentucky ASAP anti-drug grant program, which channels about $40,000 a year through the county for local drug-prevention projects. A major discussion centered on the ARTS reentry program's ankle-monitoring and drug-testing service. Program coordinator Jimmy Cantrell asked the court to let ARTS transfer that workload to a new private company, Satellite Security, because the monitoring duties (24/7 call response, overtime, unpaid client fees) had become a financial and staffing burden on ARTS. The court agreed this would remove financial liability from the county while still allowing referrals for ankle monitoring, and voted to terminate the county's leasing contract and let Cantrell execute the necessary documents to move the program to Satellite Security. Two personnel matters were handled: hiring Jeffrey Jones as a new part-time litter abatement worker and Jed Lyons as a new part-time courthouse custodian, both at $13.99/hour for up to 22 hours a week. A road viewing committee report led to a motion to accept Beach Valley Church Lane as a low-maintenance road providing cemetery access, which passed. Much of the meeting's magistrate reports focused on recent flooding — damage to roads, coordination with FEMA and emergency management, sandbag distribution, and a suggestion to use FEMA reimbursement funds to hire subcontractors for tile and ditch work so the regular road crew can focus on mowing and other pressing repairs. Magistrates also flagged a nonfunctioning river gauge at Hartford for follow-up. The meeting closed with an update on the county's first budget draft (a budget workshop will be scheduled soon), a request from the Boys and Girls Club for a capital campaign newsletter mailing list, and announcements including a free Easter egg hunt at the North Ohio County Park. A short closed session was held to discuss one personnel matter, with no business conducted. The meeting adjourned with plans to reconvene for a special call meeting Thursday at 3:00 PM.

This special meeting was scheduled at an off-time because three magistrates needed to travel to a conference in Lexington. The court handled routine business including approving minutes (with a correction to a 2023 ambulance remount motion that had been omitted from the record), acknowledging the treasurer's and clerk's February 2025 financial statements, and approving bills, claims, payments, and transfers. A key item was the acceptance of a bid for a new ambulance remount, essentially a renewal of the county's existing EMS service contract with no substantive changes except updating the vehicle reference to the specific unit (Medic 5) being remounted. The court passed this on a roll-call vote and took a moment to publicly thank the ambulance service for its professionalism and clean equipment. The court went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter (the treasurer position) and a litigation matter, taking no action while in closed session. After returning to open session, the court voted to readvertise the treasurer position with a two-week deadline (April 7) and voted to authorize the county attorney to file a declaratory judgment action to investigate the legality of the county's contract related to a solar panel project. Committee reports included appointment of a viewing committee (Dale, Jason, Burton, and Charlie Shields) to inspect Beach Valley Church Lane for a road petition. Magistrates also discussed ongoing work on a bio-digester ordinance, with concerns raised about smell and runoff, and a report from Magistrate Larry that the road department is understaffed given the county's 700+ miles of roads, though funding is tied to County Road Aid money. Judge/Executive Coy Riley (implied) presented the final ARPA (federal COVID relief) fund report, which the court voted to acknowledge. The meeting closed with a motion to adjourn.

The court handled routine business first, approving bills and claims, the prior meeting's minutes, and acknowledging the Treasurer's and Clerk's February 2025 reports. It also voted to close out the county's ARPA bank account now that those funds have been shifted into the ARCH program, after some discussion about how a prior resolution amendment reallocated $106,000 and $20,000 toward My Father's House and the regional business park. The court accepted the only bid received for a new sheriff's vehicle (a 2024 Dodge Durango from a Jeffersonville, IN dealer) and approved a $40,000 engineering contract with AI for the Street Bridge project, which is expected to bring in $355,000 in state funding for the county's last remaining wood bridge. A subordination agreement allowing Western Kentucky Whiskey Company to refinance its loan (with the county remaining in second position) passed 4-1, with Magistrate Morphew opposed on principle regarding second mortgages. Much of the meeting was devoted to the recent water outage crisis. Magistrates thanked the water department, fire departments, the Wellness Center, senior center, and many private citizens and businesses who helped haul water and open showers during the multi-day outage. The court voted to reimburse the Ohio County Wellness Center $1,000 for water and cleaning costs, and indicated it would look into reimbursing the Fordsville Fire Department and other citizens who spent their own money helping neighbors. The court also recognized the Ohio County Skills Club, heading to state competition, and helped expedite payment for targets for the county's archery club ahead of a national-level event. Citizens raised concerns about a timber company failing to restore a county road as required by its bond, and several residents reiterated strong opposition to a proposed solar farm, disputing the county's estimated economic benefit figures. The meeting closed with two closed sessions — one on litigation (no action taken) and one on personnel matters related to hiring for the Treasurer position, with a special called meeting set for Thursday to potentially act on that hire.

The court handled several routine items, approving the minutes of the February 11 meeting and paying bills and claims, including a $1,000 disbursement tied to a Kentucky ASAP grant for a graduation celebration. A one-year lease extension on the 40 acres near the park entrance was approved, continuing an arrangement with Wan Packer Sign Fields. The court also passed resolutions acknowledging state matching-fund obligations for football field lights/goals at the park and for replacement of the county's last wooden bridge on Shere Road, both tied to state grant programs. A motion was made and approved to direct the county attorney to begin drafting an ordinance regulating biodigester activity, covering environmental studies, nutrient management, and site application procedures — this would go through two readings before adoption. Separately, the court moved money on the waterline project list, bumping Stanley Road to the top of the priority list after removing Leah Loop and White Road (to be funded through a different rural water grant). A significant portion of the meeting involved correcting a prior ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) resolution: money originally allocated broadly was retroactively itemized, with $20,000 to My Father's House and $6,650 to the regional business park, with remaining obligated funds redirected to the ARP program — a motion to amend the resolution passed by roll call vote. During citizens' comments, extended discussion covered two controversial energy projects: a proposed solar farm (Scout Energy) and a biodigester facility. Residents raised concerns about property value impacts, environmental risks, lack of transparency on company vetting, and the adequacy of public notice for special meetings. Court members responded that the solar permitting process is still early (state approval unlikely before late 2025/2026), that they lack authority to impose a moratorium likely to survive legal challenge, and that anticipated financial benefits include occupational tax during construction (up to ~$1 million) and increased property tax revenue afterward (over $100,000/year estimated). No due diligence report on the company's ownership, credit rating, or litigation history was available at the meeting. The jailer reported a perfect jail inspection with zero non-compliance items, and mentioned new grant-funded equipment for the detox facility. The meeting closed with a brief executive session on litigation and personnel matters, after which the court reconvened in open session without taking any action.

The court opened with routine business: approving the January 28 minutes (with a note to add detail on a prior discussion about money moved between accounts), paying bills/claims, and acknowledging the January 2025 treasurer's report. A major infrastructure item was the Stanley Road water line project. A grant obtained earlier came in well over the original bid, so the water district and fiscal court agreed to split the overage, with the court's share at $34,800.55. The court voted to add this project to its waterline priority list, pending a future vote to formally approve funding. Sheriff Adams asked the court to surplus the department's old service pistols after receiving new, uniform weapons through a grant at no cost to the county. The court approved surplussing 28 pistols, with plans to offer them first to the deputies who carried them, then to other county employees, using a local pawn shop to handle the transfers for audit purposes. The court also approved reclassifying a golf course employee into a new combined

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on January 28, 2025, and approved routine business including the minutes, bills and claims, and several resolutions. Notably, the court approved allowing the hospital to use the county's bonding authority to switch financing for its phase two expansion/renovation from USDA to CompeerBank, citing better interest rates and USDA's inflexible timeline requirements. The court passed a resolution to allocate up to $20,000+ (severance fund coal money) for a cover over the amphitheater walkout stage at the park and to complete payment on a PVA flyover survey project. They also authorized the judge to sign participation documents for an opioid settlement addition involving Kroger, worth roughly $110 million statewide, with continued focus on drug prevention and diversification of use of funds. A new building inspector, Troy D. Mills of Whitesville, was approved after the prior inspector became unable to serve due to health issues. The court went into closed session to discuss applications for the treasurer position; no votes were taken, and three candidates will be interviewed publicly before the next meeting. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to public comment regarding the proposed Scout Clean Energy solar project near Horse Branch/Martin Lane. Residents pressed the magistrates on whether zoning ordinance variances allowing solar development on prime farmland were properly enacted, expressed concerns about water contamination, property values, and lack of transparency from the developer. Magistrates acknowledged some regret over the speed of the original vote and agreed to look into legal options, potential exit clauses, and consult other counties' experiences (including Christian County's litigation) before Scout's public hearings, expected in January/February 2026. Overall, residents affected by the solar project urged the court to investigate whether the ordinance changes were legally sound and to fight to protect farmland and community interests, while magistrates committed to continued dialogue with Scout and other jurisdictions but made no formal changes to the ordinance at this meeting.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on January 14, 2025, opening with prayer and pledge, followed by a heartfelt tribute from Judge Executive to former magistrate Bill Burton, who recently passed away. The court then handled routine business, approving December minutes, bills, and several financial reports/acknowledgments, and approved second reading of a budget amendment ordinance moving ARPA funds to an ARP fund. Salary orders for the Sheriff's and County Clerk's deputies were also approved. A significant item was a $100,000 loan request from the Ability Center, a planned day training facility for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The facility is expected to create 12-13 jobs and serve a currently unmet community need. The court approved the loan, secured by a second mortgage on the property, with payments to be made directly to vendors rather than to the applicant. The court also approved a formal easement agreement with a new property purchaser to continue using a communications tower long informally used for county emergency services equipment, previously arranged with Midwestern Gas. This ensures continued access as long as the county uses the tower, with the county responsible for any damage caused by its own use. Committee reports covered a new Animal Control Ordinance Review Committee, progress on the treasurer search, landfill contract negotiations, and road department matters including the Quarter Horse Bridge project. A motion passed to fund a fire hydrant installation on Highway 69 near Brunell using waterline extension funds, serving six homes at a cost of about $113,316. Magistrates shared personal updates, including well-wishes for a magistrate's son recovering from strokes, with $20,000 in ARPA funds directed to My Father's House. The court also approved surplus disposal of old, non-functional impound lot equipment (light bars, control boxes, tablets, and computers). A local waste hauler representative introduced himself to the court before adjournment.

The court handled a series of routine year-end items: approving November minutes, paying bills and claims, acknowledging the treasurer's and clerk's financial statements, and taking the first reading of a budget amendment that moves roughly $620,000 of remaining ARPA/ARP funds into the county's ARC program account. The sheriff's and clerk's 2025 annual budgets and salary amendments were also approved, and several old vehicles (two Dodge Durangos, a Ram, a Ford Crown Victoria, and a Ford Escape with a bad transmission) were declared surplus so the sheriff's office can sell them through GovDeals. The Industrial Development Authority gave its annual report, noting that TVA-in-lieu-of-tax money has funded the county's water district debt service, a local magazine, tourism, Bluegrass Crossings infrastructure, and an electrical project with Warren RECC. The road committee reported strong results from auctioning an old dump truck, which sold for more than its original cost. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to public comment on a proposed solar farm (Horse Martin Loop/prime farmland areas). Numerous residents spoke passionately against the project, citing concerns about property values, fire/chemical hazards, wildlife and water contamination, inadequate setbacks, and a rushed, non-transparent approval process. They criticized the court for amending the original solar ordinance to remove protections for prime farmland and for approving a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the solar company under a tight deadline. Magistrates and the judge acknowledged the concerns, explained the state permitting process still ahead, and pledged to look into whether the company met its own payment deadlines and to consider revisiting setback and farmland provisions before the project advances to the state level. In other business, the court went into closed session to discuss personnel and possible litigation, taking no votes there, and afterward approved junking an old EMS vehicle frame. The sheriff's office requested funding for an additional patrol vehicle due to accidents and high mileage on the fleet; the court did not commit funds but agreed to look into the possibility and voted to advertise for bids on a new vehicle in case funding becomes available. A road committee meeting was scheduled before the January 14 session to discuss a specific road/bridge issue. The meeting adjourned with holiday greetings.

The court handled a full slate of routine business, approving the October 22 minutes, bills/claims/transfers, standing orders, and acknowledging several financial reports from the treasurer, clerk, and sheriff's office. A major topic was funding for the Paradise Park project: after a committee meeting and some back-and-forth, the court voted 5-1 (Magistrate Morphew opposed) to pay for it out of emergency reserves, to be reimbursed later by ARPA funds. The court also set up a new bank account and a dedicated fund for an 'ARCH' program, and appropriated $20,000 to My Father's House for kitchen upgrades and remodeling, again passing 5-1 with Morphew dissenting. Jailer Lisa Burlock proposed and the court approved joining a 'Pay My Jailer' collection service to help recoup unpaid inmate booking, bonding, and medical fees at no cost to the county. The court also accepted a bid from KNS Technologies to complete cybersecurity grant work, fully covered by the grant, and opened bids on the old Rosine house/cemetery property, ultimately voting to accept an $8,100 offer from Jacob Phelps. A new 'Ohio County Badge of Hope' program was introduced, which will use donations to provide emergency overnight lodging or food assistance arranged through law enforcement for county residents in crisis situations; no court action was required beyond acknowledgment. Following a short closed session on personnel matters, the court voted unanimously to continue funding a transportation-to-doctor program for county residents out of emergency reserves, in the amount of $25,000, through the end of the fiscal year (June 30), with a plan to pursue grant funding going forward. The meeting closed with committee reports, updates on a solar project, and the appointment of Jana Mohan and Larry Clayton to the extension board.

The court handled routine business first, approving the minutes from the October 8th meeting and the bills, claims, and transfers, as well as the 2024 tax rates. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to two presentations: Christy Hall and Wendy King of the 'Happy Feet' nonprofit described their program providing shoes and socks to needy Ohio County schoolchildren, and asked the court for support. The court responded by voting to donate $1,500 (50 pairs of shoes) from the county's community outreach fund. Charter Communications (Spectrum) also gave a detailed update on broadband expansion in the county, describing two funding rounds (a federal RDOF project and a state grant round) covering roughly 2,100 addresses, with construction deadlines of 2026-2027, and outlining ongoing challenges with utility pole permitting. The court passed the second reading of an ordinance amendment establishing a warning system (two warnings before citation) for property owners whose grass maintenance blocks roadways, after discussion about fairness given the county's own mowing practices. The court also approved two financing/infrastructure resolutions: a lease financing agreement for a new dump truck, and a resolution funding an 80/20 cost-share culvert replacement (Santa Fe Crossing) in Magistrate Daniel/Morphew's districts. A motion also approved installation of a fire hydrant for the Horse Branch fire substation, with instructions to seek competitive bids given the high estimated cost (~$67,000-$68,000). Committee reports covered the landfill contract review (looking at tonnage rates and service days ahead of the contract's 2027 expiration) and a wage committee proposal to raise sheriff's deputies' pay to remain competitive with schools and nearby cities; this was approved by unanimous roll-call vote, funded through the emergency services occupational tax fund. A committee was also confirmed to look into a Muhlenberg County matter, though details were sparse and the committee chair (Rip) has been ill. In other business, the court accepted a new subdivision road (Trump Lane) into the county road system to qualify for water line service, pending final naming. Magistrate Jason Meredith noted this could be his final meeting before an upcoming election, and the court closed with well-wishes and prayers for former magistrate Bill Burton's health, plus an update on the new school board office construction on South Main.

The court handled routine business including approval of minutes, bills/claims, and financial reports, plus several noteworthy items. Ray Hagerman, director of the Muhlenberg Economic Growth Alliance, presented a proposal asking Ohio County to invest about $116,000 as its share match for a state grant tied to Paradise Park industrial development. In exchange, the county would receive a share of occupational tax revenue from a new company locating 250+ jobs there, potentially recouping the investment within about four years. The court did not vote but formed a committee (Michael, Rip, and Brian) to study the proposal and report back. Representatives of the Owensboro Beagle Club spoke about ongoing disputes over use of a running pen/enclosure they built and maintained themselves since 2009, seeking cooperation with the county and clarification on membership rules. The judge suggested both sides work together, and it was noted anyone could join the club by committing 40 hours of work per year, subject to a membership vote. A proposed ordinance on roadside mowing/maintenance (2025 Maintenance Agreement) was tabled until the next meeting so the county attorney and second district magistrate could be present. The court also approved subordinating its second mortgage position on a loan involving West Kentucky Whiskey and Independence Bank, renewed a 5-year elevator maintenance lease with Otis, approved purchase of a new dump truck from Worldwide Equipment for $152,450, and hired a part-time custodial worker for the county park. Under committee reports, the judge discussed two bridge replacement projects (Shercer Road and Quarter Horse Lane) funded through a state bridge grant program, requiring an engineering firm (AI) to be hired, with county costs covered by the grant. Magistrate Michael McKenzie raised the upcoming landfill contract renewal as an important issue needing attention given citizen concerns about revenue and terms. The meeting closed with committee reports showing no other new business, and a personal update from a magistrate whose family member was recovering well after a health scare, with thanks expressed to the community for support.

The court took up golf cart purchasing/leasing, gave second reading to an ordinance amending its large-scale solar/variance rules, and spent the bulk of the meeting negotiating a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with a solar developer (Scout Energy/‘Bluegrass Crossing’ style project referenced) over setbacks and vegetative screening for a large solar array. On routine business, the court voted 4-1 to buy the county's 18 old golf carts from Cunningham's for $42,600, and separately voted unanimously to lease 18 new golf carts from Cunningham's over a five-year term, with an amendment letting the treasurer make lump-sum payments to reduce interest costs. The court then gave second reading and passed (4-1, Magistrate Bennett opposed) Ordinance 2024-7, which clarifies that approval of one variance under the county's new solar ordinance does not set precedent for future variances, and adds a $1-500 per-day penalty for violations. The largest portion of the meeting concerned a proposed MOU with a solar developer laying out setback distances (ranging from about 170 to 440+ feet from homes) and vegetative screening commitments for a planned solar project. Magistrates pressed the company on protecting non-participating landowners, especially in one residential area near 'Forest Martin Loop,' and negotiated additional screening along the eastern boundary and near a state highway. Company representatives explained the state Siting Board review process, economic impact (roughly $300 million project, ~$500K+/year in new tax revenue), and decommissioning procedures. After extended discussion about the tight timeline (driven by the company's Oct. 4 deadline for a payment), the court approved the MOU 4-1 (Bennett opposed), with an added amendment creating a viewing committee of magistrates to visit specific sites and negotiate additional screening details before the state application process begins. Several magistrates expressed discomfort with the compressed timeline and lack of countywide planning and zoning, but ultimately supported moving forward given the economic incentives and the assurance that additional public input opportunities exist at the state Siting Board level.

The court approved routine business including the September minutes, bill payments (including a sheriff's medical kit grant and an AmeriCorps position at the senior center), a clerk's financial report, and a bid for a new Dodge Durango for the sheriff's department paid with House Bill funds. The National Weather Service recognized Ohio County as an official "StormReady" community, presenting emergency management director Charlie Shields with a sign commemorating the achievement. The Bull Run Beagle Club raised concerns about a fenced-in area at the county park controlled by the Ohio County/Owensboro Beagle Club, after a member of that club (a Davis County resident) ordered an Ohio County citizen off the property. The court tabled the issue for a future meeting so more information and other parties could be gathered. A major item was a first-reading amendment to the county's solar energy ordinance, allowing variance requests (excluding decommissioning/bonding issues) and setting fencing requirements at 6-8 feet. This passed by roll call vote and a second reading was scheduled for the following Wednesday. Bids on a golf cart purchase and a road department truck were tabled/approved for advertising, respectively, pending further review of financing terms. Personnel actions included hiring two part-time clerks at the park. Emergency management director Charlie Shields reported on FEMA reimbursement expected from county road department assistance to Muhlenberg County after tornado damage, and requested court approval to allocate an anticipated ~$5,500 reimbursement toward mounted search and rescue training and dive equipment. He also reported on a partnership between Republic Services and Tamerlane Lanes to clean up debris behind the nonprofit's property, with Republic donating nearly $89,000 in hauling/disposal services. Sheriff Adam Wright presented statistics on rising call volumes and requested the court consider a pay scale review to help retain deputies who are leaving for higher-paying jobs elsewhere. His wife and a deputy also spoke in support, emphasizing staffing shortages and safety concerns. The court agreed to schedule a special pay-scale committee meeting in October. Committee reports covered mowing progress by the road department, the annual suicide awareness walk (with about 300 registered attendees), and the Jerusalem Ridge festival, which was well-executed but under-attended, prompting discussion of improved event promotion.

The court opened with routine approvals: the minutes of the August 27 meeting, bills/claims/payments and transfers, and the August treasurer's finance report were all approved without discussion. Jennifer Titchner from Father's House gave a two-year update on the recovery program, reporting 53 court-ordered clients (37 local), 10 graduates, and estimated savings to the county of roughly $369,988 in avoided jail costs. She explained the program is exempt from a new state sober-living certification law (House Bill 248) because it is faith-based and drug-free, which also disqualifies it from most state/federal grants. She requested $39,600 in financial help to finish a kitchen/fellowship hall renovation. The court took the request under advisement, with magistrates planning to meet with her before the next meeting to discuss further and compare with the ARC program. The court acknowledged (without a vote needed) the extension office's unchanged tax rate. A bid from Cunningham's Golf Vehicles to sell/trade 18 aging golf carts (for about $42,500) and lease new ones (roughly $1,456.89/year for 5 years, plus a buyout) was discussed at length, with concerns about the golf course already running over budget; the matter was tabled until the next meeting for further research. A first reading was held for a new ordinance amending the county's existing trash ordinance to prohibit blowing or depositing grass clippings onto public roadways, aimed at safety concerns for motorcyclists and cyclists. The ordinance passed its first reading with only Magistrate Daniels and Magistrate Morphew voting no. It will need a second reading after publication, requiring a fuller court. In committee/magistrate comments, members discussed refurbishing a tank at the county park, road paving funding status, upcoming community events (Jerusalem Ridge Festival, county fair, Centertown Days), and a concern about a resident being charged to walk through the park during fair time, which will be looked into. The meeting was then adjourned, with the next meeting to be held at Rosine.

The Fiscal Court handled a routine agenda, approving minutes and bills, then heard from Brandy Dye and Courtney Allen of the Family Wellness Center, who presented a check for $1,085 raised at the inaugural 'Pause and Clause' 5K to benefit the Ohio County Animal Shelter. The court passed Resolution 2024-5 concerning House Bill 1, after removing a $100,000 building fund appropriation that magistrates decided to table until further notice. They also approved Resolution 2024-257 to accept a contract for 'Flex Shows,' clearing the way to schedule work with a contractor (referred to as 'the Scotties') starting around September 1st. A significant local law was finalized: the second reading of an ordinance regulating small-scale ground solar systems passed unanimously. The revised ordinance raises the size threshold requiring permits from 2,500 sq ft to one acre, while keeping rooftop and home-integrated solar systems exempt regardless of size. This followed input from a resident with concerns about the original draft. Routine business included acknowledging the Sheriff's 2023 property tax settlement, franchise fee settlement, and 2024 quarterly report, plus three new part-time/seasonal hires (senior services aide, substitute meal driver, and a park worker), all approved by voice vote. The Road Department also adjusted its 'Road Scholar' incentive program eligibility rules, allowing the road supervisor discretion over the two-year employment requirement. During reports, magistrates noted progress on flex-route road funding communications with the state transportation department, expected to begin this year. The county's outgoing treasurer was clarified to be retiring, not resigning. Republic Services announced a free community appreciation lunch event at the landfill on September 18. The Ohio County Public Library Board reported a slight decrease in its real estate and personal property tax rates (from 9.4 to 9.2 cents), and a representative highlighted an upcoming 'Survive and Thrive' mental health walk at the county park on September 7. Overall, residents can expect no major tax changes, continued investment in local road maintenance programs, a new solar development standard, and several community health and wellness events in the coming weeks.

The court opened with a swearing-in ceremony for Timothy Ray Griffin as the newly appointed Constable of the Third District, filling the seat until the next election. This appointment drew some pointed questions later in the meeting from residents concerned that the public was given very short notice (sometimes only hours) about the vacancy and that a second candidate's paperwork wasn't fully considered before the appointment was made. The magistrates acknowledged the process needs improvement so residents have fair opportunity to apply for such openings. The court held a brief public hearing on property tax rates (no comments were made) and then set the rates: the real estate rate stays the same, the tangible/inventory rate increases slightly (from about 7.9 to 8.4 cents per $100) due to declining whiskey-barrel valuations over the next five years, and the motor vehicle rate stays at the state-mandated level. All were approved unanimously. The second reading of the solar farm ordinance was tabled for two weeks after a resident raised concerns about the size threshold distinguishing "small scale" from "intermediate scale" solar installations; the court plans to meet with him before finalizing changes (likely raising the threshold to one acre). A proposed mowing/right-of-way obstruction ordinance was discussed at length, with the court deciding to fold new mowing/grass-clipping rules into the existing nuisance ordinance rather than create a new one, targeting a September 10 timeline. Routine business included approving minutes, bill claims, and various financial reports; approving CDBG resolution funds for ongoing local projects (Rosine Museum, annex building, road paving); tabling a road fund allocation motion pending more information; approving several seasonal hires at the golf course and park; and authorizing the Sheriff's Department to pursue a state grant for new Taser equipment. The court also approved advertising for bids to sell its aging fleet of golf carts and to lease/purchase a new fleet. A visiting non-resident raised concerns about representation on the Rochester Dam Region Water Commission, an independent body formed jointly with Butler County; the court explained it has limited authority over the commission's internal decisions. The meeting closed with committee reports (road committee, golf course committee), a request to surplus a small road grader, and general public comments, with magistrates and the judge thanking attendees for participating.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 23, 2024, opening with prayer, the pledge, and routine approval of minutes and bills, including a discussion about voucher numbers on community contribution accounts. The court also approved the treasurer's June financial statement and a pending year-end settlement for the fiscal year that ended June 30. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to a presentation from the District 2 KYTC transportation team led by Scott Phelps, who outlined roughly $1.3 million in flex and state funding for road projects, including replacing an aging, rusting culvert (estimated at $650,000-$900,000) and resurfacing options on KY 505. The court voted to keep its flex funds and proceed with the recommended culvert replacement, directing any leftover money toward paving on 505. Larry Castile asked the court to consider an ordinance banning grass-blowing into roadways, citing motorcycle safety concerns. After discussion of enforcement and scope, the court agreed to send the issue to the road committee for further review before the next meeting. The court passed the second reading of Ordinance 2025-1 (a budget amendment allowing use of surplus funds) and approved a resolution enabling use of KIPDA funds for the industrial park road extension project. It also acknowledged several routine reports from the county clerk's office regarding June financial statements, delinquent tax transfers, and the annual county financial report. A significant vote concerned reallocating grant money originally intended for the Cherryville waterline project. After lengthy debate, the court voted 4-2 to approve the water district's request to redirect the funds to serve 54 previously unserved homes rather than risk losing the money, effectively ending the Cherryville project as currently conceived. The meeting closed with the jailer's report, reappointments to the airport board, a personnel appointment for a park maintenance position, committee updates (including a planned road committee meeting on the grass ordinance), and public comments covering truck traffic issues near Taylor Mine Road, a request for county road maintenance near a cemetery on Huff Creek, and a resident's frustration over a delayed and possibly incomplete flood debris cleanup contract along a local creek.

The meeting opened with a swearing-in ceremony for new 4th District Magistrate Brian Daniels, followed by a special Public Facilities Corporation meeting to approve financing documents needed for the hospital's permanent bond financing with USDA. Two resolutions were passed authorizing the corporation to secure the real estate and to allow Magistrate Jason Bullock to sign closing documents in place of Judge Johnson, who will be out of town. In the regular Fiscal Court session, the court approved minutes, bills/claims, and a companion resolution supporting the hospital financing. A first-reading budget amendment ordinance was passed by roll call. Economic developer Jason Chandler shared exciting news that Ohio County ranked #10 nationally in per-capita economic development, highlighted ongoing prospects including a large industrial site with 50-70 megawatts of power potential, and new projects in Beaver Dam. Two community organizations made funding requests: Sleep in Heavenly Peace (building beds for children without them) asked for $5,000, which magistrates informally agreed to cover through personal discretionary funds; and Ohio County United for Youth requested $1,000 for youth programming, with the judge suggesting they may qualify for Kentucky ASAP drug-prevention funding instead. Personnel actions were approved for a golf course position (Jesse Willis) and a road department truck driver/operator (Dallas Frame). The court approved a $48,673.10 bid from Atlantic Emergency Solutions for a new fire department air compressor system, choosing it over a lower $52,900... (correction: chosen over Mid-America's bid) due to better warranty coverage and local service support. A significant policy motion was passed restricting payroll account line-item transfers, preventing departments from shifting unused payroll/retirement/insurance funds into other operational spending, aimed at preserving year-end surplus funds for genuine needs. During reports, magistrates discussed a siren malfunction during a tornado warning in Cromwell, and new employee Judy raised concerns about housing and homelessness in the county, referencing an existing committee (chaired by Christina Carpenter) working on potential solutions including tiny home communities and government housing.

The Fiscal Court handled a large volume of routine business, including approval of minutes, bills/claims, the annual wage scale and compensation schedule (reflecting a 3–4% CPI increase effective July 1), and amended salary orders for the Sheriff's and Clerk's deputies to reflect the same raise. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to opening and awarding annual bids for road materials and county services — stone, steel pipe, primer/tack, blacktop, plastic pipe, HVAC/electrical work, ambulance service, and trash service. Most contracts were awarded, several with multiple vendors approved so the road department could shop for the best price. No bids were received for concrete, equipment/vehicle lease, or diesel fuel/gasoline, so the county will purchase fuel at the best available price without a formal contract. No bids were received for a new tri-axle dump truck either, but the court approved purchasing one from Kenworth on the road supervisor's recommendation, with delivery expected by late summer/fall; the old truck will be surplused and sent to auction in Alabama. The court approved a resolution allocating TVA funds through the Industrial Development Authority: $880,000 toward water expansion plant debt service, $150,000 for the Bluegrass Industrial Park project, and $15,000 to Ohio County Tourism. The court also approved a grant for the County Clerk's office for election equipment (fully reimbursable, about $8,300), surplused two Sheriff's Office vehicles (a 2008 Chevy Tahoe and a 2012 Dodge Charger) for sale through GovDeals, and approved a resolution restricting certain rollover accounts so leftover funds carry into the new budget year. Two personnel actions were approved by roll call vote: hiring Judy Trogdon as administrative assistant in the Road Department at $16.58/hour, and hiring Lane Goodman as a full-time Parks groundskeeper at $15.84/hour, filling a position left vacant after the previous employee's death. During magistrate comments, a magistrate raised concerns that a Chero Bill road/paving project may have been dropped in favor of using the associated funds for other purposes, without proper notice to the court. Magistrates asked for written documentation and said the issue would be placed on the next meeting's agenda (July 9) for further discussion, with some magistrates arguing that if the money can't be used for its original purpose it should be returned. A citizen/court member also noted that a presentation from Maryann Piper (Ohio County United for Youth, requesting a donation) would be rescheduled to the July 9 meeting since she did not arrive in time.

The court handled routine business first, approving the minutes from May 28, the bills and claims, and the treasurer's and clerk's financial reports for April and May. It then gave second readings and unanimous roll-call approval to two ordinances: an update to the county's administrative code and a solar farm ordinance regulating large solar developments. A significant financial item was authorization to refinance the hospital's bond debt into a USDA loan, cutting the interest rate from about 7% to 3.5%. The court also approved opening two pass-through bank accounts seeded with $100 each to facilitate this refinancing. The court moved to declare a small house and lot near the Rosine Cemetery as surplus property, with plans to have it appraised and advertised for sealed bids; two private developers have expressed interest in the site, which has sat unused for years. The judge executive also researched KRS provisions allowing the county to accept sealed bids without a prior appraisal, which the court may use to expedite the sale. Magistrate Jason Bullock raised a road matter involving an extension of Hawker Road to serve a new four-to-six house subdivision; the court appointed a committee (Rip, Jason, and Charlie Shields) to review an existing easement and begin the standard road-taking process. A personnel action changing an employee (Tamara Guzman) from part-time to full-time status was also approved. In committee reports, the court approved a $36,000 purchase of a 2024 Chevrolet Colorado work truck for the animal shelter from Bachman Chevrolet. The road department reported ongoing storm debris cleanup tied to a FEMA emergency declaration, and noted delays in blacktop paving due to slow coal severance tax revenue. No bids were received for a dump truck. Magistrate Michael McKinney also flagged water infrastructure problems at the Cromwell ballpark for discussion at a future meeting.

The court opened with a prayer and pledge, then quickly acted on paperwork needed to keep a recreation grant application moving — approving the application for the walking trail at the Ohio County park and adding the football field project to it. Routine business followed: the May 14 minutes and the bills/claims/transfers were approved after some pointed questions about transfers within the Sheriff's budget and a costly monthly website/security service (Golden Shovel) used by the OA office. The court gave first reading to several changes to the county's administrative code, most notably a new longevity pay structure (a quarter-per-hour raise every 5 years instead of lump-sum bonuses at 5 and 10 years) and a rule aligning part-time benefit eligibility with the 24-hour/week threshold used by the state's health insurance program. The court also acknowledged receipt of the Sheriff's first quarterly financial report and appointed Jason Chin to fill a vacancy on the Board of Assessment and Appeals. The Jail Committee recommended switching the jail's television provider to save about $50/month while meeting state recreation requirements for inmates; the court approved the switch. Representatives of the Chartville VFW/American Legion Post asked for help with operating costs and scholarship funding, and the court voted to donate $2,500 (magistrates each contributing $500 from discretionary funds) and authorized a check to be written. Much of the meeting was spent revisiting the long-stalled Chartville area water line project. A letter from Julie Bickers of the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority was read again, confirming that grant funds (roughly $800,000+) cannot be redirected but that additional funding could be sought if a shortfall is identified. The core problem remains that the local water district does not want to take on an estimated $112,000/year ongoing cost (largely for line flushing, given too few potential customers/meters) to extend service. Magistrates debated hiring an engineer directly, meeting again with the water board, and the broader economic-development argument for running water to a large undeveloped tract of land. No final resolution was reached; Larry raised a motion to move forward using existing grant funds, but it did not come to a clear vote and the topic was tabled for further work with the water board. For residents, the practical takeaways are: a modest new committee-driven improvement to jail TV services, small pay-structure and benefits tweaks for county employees, a $2,500 donation to the local VFW/American Legion, and continued delay — but ongoing effort — toward bringing public water service to the Chartville/Cool Springs area.

The court handled a light routine agenda before recognizing a large group of local students. Minutes of the April 26 meeting, bill/claims payments, the treasurer's bond renewal, the treasurer's April financial statement, and the clerk's amendment to the 2024 motor vehicle and both claim bills were all approved without objection. A major highlight was a proclamation declaring May 2024 as 'High School Hero Month,' recognizing 22 Ohio County High School graduates who donated blood or volunteered with the West Kentucky Regional Blood Center. The court also awarded the inaugural Don Williams Community Service Scholarship ($1,000) to student Christian Bird. On budget matters, the court approved the second reading of the FY2024-2025 county budget ordinance by roll call vote, with all magistrates voting yes. It also approved the first reading of a new solar energy ordinance regulating large-scale solar farms, including decommissioning and buffering requirements to protect adjoining landowners. The Cooperative Road Aid Agreement with the state (about $18,139,000) was approved unanimously by roll call. Several personnel hires were approved for the senior center and golf course, all at $13.53/hour. The court also voted to surplus a 2007 pickup truck from animal control, with proceeds to go back into animal shelter equipment funding. Discussion arose over a $1,854 water bill for the Cromwell ball park caused by a leak; the court had not decided how to resolve it and planned to talk to the water district about a possible rate reduction. Magistrate Bullock proposed the court help fund the 'Senior Sunset' (formerly Project Graduation) event with $250 per magistrate, which passed by motion. The meeting closed with well-wishes for families affected by a recent fatal car wreck and a decision to move the June meeting from the 11th to the 10th to accommodate travel to a conference.

The court handled routine business quickly, approving minutes, bills/claims, and the county clerk's delinquent tax report with little discussion. A major topic was a request from Rockport Fire Department to use ARPA funds to replace a broken air compressor/storage unit used to fill air packs, with estimates of $47,000-$51,000. The court approved advertising for the project, with the fire chief coordinating specs with Charlie Shields to get it in next week's paper. The court also approved a resolution to direct remaining ARPA funds toward continuing the ARC (offender re-entry/prevention) program run by Jimmy Cantrell, which magistrates praised for its success in reducing recidivism and helping with court supervision, while noting a desire to also explore helping other programs in the future. About $325,000 remains in ARPA funds for this purpose, and the county also discussed unused opioid settlement funds (~$192,000) as a future resource. A significant financial item was a resolution allowing Ohio County to act as a governmental pass-through partner for a $52 million federal grant application by Paducah & Louisville (P&L) Railroad, which would fund track/signal upgrades, a wheel-truing machine, and rehabilitation of five bridges. The county would earn roughly $700,000 (about 2%) for administering the pass-through, with Judge Executive Grad Blake's office assisting. Magistrates raised concerns about the size of the grant and asked that Blake attend a future meeting to explain the arrangement, but the resolution passed. Committee reports touched on ongoing broadband expansion (Spectrum) progress being slow, a need to revisit the animal shelter's vehicle needs for hauling supplies, and a letter from the Kentucky Infrastructure Authority regarding possible additional funding for the Cherry Hill water project shortfall, which the judge plans to pursue further.

This special-called meeting had a single purpose: opening and considering bids for replacement of the community center's aging cooling tower and HVAC system. Justin, representing Complete Comfort Heating & Cooling, presented two pricing options — a three-zone system tied to each floor (basement, second floor, third floor) for $772,500, or a more flexible per-room heating/cooling option for $869,500. After extensive discussion about efficiency, water savings (eliminating the current water-cooled system), duct work improvements, and how the new system would better accommodate rooms that have been subdivided over the years, the court leaned toward the more cost-effective floor-by-floor option, which was also seen as more compatible with funding expectations tied to a reimbursement arrangement with ARPA/AOCC-related grant funds (referred to as ALC/AOCC in the transcript). The court approved accepting Complete Comfort's bid of $772,500, conditioned on execution of a formal contract with standard terms, insurance, and a requirement that no work begin until the funding authority (referred to as ALC) approves the plan consistent with the county's grant reimbursement agreement. Charlie Shields was appointed as the local point of contact for the project. For residents, this means the community center — home to several county offices and courtrooms — should see a significant HVAC upgrade in the coming months, replacing an aging, costly-to-maintain boiler and cooling tower system with modern, efficient heat pump technology. The project is expected to take roughly 6 months to complete once funding approval is secured, and it should resolve long-standing issues with uneven heating/cooling and mixed-up ductwork throughout the building. The meeting concluded shortly after the vote, as replacing the cooling system was the only item on the agenda.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on April 9, 2024, and worked through a routine agenda of financial approvals, jail-related contracts, a resolution for election-day backup generators, a personnel hire, and an insurance renewal, before hearing a presentation from the Kentucky Lions Club about a juvenile-justice mentoring program called Lions Quest. Routine business — minutes, bills/claims/transfers, the treasurer's report, the county clerk's report, and the circuit court clerk's quarterly report — were all approved without objection. Among the notable claims was a $19,000 USGS grant for a stream gauge in Hartford and a donation from the Second District constable's budget to buy a spotlight for the county's thermal-imaging drone. The court approved a resolution to seek an EMA grant (with the county clerk) for portable backup generators for the six voting centers, at an estimated cost of about $8,900 for all six units, so voting can continue if power goes out on election day; the units would otherwise be available for other county emergencies. Jailer Landon presented several items: an update on the jail video system (already handled via an MOA with the county attorney's office, no vote needed), a new contract allowing an ATM/bonding-money vending machine inside the jail (approved), a $4,500-a-year electronic cell-check monitoring system to be paid from commissary funds (approved), and an updated jail policy-and-procedure manual based on state model policies (approved). The court also approved surplusing an old 2004 sheriff's bus. The court went into closed session regarding pending litigation tied to a prescription-medication lawsuit; no action was taken in closed session. Afterward, the court voted by roll call to hire Tamara Guzman as a part-time courthouse custodian at $13.63/hour, and approved renewal of the county's Anthem health insurance plan, with premiums up about 12% but coverage unchanged, including continuation of one free employee plan. Finally, representatives introduced the Lions Quest program, a juvenile-justice mentoring curriculum being piloted in Hopkins County, and the court agreed to form a committee (Magistrates Melton and Jason, with Judge and William) to look into bringing it to Ohio County. A separate committee (with Justin and Charlie Shields) was appointed to begin drafting a required county solar energy ordinance.

The court opened with routine approval of minutes and bills, then heard from the Bill Monroe Homeplace Foundation about roof damage on the historic home. Rather than a full re-roof, the court approved spending $5,000–$7,000 from reserves for shake-shingle repair and preservation, deciding annual maintenance would be cheaper long-term than a full replacement. A large block of the meeting was devoted to Sheriff's Office grant resolutions: body armor vests, replacement 9mm pistols (to move away from bulky .45s), tasers and taser software/cartridges, and a radio grant to fix interoperability problems exposed during the recent plane crash response. All were passed as grant applications, not direct expenditures. The court approved letting Grider Roads extend a road into county-owned industrial park property (with an added requirement that any roads built be reported to the court before being placed on the county system), approved a resolution for the Stanley Road waterline/fire hydrant grant, and extended the gravel/road-tile program allowing residents one free load of rock per driveway culvert installation, formalizing an executive order. Several personnel and financial items were handled: hiring a new road department employee, reappointing several library and water board members (with the judge/executive expressing reservations about water board decisions on service extensions), authorizing purchase of a new animal control truck (a motion to rebid failed for lack of a second), and approving CD purchases for opioid settlement and ARPA funds sitting idle. A landfill lease reallocation was also approved to shift money into the general fund. The budget ordinance had its first reading approved (with community contributions and insurance adjustments to be added before final passage). The court declared an old coroner's van surplus for transfer to the City of Hartford for a public transport program. A resident raised concerns about loose dogs in her neighborhood, and the court agreed to have animal control follow up. The community center HVAC/cooling tower bid opening was tabled to allow re-advertising after an advertisement issue.

The court opened with prayer and pledge, then approved the February 27th minutes and amended the December 19, 2023 minutes to reflect a previously omitted motion surplussing a sheriff's department vehicle for sale on GovDeals. Routine financial business followed: bills, claims and transfers were approved, and the treasurer's and clerk's February financial reports were acknowledged. The court also passed two resolutions — one assigning TVA/coal severance-type money (referred to as the annual payment) to the IDA, and another (House Bill 1 related) adding two items to a prior resolution. Committee reports covered ongoing frustration with the pace of rural broadband/fiber buildout, tied to pole permit and pole-replacement delays by Warren Electric/One Electric, with no firm timeline available. The court hired a part-time senior center meal driver. A budget committee distributed a draft budget for members to review ahead of a scheduled budget workshop, to be completed before the first meeting in April so it can be submitted early to the Department for Local Government. The road committee discussed upcoming flex road fund proposals and possible changes to a 20-year-old ordinance about county road acceptance standards, both to be brought back for approval at the next meeting. The court also voted to approve seven changes to the administrative code wage scale (effective July 1 with the new budget), including a road master incentive program, a new assistant/senior director position, and a revised longevity pay structure. Guests included the Mayor of Beaver Dam, who introduced himself and announced an Easter egg hunt on March 23rd and the Summerfest on June 29th benefiting local elementary school backpack programs, and a representative from Rosine Park announcing their own Easter event on the same day. The meeting was then adjourned.

The court approved routine business including the January 23 meeting minutes and payment of bills and claims, including a cybersecurity grant reimbursement and HVAC repair funding drawn from reserves. Emergency Management Director Charlie Shields presented a mutual aid agreement with 24 regional counties for disaster response, which the court approved. He also secured court approval to sign a contract with a vendor to repair weather sirens across the county (including long-delayed sirens in the Rosine area) for $5,850, funded through the Fire Acres fund, and announced an upcoming free tire amnesty event April 18-20 at the Ohio County Park. The court authorized signing of an MOA to move forward with HVAC work in the courthouse, with financing options to be checked before the next meeting. Following a closed session on a personnel/legal matter, the court voted to submit a $113,000 proposal to the water board for annual water line maintenance funding, and approved two seasonal personnel appointments for the golf course pro shop. The golf course committee received approval to purchase a new greens mower for $22,900 from Beard Equipment, financed over a four-year payment plan of $6,550 annually. The road department committee distributed a multi-item proposal for review at the next meeting, and a new Housing Shortage Task Force was appointed to research housing development resources and grant opportunities. A CSX rail employee addressed the court urging support for state legislation (House Bill 33 and Senate Bill 47) requiring two-person train crews, citing safety concerns following the East Palestine derailment, and asked residents to contact their state senator. The meeting closed with magistrate reports and a note that the community center and courthouse basement were open as storm shelters for residents that evening.

The court handled a full slate of routine business, approving the January 23rd minutes, monthly bills and claims, and financial reports from both the Treasurer and County Clerk for January 2024. The court also gave second reading and final approval to an amendment to the county's 911 policy. A notable financial item was authorizing a $400,000 payment to Scotty for paving work on Liberty (Church) Road, with funds transferred from the emergency savings account to be reimbursed later through a grant. The Road Department also received approval to purchase a 2023 Cat road widener from Boyd's for $69,900, with a commitment to replace that money in savings from surplus/needs-assessment funds by July 2024. Jailer Landon Burlock presented a significant proposal to bring a nurse and nurse practitioner to the detention center twice weekly, which the court unanimously approved along with related medical policies and procedures. This is expected to reduce costly and risky inmate transports to outside medical facilities and lower the jail's liability exposure, at a cost of under $30,000 annually — far less than competing bids from a hospital or correctional medical provider. Jodie Nall gave the annual Bluegrass festival report, showing improved revenue and reduced deficit compared to 2022, and previewed strong early ticket sales for 2024. The court also heard about a new cybersecurity grant of about $122,000 to upgrade county computers and servers, appointed Lee Herer to the Rochester Dam board, and discussed adding a water line project on Tucker Hollow Road (already on the county's priority list) to be reassessed at an upcoming waterline committee meeting. Magistrates also addressed smaller community requests, including a $100-per-magistrate contribution to the high school's Senior Sunset event and discretionary contributions toward a new washing machine for a volunteer fire station, with a reminder to coordinate such requests through the county fire association first.

The court approved routine business including minutes, bills/claims, and payment of a late list item for salt purchases. A significant portion of the meeting dealt with a crop ground lease near the county park: the original 5-year agreement with the Westerfields had expired, and after discussion the court voted to extend it for one year while planning to rebid the contract afterward. The court gave first reading approval to a revised county ordinance (2024-25) that cleans up outdated repealing language from a 2012 ordinance without substantive changes. Several personnel hires were approved for the senior center, park, and animal shelter, all part-time positions at $13.53/hour. The court also passed a resolution to join the Delta Region Authority (in addition to the Mountain Region Authority) to improve eligibility for federal funding opportunities. Another resolution authorized payment of about $44,878 to reimburse costs for upgrading the jail's court video/software system, part of a statewide upgrade program funded through DLG. Committee reports noted progress on broadband utility pole placement in the northern part of the county, and ongoing issues with the fire department's radio repeater system, which is not reaching handheld units and may need replacement. A road committee meeting was scheduled to discuss potential equipment purchases. During member comments, discussion arose about improving fencing at the animal shelter to prevent animals from escaping or being abandoned outside secure areas; the county administrator will look into costs. The meeting closed with lighthearted personal remarks before adjournment.

The court opened with prayer and pledge, then approved the minutes from December and handled bills and claims, including a discussion over a road-materials bill that came in about $2,500 over the original quote — the court agreed to pay only the quoted amount and require a separate explanatory bill for the overage. Several routine year-end/year-start financial items were approved or acknowledged, including the county treasurer's December financial statement, the Sheriff's and County Clerk's annual salary orders and estimated budgets, and the Clerk's fourth-quarter and December financial reports. Occupational tax revenue is holding steady despite the closure of Dell, with hopes that other industrial growth (including a WPT expansion) will offset the loss. The Sheriff's office got approval to purchase a new 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe from Bachman Commercial for about $45,600, the only bidder. The court also approved hiring Lesa Gibson as a part-time replacement in the litter/bait program, approved installation of a weather siren on Ohio County Water District property near Bluegrass Crossing, and passed a standing motion authorizing the judge-executive to sign reimbursement agreements with Emergency Management and the Senior Citizens Center. Much of the meeting's discussion focused on broadband expansion, with magistrates explaining that Warren RECC's slow pole-permit approvals are the main bottleneck for Spectrum's rollout in rural parts of the county, while Kenergy is expected to expand service starting near Beaver Dam Road later in the year. A state broadband mapping meeting was scheduled for that Friday to clarify what services are or will be available where. No action was taken on road committee business, though the judge-executive plans to bring proposed updates to the county's road specification ordinance to the next meeting, and the road department will bring a cost proposal for a trench-edger purchase. The meeting closed with brief updates from magistrates, a note on adequate road salt supplies, and lighthearted comments about housing needs before adjournment.

The court opened with prayer and pledge, then approved minutes from the November 14 and November 27 special call meetings, along with the bills, claims, payments and transfers, including a discussion of audit costs and bonding requirements for magistrates versus the sheriff and treasurer. A notable discussion arose over an $8,500 walking trail patch/crack-fill repair at the park, originally paid from a magistrate's discretionary fund. Several magistrates argued that park-related, countywide projects (parks, Jerusalem Ridge, landfill) should not be funded solely from one magistrate's discretionary money. The court ultimately agreed to cover the cost using LGEA funds instead, avoiding impact to discretionary budgets, and agreed to better track and prioritize future park projects. Routine acknowledgments were made of the clerk's 2023 financial report and the November 2023 treasurer's report. The court also renewed the occupational tax administrator bond and the sheriff's revenue bond, and approved surplus of a sheriff's department Ford vehicle for sale on GovDeals due to high repair costs. The court passed the second reading of Ordinance 2023-243, an administrative code amendment with minor wording changes (replacing "shall" with "may" and "pass" with "take," plus FMLA additions), by unanimous roll call. A new waterline project on Leah Loop, covering three houses at a cost of about $221,000, was added to the water project priority list, with prioritization of all listed water projects to be discussed at a January meeting. A personnel status change raised Charlie Shields' pay from $1,120.63 to $1,216.70 per week (about $5,000/year) due to added landfill reporting duties needed to bring the county into compliance; this passed 5-1, with Magistrate Johnston voting no, clarifying she believed someone had already been hired for that role. Committee reports noted a cancelled meeting and scheduled a joint road/E-911 scale committee meeting in January. The meeting closed with magistrate comments, a welcome to Mayor Fuqua as the new citizen representative on the E-911 board, and adjournment with a note to appreciate the senior center staff.

This was a brief special-called meeting of the Ohio County Fiscal Court on November 27, 2023, mainly to handle a few pieces of purchasing business. The court opened with prayer and pledge, then approved routine bills, claims, payments, and transfers. Magistrates discussed election costs, noting that consolidating precincts into fewer voting centers may not have saved as much money as hoped once frequency of payments and inflation were factored in. There was also a brief discussion about inmate medical costs and how the county can sometimes recover money from the state for expenses over $1,000 per incident. The court then reviewed and accepted a bid from Botman Auto Group for a new coroner's van at a price of about $47,517 (approximate, garbled in transcript), noting the added equipment divider brought value up from a base market value of around $46,110. Finally, the court reviewed bids for a new sheriff's vehicle, a 2023 Tahoe, and approved a motion to accept the purchase at roughly $5,673 (likely a garbled/mistranscribed price), with some discussion about the increasing size of Tahoes compared to older models. The meeting concluded with a motion to adjourn.

The court handled routine business first, approving the October 24 minutes, paying bills and claims, and acknowledging the treasurer's October financial statement and the library/music report. A resolution (2023-248) was approved to reprioritize items on the LGov (house bill) funding list so the county can move forward with purchasing property near the courthouse before the price increases; the bid still must be advertised and accepted at a future meeting, likely requiring a special call before December 19. A proposed update to the drug and alcohol policy—adding language about marijuana and impairment standards developed with a state trooper who is a certified drug recognition expert—was discussed at length but tabled until the next meeting so a magistrate who was absent could review it. The court passed the second reading of Ordinance 2023-242, amending the administrative code in three places: clarifying language around passing/taking hiring requirements, requiring immediate (rather than delayed) enrollment in the state retirement system for eligible employees, and adding a formal 12-month FMLA measuring period. Because it's an ordinance, it required a roll-call vote and passed with all four magistrates present voting yes. The ARCH reentry program presented strong results—hundreds of clients served and significant jail-cost savings—and requested approval to trial GPS smartwatches as a replacement for ankle monitors for people in the program; the court approved a trial and authorized the judge-executive to sign a related contract if terms are acceptable. The court also appointed Lee Hiner to the Rochester Dam Water Commission, replacing an outgoing member. The court's HVAC committee reported on a roughly $77,250 quote from Complete Comfort to replace the community center's HVAC system, which has needed extensive repairs. The court agreed to submit this quote to AOC to assess funding options and to run a newspaper ad, without committing to the project yet. Father's House, a recovery ministry, asked the court to consider using remaining ARPA funds (roughly $68,000) to finish renovating their facility, citing substantial jail-cost savings from diverting people from incarceration into treatment; the court agreed to hold a follow-up meeting to review a prioritized, itemized funding request. The meeting closed with routine magistrate comments and an announcement that the next regular meeting is December 19, with a possible special call meeting before then for the road bid.

The Fiscal Court approved routine business including the minutes from the October 10th meeting, bills and claims, and the sheriff's quarterly report and September receipts acknowledgement. The court also approved purchasing 35 tables and 160 chairs (using a repurposed emergency management trailer) to support first responder appreciation events and other county uses such as the park and museum. The airport board chairman, John Gates, gave an extensive update on airport progress, including a new jet-A fuel tank, a 10-unit T-hangar expansion project fully funded by the state, cost-saving measures on phone bills and runway lighting, and plans for a ramp expansion to add parking and tie-down space. He invited the court to visit and tour the facility. The court approved an interlocal agreement with Daviess County to finish paving roughly 690-700 feet of Mosley Road at the county line, splitting costs, which still requires state approval. The court also approved a spay/neuter grant contract for the animal shelter, matching funds to help reduce adoption fees, and approved hiring Robert Stone for a full-time senior center position funded through ARPA funds (with discussion that this funding source ends at the end of next year, requiring future budget re-evaluation). Committee reports included updates on the wage scale and administrative code committees, a call for the waste committee to report soon given ongoing litter issues, and a broadband committee update. The broadband committee reported productive talks with Spectrum, which shared preliminary service maps and plans for expansion, and noted improved KenEnergy fiber service reaching residents in areas like the Narrows and Fordsville, with more details expected after the new year. Magistrates had few additional comments; one noted attending a nice open house event for a local business. The meeting adjourned with upcoming committee and regular meetings scheduled for November 14th.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on October 10, 2023, opening with prayer and the pledge before moving through a routine agenda. The court approved minutes from the September 26 meeting, accepted bills, claims, payments and transfers (including a late list showing a large Medicare overpayment refund related to Beaverdam Nursing and Rehab Center), and acknowledged the treasurer's financial statement and the public health tax rate, which remained unchanged and did not require formal court approval. A significant item was a resolution making the Ohio County Fiscal Court the fiscal agent for a Kentucky Product Development Initiative grant that GRADD is pursuing to extend the access road at Bluegrass Crossings industrial park to its northern cul-de-sac, which will help market the site. The court approved this resolution after GRADD/OCEDA representative Christina Cart explained the change from a prior version that had listed OCEDA instead of the fiscal court. Personnel actions included approving a new on-call substitute meal driver for the senior center and hiring a new part-time administrator, Gary Wright, for the judge-executive's office to fill a role being vacated by an outgoing employee. The court also made two appointments to the county extension council. Committee reports covered plans for a special water committee meeting later in the month to discuss water issues including the Cherville water line, and an update on broadband expansion discussions with Charter/Spectrum and other providers following roughly $12 million in funding awards for the county. A representative from Green River Waste, a waste hauling company, introduced himself to the court and discussed the county's dumpster bidding process, which is handled annually in June. In other business, magistrates discussed road maintenance projects including black-topping and chip-and-seal work in the fifth district, and a motion was made to prioritize a Herbert Road waterline extension project (serving three houses) at an estimated cost of about $2,414, moving it to the top of the project list since it was ready to proceed. The court also discussed a $300,000 cash-flow transfer used instead of a loan for a first responders' meal event, with funds to be replenished. The meeting closed with remarks about the situation in the Middle East and a call to keep affected families in thoughts and prayers before adjourning.

The Fiscal Court approved routine business including the September 12th minutes and bills/claims/transfers, which included a refund for occupational tax overpayment, a golf course tax collection adjustment, and an $11,000 transfer for senior center vehicle repairs. The court discussed the possibility of advertising for a new senior center van rather than repairing two aging vans (one with a bad transmission, one with engine trouble) and voted to advertise for bids to see if replacement would be more cost-effective. A major item was the award of a bid for two new warning sirens (for the fairgrounds and Bluegrass Crossings) funded largely by a federal grant. The court chose Federal Signal Corporation's bid ($60,470.80) over a lower bid from Ohio Valley Two-Way Radio, citing compatibility with existing county siren systems and better coverage area, despite the higher upfront cost. The court also approved funds for repairing malfunctioning existing sirens. The court approved declaring a 2007 Ford Crown Victoria and a 2015 Dodge Challenger from the Sheriff's Department as surplus, to be donated to Lincoln County to help start a school resource officer program. A significant financial item was a motion to apply for a $300,000 loan for electrical power expansion at the Bluegrass Crossing Industrial Park, contingent on written confirmation from the grant administrator and approval by the county judge and treasurer. This is a reimbursable grant requiring the county to front the money. The court also approved a resolution to use $17,072 in unspent American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds to sponsor the Feeding America backpack food program for local kids for a year, offsetting increased costs per child. Discussion touched on other potential uses of remaining COVID relief funds, including a possible homeless shelter or women's rehabilitation facility, though no action was taken on those. Magistrates also discussed personal contributions toward a first responders' appreciation dinner and the annual $100 Christmas gift donation for county employees.

The court handled a slate of routine business, approving minutes, bills and claims, the treasurer's and clerk's financial reports, and the sheriff's property tax settlement. The road department surplused two military-style generators, part of the county's ongoing practice of selling used equipment when new trucks are purchased. A major item was the second reading and adoption of Ordinance 2023-2, a refinancing/reimbursement ordinance extending existing debt terms for another several years; the court voted unanimously (roll call) to approve it. The court also authorized paying half (about $150,000) of a roughly $300,000 invoice to Warren Rural Electric to begin installing a new power line to serve the Bluegrass Crossings industrial site, funded through a combination of a $300,000 grant, TVA/IDA contributions, and county reserve funds committed earlier. Magistrates discussed the need for additional power capacity in the future and possible additional federal funding to expand the project. Personnel and administrative items included acknowledging the extension office's tax rate (which stayed at the compensating rate), hiring a seasonal golf course attendant, and accepting a new subdivision road (Salem Road, near Horse Branch) for county maintenance, with a viewing committee appointed. The court also created two new committees: a Broadband Committee to investigate the status of state-funded broadband rollout, and a Road Right-of-Way/Vegetation Management Committee to look at roadside mowing and spraying options, including possibly acquiring a farmer with plant knowledge. An HVAC committee reported ongoing work on quotes for the courthouse building's heating/cooling system. Other business included adding a water line extension project on Herbert Road to the county's project list (estimated cost about $22,414), and various committee and community updates, including reminders about the county fair and an upcoming distillery grand opening. The meeting closed with no further business.

The court opened with a public hearing on the county's property tax rates, which remain unchanged from last year (76 cents real, 74 cents personal) and were described as among the lowest in the state. The Ohio County Public Library also presented its tax rates, which actually decreased slightly for both real and personal property. Routine business included approval of minutes (with a small wording correction requested by auditors), payment of bills/claims/transfers including a late list, and acknowledgment of the Sheriff's quarterly fee account report. Several ordinances and resolutions were passed, including the first reading of an ordinance formalizing a prior agreement, a resolution moving ARPA funds (with a related motion authorizing checks up to $5,000), a House Bill coal severance money resolution, a CDBG resolution passing through $2 million in grant funds to the Ohio County Water District for a new raw water intake project, and a resolution to apply for an 80/20 matching cybersecurity grant (about $123,000) to upgrade county computer systems. A significant item involved storm sirens: representatives from GRADD explained that the county's original bid process for two new warning sirens violated federal procurement rules (failing to give minority/women/small-business bidders a fair opportunity), so the court voted to reject all previous bids and rebid the project to remain eligible for FEMA reimbursement. The court also went into a brief closed session to discuss senior center personnel, after which it approved hiring a part-time substitute meal driver. Other approvals included a $500 county match for a $1,000 scholarship with the Western Kentucky Regional Blood Center's Hometown Heroes program, and the annual purchase of a new road department dump truck (a 2024 Mack, with the old truck to be sold in Alabama, historically at a profit). The county coroner requested consideration for bids on a newer, safer vehicle to replace an aging prisoner-transport van, with judge and magistrates agreeing to look into pricing and possible opioid settlement funding before deciding. Magistrates closed with committee and district updates, including a request to begin blacktop road work once budgeted funds are available.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on August 8, 2023, and handled routine business along with several larger items. The court approved minutes, bill payments, and financial statements from the treasurer's and county clerk's offices without incident. The PVA office requested funding for a new aerial photography (imagery) flight through Eagleview/Pictometry, explaining that the higher-resolution imagery helps find new structures for the tax roll, aids emergency management, law enforcement, and economic development. The court approved moving forward with the new three-year contract, to be paid via an upcoming coal severance resolution, with an initial cost around $24,904. A renewed three-year lease with the child support office was approved, as was a fire department bid for a used rescue truck, with the county covering roughly $46,674.89 of the $60,000 purchase (the fire district covering the rest). Fathers House, a recovery ministry, requested funding for an intake room renovation; the court agreed to consider an ARPA resolution at the next meeting to help cover the roughly $5,000 material cost. Regarding river/levee site work, the court accepted the second-lowest bids for site four (KYLE ACT, $98,400) and site six (Extreme Excavation, $120,000) after the original low bidder (Horner) backed out, with federal funding covering the difference at no additional cost to the county. Several committees were discussed or formed, including a new Animal Shelter Committee, a committee to review landfill contract issues, and a committee to investigate costly HVAC problems in the courthouse. The Mental Health Committee gave an update on an upcoming suicide awareness walk on September 9th. The court also approved formally recognizing the “Mainly Local” publication as a line item under OCEDA for handling advertising revenue and expenses.

The court handled a routine slate of business including approval of minutes, bills/claims, and the annual salary orders for the sheriff and county clerk. A second reading of the county's first 2023 budget amendment (Ordinance 2023-1) was approved, along with the treasurer's annual settlement and a year-in-review financial presentation. A notable item was approval of $5,000 in state flex funds for road work near Beaver Row, to be used to cover any road project that falls short of budget. The court also reapproved a resolution needed for OCEDA/KPDI economic development funding after removing outdated 501(c)(3) language, and accepted a roughly $55,276.70 bid from Federal Signal for two solar-powered weather sirens (funded largely by a hazard mitigation grant), to be installed at the county park and the industrial park. After a brief closed session under KRS 61.810, the court set the 2023 real estate tax rate at 7.6 cents (unchanged from last year), the tangible property tax rate at 7.9%, and adopted the state rate of 63% for motorboats/watercraft. Public hearings on these rates will be advertised for the next meeting. Several personnel actions were approved, including new and substitute meal delivery drivers for the senior center, a seasonal golf course employee, and a promotion for Mary Wallace in emergency management. The reapportionment committee's magisterial district mapping was formally accepted, keeping district boundaries unchanged. The court also approved an emergency purchase of golf course green covers (about $10,795) to avoid delays that could push installation into freezing weather. In magistrate reports, Jason Bullock raised the possibility of bringing a privately built bridge on County Line/Jersey Road into the county road system, and updates were given on the Rosine building renovation and summer concert series. The meeting adjourned after committee and magistrate reports with no further business.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 11, 2023, and quickly worked through a light agenda of routine business before spending significant time celebrating community achievements. The court approved minutes, bills, claims, transfers, and financial reports without much debate, and gave first reading approval to the 2024 budget amendment (BA 2024-1) as well as a resolution to help fund an excavator purchase. Tourism director Jody shared exciting news that Ohio County has been chosen by Brand USA to be featured in an international documentary on bluegrass music, with filming set to take place at the Rosine Barn and other local landmarks. She also recapped a successful celebration of Bill Monroe's 100th mandolin anniversary at the barn. Magistrates discussed ongoing water line extension projects, including a request for a Longview Church Lane extension (motioned and seconded, to be added to a waiting list pending exact cost estimates) and updates on other water line projects. Judge Executive Johnson also discussed fire department equipment needs, noting the county is purchasing a gas/propane meter for fire stations and encouraging future requests to go through the county firefighters association for coordinated planning. The meeting closed on a celebratory note as the county's 9U all-star baseball team, fresh off a state championship win, was recognized. The team is heading to a regional tournament with a chance to qualify for the World Series in Okaloosa, Florida. Judge Johnson pledged to donate his discretionary funds to help the team with travel costs, and encouraged donations be routed through the Ohio County Youth Baseball League for proper tax handling.

The court handled routine end-of-fiscal-year business, approving minutes, bills, financial reports, and the tax certification, along with the new wage compensation schedule and a 6.5% pay increase for county employees for FY2023-24. The court also raised the capitalization threshold for depreciable equipment from $30,000 to $60,000, and approved several personnel actions including new hires and title changes at OCEDA, the senior center, park, and golf course. A representative from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) presented the county's Rural Secondary road funding plan, including $343,585 in flex funds and $911,789 in rural secondary funds for resurfacing KY 505, KY 1544, and bridge repairs on KY 1245 at Rockport. The court approved the KYTC project recommendations. The court awarded a series of annual bids for county supplies and services, including stone, pipe, asphalt materials, blacktop, plastic pipe, HVAC, ambulance service (Comcare), and trash service (Republic Services). It also approved purchase of a mini excavator from CMC, a larger excavator from Boyd Cat, and a trailer from Litchfield Truck and Trailer to support road, park, and emergency management equipment needs. The Ohio County Economic Development Authority recommended, and the court approved, an $80,000 loan to Rosine Barn LLC to renovate the historic general store as part of an economic development and tourism effort tied to the Rosine Barn Jamboree. Discussion also covered ongoing theft of road signs and possible increased penalties, a resolution accepting $85,725 in discretionary road funds from the Governor's office for Hopewell Road, and a motion to advertise for bids on a new fire department rescue truck. The meeting closed with acceptance of surplus generators from the sheriff's office and adjournment.

This short special-called meeting was held to approve contractor bids for cleanup/debris-removal work on three federally funded (NRCS) disaster recovery sites — Sites 1, 3, and 9 — after bids had come in higher than expected and the court had to go back to NRCS before accepting them. The court approved Extreme Excavating's bid of $185,000 for Site 1 (work already underway) and its bid of $285,000 for Site 9 (fields below the Hartford sewer plant), the latter with a 30-day start requirement. The biggest discussion centered on Site 3, awarded to Carol Ralph/Rauf for $325,000. Magistrates were frustrated that the contractor had not started related Site 5 (Dundee Narrows Road) despite being awarded that work weeks earlier, and worried the county could lose federal funding if work wasn't completed by September 28. The court ultimately accepted the Site 3 bid on the condition that the contractor start within 30 days, be bonded for road use, and start Site 5 within 10 days — with the county reserving the right to rebid if he refuses to sign or comply. The court also gave County Attorney Justin authority/discretion to rebid Sites 3 and 5 if the contractor refuses to sign the agreement, to keep the federal funding deadline from being missed. All motions passed without recorded opposition, and the meeting was adjourned to move into the regular court session.

The meeting opened with a prayer and pledge, followed by a proclamation recognizing local high school students as "High School Heroes" for donating blood, including special recognition for Mason Rowe who received the first-ever Don Williams achievement award for donating a gallon of blood before graduating. The court opened a single bid on the Trigg Field water line project (from Bobby Ledford & Sons / Brett Morse) but did not act on it, deferring further discussion to a future meeting so magistrate Larry could review the numbers. Routine business followed: approval of minutes, payment of bills/claims/transfers, acknowledgment of the clerk's financial report, and acknowledgment of a revised delinquent property tax report. The court approved renaming a bank account to accommodate splitting occupational tax deposits between the general fund and emergency services, and passed a resolution to accept a grant for new video/audio equipment for the detention center, fully funded by the Department of Local Governments. The court then went into closed session to discuss a personnel matter, returning to approve reclassifying Miranda Funk's position to Judge Executive's Assistant with a pay increase. Several appointments were made: Landon Spurlock was named to the regional jail board (replacing Larry Cain, who could not continue due to his role as jailer), and Chris Forward, Scott Parker, and Henry Crist were confirmed to the reapportionment committee. Ann Melkins was nominated for another four-year term as County Treasurer. Committee reports covered road department flex fund applications and ongoing efforts on suicide prevention awareness. The meeting closed with a request to advertise for a small mini excavator to be shared by the solid waste, road, and parking departments, funded through solid waste surplus funds. The meeting then adjourned.

The court handled routine business including approval of April minutes, bills and claims, the treasurer's April financial statement, renewal of the treasurer's bond, and a delinquent property tax transfer of $14,975 from the sheriff to the county clerk. The second reading of the FY2023 budget amendment ordinance (202310) passed by roll call vote, adding coal severance money that carried over between fiscal years. Sheriff's office updates included a first-quarter sheriff's fee account report, a warning about rising fentanyl presence in the county, and news of a new K9 handler being trained with drug dog Astro at reduced cost. The jailer reported a strong state jail inspection (compliant on 70 of 73 items), new mail-scanning security measures, a reopened recreation yard, and proposed upgrades to camera systems (paid via commissary funds) and office remodeling (using inmate labor to cut costs), which the court approved. Fordsville Mayor Jeff Fuqua gave a lengthy update on a water tank project tied to a 2016 water-quality citation, noting rising bid costs (from an estimated $350,000 to over $460,000) and engineering issues, while affirming the city aims to avoid borrowing money. A personnel action was approved for a part-time animal shelter attendant position. Magistrate reports covered a regional jail committee meeting with the governor regarding a Butler County property, and an update on the Cave Fork/Chalybeate area water/road project bids. Citizen Daryl Hamilton raised concerns about aluminum contamination and radioactive materials in the Hartford water supply, and drainage problems along a local road; magistrate Larry Murphy discussed forming a task force to investigate further. A resident also raised concerns about the closure of Reed Cemetery due to mining operations. The sheriff's office requested and received approval to purchase a new 2023 Chevy Tahoe (from Bachman Chevrolet, $45,617.92) and equipment for a second vehicle from capital outlay funds, plus approval to use insurance proceeds (about $29,995) to replace a vehicle lost in a fire, reallocating a newer Dodge Durango to road patrol. The meeting adjourned with a reminder of an upcoming 4:30 pm road committee meeting to discuss a flex proposal.

The court opened with a ceremonial moment: Magistrate Callaway was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel by Judge-Executive on behalf of Governor Beshear. Routine business followed, including approval of the April 11 minutes and the bills/claims/transfers list. A major topic was the county's group health insurance renewal for 2023-24. Premiums rose about 8%, and after discussion the court voted to keep the basic plan free for employees for one more year while raising the employee cost share on the enhanced plan to $15/week, passing unanimously by roll call. The court also approved the Sheriff's 2023 delinquent property tax collection duties and a plan to place a deputy substation in Fordsville using the old EMS/fire department bay, costing the county about $1,000 for the remainder of the year to improve emergency response times. Two budget ordinances moved forward: the second reading of the FY2023-24 budget ordinance (2023-7) passed by roll call, and the first reading of a year-end budget amendment ordinance (2023-10) was accepted to shift funds into reserves. A lengthy presentation was given by Joe Barnes and his family regarding the planned water line extension to the Chiggerville/Sugarville area, funded by an $800,000 state grant. They urged the court to use a 6-inch line and loop it back toward Rochester Road and Pond Run to improve fire hydrant pressure in the Rockport/Echols area and support future development. After a closed session (in which no votes were taken), the court passed a motion encouraging the Water Board to advertise for bids on both the Sugarville line and the Rochester Road loop, using the $800,000 grant as a base. Other business included hiring a part-time courthouse custodian, forming a committee to study landfill gas ownership ahead of the 2027 contract renewal, approving a lower-cost GPS/alcohol monitoring contract for the jail, releasing a $1,000 mental health committee scholarship, and adopting a wage-scale change combining several low-paid job categories to raise their pay grade. Magistrate Landon Bennett also reported on his appointment to the state Land Heritage Conservation Board and the creation of a new 501(c)(3), Ohio County Resources, to help residents after disasters. The meeting adjourned with thanks to the court for a productive session.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on April 11, 2023, opening with a prayer and pledge followed by a presentation from the Green River District Health Department on diabetes awareness, highlighting that about 10.5% of county residents have been diagnosed with diabetes. The court approved the minutes of the March 28 meeting, the treasurer's report, and the clerk's report, and discussed a budget transfer moving road construction materials funds within the road department to cover other departmental needs, which drew some pointed questions from magistrates about who authorized it. Major action items included passing a resolution (202325) authorizing the judge-executive to apply for a Homeland Security grant to fund about 45 P25-compatible radios for county law enforcement and school board communications, and passing the annual KYTC Cooperative Road Aid Agreement resolution (20326) needed to secure state road funding. The court also formally accepted Horner Excavating's bid for tornado-damage river cleanup work after confirming the low bid covered the same scope as competing bids. Personnel actions included appointing Jennifer Porter, hiring Jared Allen in the road department, hiring Rose Etherton as a substitute senior center meal driver, hiring Donna Duff Lear as an administrative assistant in the judge's office, and reclassifying event coordinator Corey Tennyson to a higher pay level. The court also approved surplus of a military-issue backhoe to benefit the sheriff's department's capital outlay fund, and acknowledged the extension office's submitted budget. During committee reports, magistrates discussed ongoing work on a proposed new fee/tax measure, with a follow-up committee meeting planned for April 25. Magistrates also raised concerns about water line extension work on Sugarville Road, and one magistrate publicly expressed frustration about a lack of response regarding an upcoming initiative, saying rural residents' concerns were being overlooked.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court held its required annual public hearing on County Road Aid (CRA) and Local Government Economic Assistance (LGEA) funds; the court learned there is currently $1,677,220 in County Road Aid funds but zero in the coal severance fund this year. The court then moved through routine business, approving March 14 minutes, paying bills and claims, giving first reading approval to the 2023-24 county budget (Ordinance 2023-7), and adopting standing orders authorizing recurring utility, phone, and insurance payments without prior court approval. County Clerk Christy Boswell asked the court to approve a resolution supporting a state grant application (about $132,450) for new 'print on demand' ballot printers for all six voting centers, which would also let the county recoup roughly $34,000 already spent on auto ballot kits, reducing the county's net cost to about $267. The court unanimously approved the resolution. Conservation district officials and NRCS staff also updated the court on ongoing rough river/watershed cleanup projects (over $1 million in bids) and other conservation programs, and the court approved an amendment to the November rough river cleanup bid awards to add a site that had been inadvertently omitted. Father's House Recovery Center gave an extended presentation on its faith-based addiction recovery program, reporting on client outcomes and asking the court to support future applications for opioid settlement/abatement funding to help finish renovating its facility and expand services, including transitional housing and family support programs. No formal vote was taken on this request beyond an invitation for magistrates to visit the facility. The court approved a resolution supporting a Product Development Initiative grant application (roughly $250,000-$300,000) for a road extension at the Bluegrass Crossings industrial park, at no cost to the county. Discussion of a proposed ordinance allowing all-terrain vehicles on certain county roads was postponed; the court determined additional steps (publishing the affected road list, further committee review) were required before a first reading, and a public committee meeting was scheduled for April 11 at 4 p.m. Several residents in attendance voiced opposition to allowing ATVs on county roads, citing noise and past problems. The court gave first-reading approval to an amendment to the county's administrative code allowing the judge-executive to send employees home with pay during emergencies (such as a bomb threat or severe weather), and approved shifting purpose of an existing ARPA grant for the golf course from drainage work to purchasing golf carts. Park and event updates were given, a new library board appointment (John Cashion) was approved, and the court approved a new full-time golf course position and a part-time substitute driver for the senior center. The meeting closed with remembrances of a longtime local surveyor and Vietnam veteran, and the court adjourned to reconvene April 11.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on March 14, 2023, and worked through a routine agenda covering minutes, bills, and a financial statement acknowledgment, followed by the second reading and passage of Ordinance 2023-6 (administrative code cell/salary changes). Several personnel actions were approved by roll call, including a part-time courthouse custodian, a seasonal golf course attendant (Marianne Terry), another seasonal golf course attendant (Steve Segers), and a substitute meal driver for the senior building (Jeremy Dixon). The court declared an old military-surplus forklift at the park as surplus property so it can be sold, with proceeds going toward the Sheriff's Department capital outlay. The court also discussed donating discretionary funds ($100 from each magistrate, totaling $600) to support the Magistrates and Commissioners Association's countywide shoe drive effort. The golf course committee sought approval to let the County Treasurer open a dedicated bank account for debit/credit card transactions at the park and golf course, to help move away from cash transactions. Two policy matters were tabled for further review: an ordinance permitting off-road vehicles like side-by-sides on certain county roads (pending liability questions to be raised with the county's insurance carrier), and a proposed buffer-zone resolution restricting certain development near property lines, which will be revised with clarifying language about residential exemptions and addressed at the next meeting on March 28th.

The court handled routine business including approval of minutes, bill payments, and a $600 contribution ($100 from each magistrate) to Ohio County High School's senior 'Senior Sunset' event, the renamed version of project graduation. Several budget items were addressed: a reclassification of budget line items to move CDBG funds into a non-interest-bearing federal grant fund, and an amended budget for the Sheriff's department. Judge-Executive gave a positive preview of the upcoming fiscal year budget, noting a CPI increase of 6.5% for all employees, realistic fuel/utility estimates, no departmental cuts, and a balanced budget — details to be reviewed at a March 14 budget workshop. The court considered contractor bids for debris removal/river cleanup projects at Sites 4 and 6 under a disaster recovery program. Due to a large discrepancy in bid amounts (particularly for Site 6), the court asked to verify contractor legitimacy before deciding, and voted to reject bids and re-bid or further research the low bidder. Committee reports covered a proposed county ordinance to allow licensed side-by-side/ATV vehicles on roads countywide (still in draft form), and a proposed 2,500-foot business buffer zone around Beaver Dam and Hartford city limits aimed at regulating commercial appearance near those cities. Both will be considered for formal motions at a future meeting. Other business included a motion to take bids on resealing the walking trail at Ohio County Park, an update on new voting equipment funded by grant money (with minimal cost to the county), and a request from the Sheriff to fund travel to Washington, D.C. for a memorial ceremony honoring a fallen deputy, Jerry Christmas. The meeting also discussed rescheduling the March 14 meeting time due to an upcoming conference.

The court opened with prayer and a recognition of a local elementary school for leading blood drive donations in the area. Routine business followed: the January 24 minutes, bills/claims/transfers, and both the treasurer's and clerk's January financial statements were approved or acknowledged without objection. The court passed several resolutions: one authorizing continued funding (about $57,000) for a river gauge near Hartford through DLG, a resolution accepting roughly $173,316 in coal severance/House Bill money for a project, an interlocal agreement with the City of Beaver Dam for shared equipment and services (amended to make the arrangement reciprocal), and the county's five-year solid waste plan renewal needed to keep grant funding for roadside cleanup. A 2006 Ford F-250 with over 164,000 miles and mechanical problems was declared surplus for sale. The court also gave first reading to an administrative code amendment defining "working lunch" for employees and creating a category for school resource officers so they can keep health insurance during summer months when not under contract with the schools; this passed a roll call vote and will require a second reading. Magistrate Jason Bullock was appointed to the OCIDA-related board to replace outgoing magistrate Sam Small, and the court noted that all magistrates are now authorized (though not required) to perform weddings. The county attorney discussed a proposed opioid settlement with pharmaceutical distributors; the court voted to authorize the judge to sign the settlement documents to keep the process moving, understanding that final dollar amounts and terms were still being finalized. Ociga director Jason [Jesse] gave an update on economic development, including progress on the Kentucky whiskey distillery project, an improving relationship with GRADD, an active revolving loan fund with five local businesses using it, and efforts to address odor complaints from rickhouses on Country Club Drive. Finally, the court accepted a donation of about five acres of land on Highway 69 from a widow, Ms. Lewis, with the county agreeing to waive back taxes owed on the property; title work will continue given some ambiguity from Mr. Lewis's Montana probate. The meeting closed with committee reports (buffer zone, community corrections, and a new animal shelter volunteer group) and no further business.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on January 24, 2023, and handled a mix of routine business and larger long-term projects. The court approved minutes, bills, and several grant-related and equipment purchases, including new portable radios purchased for constables and USDA pass-through funding for river cleanup projects at 11 sites. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to preparations for reapportionment of magisterial districts, with the court approving a committee (Chris Fuller, Scott Parker, and Henry Crist) to study and recommend new district boundaries, and discussing efforts to align magisterial and school board districts to reduce voter confusion and costs. County Clerk Beth presented a major update on election equipment needs, explaining that the state's contract for electronic poll pads has expired and the county must choose among four newly certified vendors. She requested authority to select a vendor (preferring Harp) and purchase new poll pads and ballot-marking scanners, with the state expected to reimburse most of the roughly $75,000 cost. The court approved allowing the clerk discretion to select a vendor and to purchase seven scanners for about $3,693 each. The jail committee also gave a lengthy update on the proposed regional jail project with Butler and Edmonson counties, discussing a potential site near the old highway toll booths, cost estimates near $57,000–60,000 per bed, and plans for federal inmate housing to offset costs. Landon presented a renewed contract with CBC for jail inmate telephone and mail services, which was approved. Other business included a weight scale/pay scale committee update removing a lower starting pay tier to make county wages more competitive, magistrate reports on ongoing water infrastructure projects, and discussion of a dispute over fire department dues payment between a Beaver Dam resident and the fire department, which remains unresolved. The Sheriff's Office reported proceeds from a vehicle sale, and the court approved retaining those funds for future capital needs.

The Fiscal Court opened with prayer and pledge, then quickly moved through routine business: approving minutes from the January 3rd special meeting, paying bills and claims, and acknowledging receipt of several financial reports (December treasurer's report, county clerk's quarterly report, and 2022 sheriff's property tax receipts). All of these passed without objection. Two personnel changes were approved by roll-call vote: hiring a part-time custodian (Quentin Bernhardt) and a pay increase/status change for animal shelter worker Alex Smith, who is taking on additional duties as a weekend deputy animal officer. A reappointment of Joe Bennett to the wastewater board and Eddie Embry to the District 3 water board were also approved. The court approved purchase of a new ambulance remount (vendor Select-Tech, roughly $152,900) noting a shift from diesel to gas-powered units for cost and maintenance reasons, with part of the cost to be covered by a $10,000 KEMA grant and the remainder from coal severance funds allocated in March. Judge/County Judge-Executive announced a major piece of good news: federal/USDA funding for debris and drainage cleanup from tornado damage increased from an initial $300,000 to $11 million, which should now cover all identified cleanup sites rather than just one area. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to naming members to numerous standing and special committees (oil and gas, employee training/incentives, rural maintenance, Jerusalem Ridge, property owner protection, solid waste, mental health, community center security, animal control, ATV/transportation, fire, and legislative committees), along with discussion of an upcoming redistricting committee required due to the 2020 census. Magistrates raised concerns about a mutual aid billing dispute among fire departments (a Cromwell resident being billed by Beaver Dam despite paying Cromwell dues) and a resident asked the court to keep a weight-limited bridge in mind for future repair funding.

This brief special-called meeting opened with an update from Emergency Management Director Charlie Shields on severe flooding that hit the county, with 5.5–6 inches of rain causing evacuations of about 20-22 vehicles and seven homes in Beaver Dam. Residents were being assisted by the Red Cross, though federal FEMA aid remains uncertain until statewide damage reaches $13 million. Magistrates raised concerns about drainage and farm debris contributing to repeat flooding in the Beaver Dam area. The court handled a series of routine but necessary start-of-year business items: approving officials' bonds, approving fee office budgets for the Sheriff and County Clerk, setting maximum salary/wage amounts for their deputies and staff, and authorizing the jailer to accept bond fees per statute. All of these passed without objection. The court also reinstated all county employees at their prior wages effective through December 31, 2022, and reappointed Charlie Shields as Emergency Management Director by roll call vote. Nick Wood was reappointed Road Supervisor for a four-year term, also by roll call vote. Judge/Executive recommended continuing the regular meeting schedule (second and fourth Tuesdays at 5pm, with adjustments around the November/December holidays), which was approved. He also announced appointments to the Administrative Code Committee (including Melton, Adam Wright removed/replaced by Spurlock, Jason Bullock, Kenneth Callaway, Cassidy Stevens, and Jason Burton) and named Jason Bullock as pro tem of the court to preside in the Judge/Executive's absence. New elected officials and department heads introduced themselves, including the new sheriff, jailer, animal control officer, treasurer, and park director. The meeting was adjourned with no further business.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on November 15, 2022, in what was the second-to-last meeting for several outgoing magistrates before new members take office in January. The court handled routine business including approval of October minutes, bill payments, and financial reports, then heard a heartfelt request from the SAY (Surrounding Area Youth) group in Horse Branch asking for $50,000 to support their weekly youth outreach program. The court declined to act immediately, citing the incoming new court, and instead moved to revisit the request at the December meeting. Several funding and infrastructure items were addressed: the court approved selling a surplus 2006 Ford Expedition from the jail fleet, set up a new restricted bank account for incoming opioid settlement funds, and approved a resolution reallocating road/coal severance money, shifting some funds originally earmarked for a Rosine Museum annex toward a new county administration building instead. Jason Chen was appointed as the county's new Economic Development Director effective the following month. On infrastructure, the court approved an easement for a road project near Old Liberty Church, accepted three NRCS-funded bids totaling roughly $189,400 for rough river debris removal sites, and approved a $55,369 roofing bid from Lambert's for a tool shed. The court also approved a low bid from Scotty's Contracting (about $267,217) for a CDBG-funded road construction project, and voted to purchase a new Caterpillar bulldozer for around $173,316 to support road projects, financed through road reserves and repaid via coal severance funds. Personnel and board matters included reappointing Fred Maiden and Sarah Smith to the extension council, and approving a pay raise for Georgina Lynch, moving her from Clerk I to Admin Assistant I. Several outgoing magistrates gave farewell remarks, reflecting on decades of service, particularly praising work on rural water expansion and emergency services funding stabilization. Finally, the court approved putting the Herbert Road water line extension on the project list, agreed to escrow $36,000 toward the $72,000 Melba Lane water project pending matching funds from Whitesville, and authorized funds for finishing repairs (plumbing, doors, and phone lines) at the new road department building. The meeting closed with brief remarks on ongoing water and blacktop planning before adjournment.

The court handled routine business first, approving minutes, bills/claims, treasurer and clerk financial reports, and authorized opening a savings account for the county's ARPA funds to earn better interest on the roughly $2.5 million on hand. The court also approved an RDAP resolution supporting $80,000 in debt service funding for the water expansion project, passed the second reading of the electrical inspector ordinance, and approved a new full-time park maintenance hire. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to presentations from the county's SPEG program coordinator, the public library director, and a local pastor about the growing problem of homelessness and housing instability in Ohio County. Speakers described families sleeping at the library, individuals living in tents and carports, and the strain on local resources like the library and church-based help office. The proposal on the table was not a homeless shelter but a title/role adjustment allowing an existing employee (Georgia) to work parallel to the SPEG coordinator to gather data on homelessness for possible future action. The court declined to act on this immediately, with one magistrate expressing skepticism, and asked for a written job description to review before the next meeting. The court took up the Jerusalem Ridge lease agreement with the Bluegrass Music Foundation of Kentucky, amending the proposed term from 10 years down to 4 years before approving it. It also approved a CDL training reimbursement agreement for an employee, with repayment terms prorated based on how long the employee stays with the county after certification. In committee reports and magistrate comments, members encouraged residents to check on neighbors as cooler weather arrives and urged everyone to vote in the upcoming election. An update was given on road/blacktop work being finished around the county, and a hospital representative gave an update on the new surgical facility construction, expected to open around March. The meeting closed with discussion of a possible ATV/motor trail project, with information to be circulated to magistrates ahead of a November 7 meeting, and adjournment followed.

This brief special-called meeting opened with a prayer and flag salute before the court took up two main items of business. The first was formal approval of Resolution 202315, authorizing the FY 2022-23 KYTC Flex Funds Agreement, which the county had already agreed to when the grant application was submitted. This passed unanimously by roll-call vote. The second item concerned authorization for the Judge/Executive to sign the Pennyrile Task Force Agreement, a routine annual agreement the county has signed in past years. However, magistrates raised concerns about apparent changes in the new contract related to how the Sheriff's Department designates task force workers, and no one present could clearly explain what had changed or why. Because a representative from the Sheriff's office was waiting to have the agreement signed immediately, but magistrates wanted more time to review the changes, the court voted to table the matter until the next meeting so the differences between the old and new agreements could be clarified. For residents, the main practical outcome is that state flex transportation funding for the county was formally approved, while a decision on the Pennyrile Task Force participation agreement was delayed pending further review.

The court handled routine business including approval of minutes, bill payments (including an ARPA-funded water line hookup donation), and a second reading of a budget amendment, all of which passed. Magistrates also approved a renewed deferred compensation resolution for county employees and re-approved the electrical inspector contract and fee ordinance with Larry Morphew, clarifying that the only fee increase is a $10 bump in electrical permit costs. A major topic was the proposed splash pad for the park, with a bid of $163,300 from a recreation vendor presented and approved. The project is expected to be operational by next spring and is seen as a low-maintenance alternative to a swimming pool. A representative from the local congressman's office also stopped by to offer support for county grant applications, including a potential regional jail project estimated at roughly $20 million. Committee reports covered a successful suicide awareness/mental health walk, ongoing frustration over a stalled state contract related to Beaver Dam Road repairs (still stuck at the state level), and continuing flood/debris cleanup issues along the river near a magistrate's property, which he says has been neglected by conservation authorities. A lengthy discussion addressed construction issues at the new county building, where state regulations prohibit heating/cooling the garage bay through the same system as the office due to carbon monoxide risk. This will require an additional mini-split system, at an added cost of roughly $3,900, and there was discussion of whether it would have been cheaper to have split the office and garage systems from the start. The general contractor was set to resume work the following Saturday to finish office construction, contingent on evidence in a sensitive area being relocated first. The court also approved a $500 draw from a magistrate's discretionary fund for a children's Christmas party, and discussed scheduling for October, November, and December meetings, including a special four o'clock meeting on December 13 to honor outgoing elected officials.

The court handled a full slate of routine and special business. Magistrates approved the August 23rd minutes, paid the county's bills and claims, and accepted the treasurer's and county clerk's August 2022 financial reports. A second reading of Ordinance 2023-2 (a budget amendment tied to a water grant for the Bluegrass Crossing project) passed on a roll-call vote. The court opened bids for the Rough River cleanup project, acknowledged the bids received, and voted to table awarding the contract until funding is confirmed. Bids were also opened for emergency-response equipment for the Hartford Fire Department; after review, the court accepted Atlantic Emergency Solutions' bid of roughly $26,446.71 for a cutter, spreader, ram and power supply package, noting it was over $2,000 cheaper than the competing bid. No bids were received for a truck for the City of Centertown. Property tax rates were confirmed unchanged from the prior meeting's public hearing. The Ohio County Public Library presented lowered real-property and personal-property tax rates, which the court accepted, and the Soil Conservation District's unchanged rate was also approved. Several resolutions tied to the CDBG-funded water district intake project (a roughly $1 million upgrade) were passed, including authorization for the judge-executive to sign grant paperwork, a residential relocation resolution, professional-services and procurement-code resolutions, a cost-overrun resolution, and a $400,000 resolution for the Old Liberty Road/church water line project. The court approved new guidelines and rules for inmates on jail work crews, an interlocal agreement letting the City of Hartford again use inmate labor (with Hartford taking responsibility for lunches and incident notification), and rules for supervisors overseeing those crews, amended to specify a small reimbursement for inmate lunches. An updated Fearless Friends agreement covering use of the old animal shelter was also approved. Committee reports covered a wage-scale change adding a pay incentive for lowboy/heavy-equipment operators and a road department pay adjustment (a 7% base-pay raise plus back pay to July 1, funded through incentive adjustments). Other updates included progress on a possible regional juvenile detention ('boys camp') partnership, an off-road-vehicle use committee still organizing, a suicide-awareness walk planned for September 24th, and a strong tourism/festival report. Magistrates also discussed a planned pipe/culvert fix for the Ghost Church Road intersection, a Rockport boat ramp/dock project expected to cost under $30,000, and the purchase of a motor for the county's emergency rescue boat funded through a magistrate's discretionary funds. The meeting closed with reminders about the upcoming county fair.

The court handled routine business including approving prior minutes, paying bills/claims, and acknowledging several sheriff and clerk financial reports (delinquent taxes, fee account reports, and the board of assessment appeals certification). Real property and tangible property tax rates were kept the same as the previous year (real property at 7.6 cents per $100), while the motor vehicle tax rate was also kept at the current rate. A public hearing on this will be advertised for the next meeting. The court approved several road-related items: signing an 80/20 funding agreement for Largent Lane/Burgess Lane bridge repair, declaring a 2012 Dodge Charger surplus, and extending Old Liberty Church Road by about 4,515 feet to allow access for a grant-funded project. The Jerusalem Ridge lease contract was tabled pending review of changes from the previous version. Personnel actions included hiring seasonal road department labor (Danny Fieldback and Morris Bernard II) and a full-time ARC clerk (Georgia Brown), and reappointing the Board of Assessment Appeals members (Carol Lamar, Marty Shepherd, and Alan Maddox). Committee reports covered the upcoming Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival, a regional jail siting committee meeting in Butler County, and a mental health/suicide awareness walk scheduled for September 24. An informal motion was made to seek bids not to exceed $7,000 to fix an air unit at the Home Place building. A citizen guest raised concerns about a large water rate increase in the city of Centertown, but magistrates noted the fiscal court has no direct authority over city utility rates, leaving affected residents to pursue remedies directly with the city or through legal action.

The court handled a routine slate of business including approval of the July 26 minutes, payment of bills and claims, and acceptance of the county clerk's financial report. Several grant-related resolutions and agreements were approved to support ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Old Liberty Church Road extension (funded by a $400,000 governor's discretionary grant), the Tigerville water project, and the 'Project Otter' distillery-related water/sewer work tied to Bluegrass Crossings, expected to total around $700,000 in CDBG funding. The court accepted grant funding to clean up creek and ditch debris from tornado damage at 11 sites, fully funded by outside money, with work to begin after crops are harvested. No bids were received for a mini pumper fire truck bed or a Mack truck, so the fire department and road department were authorized to shop around within existing budget limits. The court also approved the purchase of an emergency management truck (~$55,765) to be paid from FEMA funds, contingent on specs being met, and appointed a second electrical inspector for the remainder of the year. Magistrates discussed forming a committee to study how other counties manage credit card purchasing, and about a possible surplus sale of an old sheriff's vehicle and dispatch equipment. There was also discussion of a land dispute on Fisher Cemetery Road involving unpaid taxes, resolved by allowing the majority interest holder to take the property since back taxes were paid. Several magistrates raised community concerns, including calls for public accountability from the local school board and appreciation for the newly sworn-in mayor of Hartford. The judge and county attorney announced an upcoming meeting with state officials in Butler County to gather information related to jail matters. No major controversial votes occurred; most motions passed unanimously or without recorded opposition.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 26, 2022, and worked through a lengthy routine agenda before turning to several larger discussion items. Standard business — approval of the July 12 minutes, payment of bills and claims, the County Clerk's 2022 financial report, a $19,447 excess-fee refund to the Clerk, the Treasurer's annual statement, a second-reading budget amendment, and the second reading of the 'blue light' ordinance — was approved with little debate. The court also formally adopted Resolution 2022-A-1, allocating ARP (American Rescue Plan) funds to a list of pre-approved recipients including local fire departments, with a reminder that each department must designate a single authorized purchaser and follow purchasing rules. Annual payroll-setting orders for the County Clerk's and Sheriff's offices (each including a 7% raise) and the health board's tax rate were approved after some discussion of how the raises should be calculated. A significant chunk of the meeting was spent on road department vehicle matters: Charlie Shields presented options for replacing an emergency management truck, but the court tabled a decision on trading it in versus keeping and selling other vehicles, sending it to the road committee for more numbers. The court did vote to surplus a 2007 Dodge Charger. A road-viewing request to extend county maintenance roughly 750 feet to serve a landowner was discussed at length but not decided, pending research into old road records and cost estimates, again to be revisited at the road committee. The court approved paying for electrical upgrades to the courthouse (out of remaining ARP-related reserve funds) as the first phase of a broader renovation that will eventually include HVAC and painting work, to be phased in as funds allow. A new hire for a part-time courthouse janitor position was noted. Residents presented a proposal to explore Kentucky's new off-highway vehicle (side-by-side/ATV) pilot program, and the court agreed to form a committee — including two magistrates and a local law enforcement officer — to study which roads might be designated for such use and report back. The judge also updated the court on ongoing multi-county discussions (with Butler and Edmonson counties) about a possible regional jail facility, and a magistrate raised concerns about road department employees having to front their own money for parts, suggesting a controlled purchasing card as a possible fix.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 12, 2022, and handled a routine slate of business including approval of minutes, payment of bills and claims, acknowledgment of financial statements, and settlement of sheriff's tax and franchise accounts. The court also approved a budget amendment to carry over discretionary year-end reserve funds and passed the second reading of an updated administrative code. A major discussion centered on the county coroner's office, which is relocating into the old fire station building shared with Hartford. Coroner Elvis Dalton and deputy coroner Joe presented a list of needed repairs, especially electrical upgrades, and the court agreed to walk through the building before the next meeting to assess costs and get bids. The road committee reported plans to advertise for bids on a used three-quarter ton truck, and the court approved a motion to repair a culvert at the entrance to Goshen Church Road off Highway 62. A committee (Charlie Shields, Nick Woolen, and Jason Gary) was appointed to review a road addition request for Gilliam Lane. Updates were also given on state road and bridge projects in the county, and on the animal shelter, where a new maintenance-capable employee, Alex Smith, was hired. During public comment, a resident spoke against public funding for a proposed off-road/ATV area, arguing tax dollars shouldn't support it. Another resident raised a longstanding dispute over access rights to a landlocked property behind a locked gate on old Tucker Hollow Road; the county attorney explained that determining any public right-of-way would require title research and suggested she work with neighboring landowners and legal counsel. No major financial commitments were made beyond routine claims and budget housekeeping; most matters discussed (coroner's building repairs, road committee actions) were preliminary steps pending further cost estimates and committee reports at future meetings.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on June 28, 2022. After approving minutes and routine bills, the court closed a now-unnecessary bank account for the Public Facilities Corporation and gave first reading to an amended maintenance/environmental ordinance that adds daily penalties for uncleaned properties. Magistrates approved the 2022-23 wage compensation schedule, reflecting a 7% raise for county employees, and agreed to let local rescuer Heather Smith use the old county animal shelter for $1/year (plus utilities) to expand animal rescue capacity. A large portion of the meeting was devoted to opening and awarding annual bids: HVAC service (Complete Comfort), ambulance service (a large increase driven by fuel, labor, and supply costs), asphalt/oil products (Marathon Petroleum and Asphalt Materials, both accepted with price-matching terms), steel and plastic pipe (Contech and Ohio County Farm & Garden), asphalt/blacktop (Scotty's Contracting, at a historically high price tied to the Kentucky Asphalt Price Index), and trash collection (Republic Services, at a lower rate than before). The court declined to accept a crusher-run stone bid after concerns about a vendor not honoring prior bid terms, and a related dirt/stone bid died for lack of a motion. The court also formally ratified, via roll call, Resolution 2022-32 giving the fiscal court greater authority over library board appointments, after discovering a prior vote had not been properly recorded. A major economic development item, the "Project Kentucky Whiskey" loan, was approved: the county will lend the company up to $511,500 at 3% interest for four years, secured by real estate but subordinate to Independence Bank's first mortgage, in support of a project expected to bring 10-15 jobs paying $31-plus per hour. Two part-time senior services meal driver hires were approved by roll call. Committee reports covered ongoing regional jail planning, suicide prevention awareness event planning, and stable health department tax rates. Road department updates included progress on Apple House Road repairs and plans for a road committee meeting the following week.

The court handled routine business including approval of minutes, bills, claims, and financial statements from the treasurer's and clerk's offices for May 2022. A resolution was approved to support a CDBG grant application for 'Project Honor,' a project tied to a company planning to bring 35 jobs to the area, with grant funding based on $20,000 per job. A representative from the grant company attended to receive the signed resolution. The court appointed Deborah Phelps to the library board and passed a resolution enabling the fiscal court to have more say over library board appointments under a new state law, including the ability to reject appointees after two tries. Amendments to the administrative code were also adopted, along with a second ordinance related to 'two consoles' (likely dispatch console consolidation), both requiring roll call votes since they were ordinances. Several personnel actions were approved, including pay corrections and transfers in the clerk's office and road department, and seasonal hires for the golf course pro shop. The road committee reported plans to declare surplus two John Deere tractors, a Volvo semi, and two three-point hitch pushoffs for sale on GovDeals.com, and to advertise for bids on a new mowing tractor and side-mount bush hog. The court also discussed a citizen request for a fire hydrant on Highway 69 North serving at least six families, deciding to review cost estimates further before committing funds at a future meeting. Committee updates covered an upcoming jail committee meeting and a tri-county jail informational session. The meeting closed with reminders to check on elderly neighbors during hot weather and a discussion about new state restrictions on constables' duties, before adjourning.

The Fiscal Court opened with prayer and the Pledge, then approved the minutes of the May 10th meeting and the payment of bills and claims without discussion. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to park and tourism presentations. Bo and Tori reported on the wide range of activities now happening at the park (livestock shows, soccer, cheerleading, airsoft, kayak rentals, craft/car shows, and new events like a color run and cornhole tournament), and Bo requested budget help of roughly $13,000 to cover rising park utility costs for the remainder of the fiscal year, citing higher electric and water usage from campers and building upgrades. The court discussed possible fee increases at the park (camper rates, new state sales taxes on rentals under House Bill 8) and conservation measures like LED lighting, but did not take a formal vote on the utility shortfall itself. Jody Fleener, the tourism director, then asked the court to help fund her part-time assistant Connie Gastell, whose position through the AmeriCorps/Audubon senior program is ending. She proposed the county split roughly $900 among the five magistrates to cover six months of Connie's pay, with tourism and museum funds covering more in future years. After discussion, the magistrates committed to fund it for six months, and a motion to support this was passed. The court went into a brief closed session to discuss potential real estate/litigation matters (KRS 61.810 Chapter 1) but took no action. Returning to open session, one personnel hire was approved (a seasonal position at the golf course) along with pay-grade advancements for two road department employees. In committee reports, the court praised the county's clean audit results and thanked the treasurer for keeping finances in order. Updates were given on a stalled boat dock project (rock wall/pier work still pending final cost estimates), and magistrates discussed scheduling a future public meeting on a proposed regional jail project. The meeting closed with congratulations to graduating students and to Magistrate Titchener on his primary race, before adjourning.

The court handled routine business, approving the April 26 minutes and paying bills, including some flagged late gatekeeper service invoices that the court asked the treasurer's office to track better going forward. A major item was the second reading of the county's FY2022-23 budget (Ordinance 2022-4), which passed unanimously — notably the second year in a row this has happened, a rarity for the county. Updates included a $1 million water district grant being passed through the county as fiscal agent, a sheriff's department funding increase, and corrected coal severance (CRA) numbers. The court approved the county's 2022-2023 health insurance policy, including raising the FSA contribution limit for employees from $1,500 to $2,600 due to higher deductibles, and discussed a new child-care FSA option. A representative from the senior center reported on a transportation program funded by ARPA grant money, which has already provided 58 rides for 20 seniors in April, helping people get to medical appointments, therapy, and shopping. Other business included accepting a road department funding exhibit for the Flex Fund application, approving a $1,000 discretionary fund pull for a county fest, approving a resolution to allow submission of a coal severance (House Bill 1) request, and hiring a new seasonal golf course attendant. The court also discussed the upcoming reduction in polling locations to six sites countywide (a state-driven change allowing voters to cast ballots at any location), and fire department/city ARP funding expected to arrive by mid-May. Magistrates urged residents to vote in the upcoming election and highlighted the court's work over the past term. A resident raised concerns about missing horse-and-buggy warning signs on a dangerous curve near 19th School Road, and the court agreed to have the road department address it, along with ditch cleaning issues in the area.

The court handled routine business (minutes, bills/claims, a sheriff's budget amendment, and setting county salaries with a CPI-based increase) and approved letting the county clerk set up a separate account for a new $10 records-digitization fee created by state law. KYTC's district office presented the county's 2022 road funding (about $580,000 total, with roughly $354,000 in flex funds). Because of a state accounting catch-up, KYTC funds are lower this year, so most paving will be covered by flex funds, including resurfacing on KY 505 and continued work on the Beaver Dam drainage/resurfacing project on US 62. Magistrates asked KYTC to look at a dangerous, narrow intersection at Goshen Church Road and to check on status of resurfacing between Lake Washburn and Dundee. The court voted to retain its flex funds rather than turn them back to the state. Justin Mattingly (probation/reentry coordinator) reported strong results for the quarter, including dozens of people placed on monitoring instead of jail, connected to treatment, housing, and employment, and a new $10,000 state grant to expand the program. The court considered a request to partner with KEDFA on a $300,000 matching grant to upgrade electric service to 95 megawatts at Bluegrass Crossings, with hopes the Industrial Development Authority and grid board will help cover the county's share; a motion was made but the outcome was left open pending further work on the partnership. Personnel actions included promoting road department employee Jimmy Cantrell to a higher pay grade, making a part-time treasurer's office employee full-time to handle a backlog of tax filings, and appointing Toby Southern to fill a vacancy on the airport board. The OCEDA board reported it will resume monthly meetings and got approval to post a job opening for an economic development director. The jail committee reported on a fact-finding trip to Edmonson County regarding tri-county jail arrangements and plans further visits. Magistrates also discussed county food pantry improvements, senior center refrigeration grants, and a possible new truck for the road department, with follow-up planned at a 4:00 p.m. road committee meeting.

The court approved routine business including the March 22 minutes, bills/claims/transfers, and the treasurer's and county clerk's March financial statements. The first reading of the 2022-23 county budget was approved, with magistrates noting a 7% cost-of-living raise for county employees tied to the state CPI, funded by cutting into other departmental budgets. A proclamation was read recognizing April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, with a family victim advocate from the regional child advocacy center thanking the court for its support. The court also approved a modest pay raise for maintenance worker Jerry Bailey after his six-month probationary period. Committee reports covered progress toward filling seats on the regional jail board and a plan to advertise for bids on a used semi-truck for the road department, given rising prices and scarce availability of used trucks. The E911 dispatch director presented a request for shared keyboard/mouse switching equipment to reduce clutter and improve efficiency in the dispatch center; the court approved spending up to $40,564 from the emergency occupational tax fund, pending confirmation that funds are available before July 1. Magistrates discussed use of flexible road funds, the ongoing cost of blacktop materials, and the need for a road viewing committee to assess a proposed 100-150 foot extension of Nicholas Lane near Rochester, as well as an extension of a water line on Herbert Road. The judge/executive reported that a new ambulance had arrived, with EMS staff expressing gratitude, though one monitor is still on backorder. COVID-19 case numbers were reported as declining, but the death rate among those infected remains high, with another death in the county reported that week. The meeting closed with informal discussion of financing options (bank loans vs. KIA loans) for future vehicle purchases.

The court handled routine business including approval of prior minutes, payment of bills and claims (with a brief discussion of burial assistance costs now paid from reserves rather than a dedicated budget line), and acknowledgment of the clerk's February financial statement and the sheriff's amended 2022 budget. The most significant action came after a closed session held under KRS 61.810 to discuss a confidential economic development matter. Following the closed session, the court passed two resolutions: one transferring $489,000 from emergency reserves into the OCEDA revolving loan fund (bringing it to $800,000, restricted for 48 months for a nondisclosed prospective business), and a second authorizing up to $800,000 from that fund to be loaned to the same undisclosed entity for purchase of real estate in Ohio County. Any repaid funds would first go back to emergency reserves. Several personnel actions were approved, including a pay grade increase for an emergency management employee, a new part-time hire at the animal shelter, and several road department hires and status changes to full-time truck driver positions. The court also approved raising the mileage reimbursement rate for employees using personal vehicles from 40 to 44 cents per mile, with plans to reevaluate quarterly in line with state rates. Committee reports included an update on the water line extension priority list, which the court voted to amend, and news that new regional jail board appointees (three from Ohio County, two each from Butler and Edmonson counties) have been selected and will begin meeting soon to help determine the future jail site and board structure. In closing comments, Magistrate Cannon urged continued caution regarding COVID-19, noting that while case counts are down, death rates remain concerning, including among younger residents. The meeting was adjourned with a public hearing to follow.

The court approved routine business including the February minutes, bills/claims/transfers, and several personnel wage adjustments across departments (road department, animal shelter, and clerk's offices), reflecting modest pay raises for multiple county employees. A notable discussion involved the Bill Monroe museum walkway brick project, where the court agreed to cover a roughly $16,000 shortfall from reserve funds so that residents who purchased memorial bricks years ago would finally see the walkway completed. The court passed a resolution supporting Energy Fiber Communications' potential entry into the county to help address ongoing rural broadband/internet service problems, though members noted the county has no funds to contribute and past broadband partnerships (Connect Grid, Kentucky Wired, Q Wireless) have had mixed results. Frustration with current internet provider Watch Communications (contracted by Connect Grid) led to a motion directing the judge to write a formal letter of complaint about poor service, especially on Be Road. The court also addressed a road maintenance question regarding a roughly three-quarter-mile stretch of Cave Ridge Road that had been dropped from maintenance and mapping years ago; a motion was made to reinstate it on the county road map and resume maintenance, since no formal closure had ever been documented. Several board and committee appointments were made, including the Regional Jail Board, an Economic Development Incentive Committee, and an Extension Board appointment. The court held a brief closed session under KRS 61.810 to hear proposals, with no action taken. Meetings were scheduled for upcoming committee work including a waterline committee.

The court handled a routine slate of business including approval of the February 8th minutes and payment of bills and claims. Magistrates approved an amendment to the county's ankle monitor contract to allow combined GPS/alcohol monitoring bracelets, at a modest additional daily cost that is billed only when in use. Several personnel actions were approved by roll call, including status/pay changes for a courthouse custodian and a clerk, and the hiring of a part-time van driver for the Senior Center funded through ARPA money. The court also discussed, but did not act on, creating an administrative assistant position to support the county's re-entry program coordinator, and formed a committee (Larry Kamuf, Jason Bullock, and Ann Melton) to study salaries for elected officials ahead of a state deadline. The court passed the second reading of an ordinance authorizing a regional jail management agreement with Butler and Edmonson counties, after discussion of potential shared costs for feasibility and architectural studies. A significant portion of the meeting was spent on truck purchases for the road department and the city of Fordsville. After extended discussion comparing a used 2019 Ram diesel and a new Ford F250, the court rescinded an earlier motion and ultimately approved purchases up to roughly $54,924, contingent on Fordsville confirming extended warranty terms with the dealer. The court also approved adding two water line extension projects to its project list — one on Union Hill Road (contingent on a house actually being framed) and one along Highway 54 toward East Davis County — and corrected an earlier wage scale motion to ensure all eligible employees received retroactive pay to September 14th. Additional updates covered a new EMS stretcher, an increase in the steel-toe boot allowance for road department employees, and a request from the golf course for additional payroll funds due to staffing shortages. The meeting adjourned with no further business.

The court handled routine business first, approving minutes, paying bills, and acknowledging the treasurer's, clerk's, and sheriff's financial statements. The bulk of substantive action centered on the regional jail project: the court passed the first reading of Ordinance 2022-3 creating the interlocal jail board with Butler and Edmonson counties, and approved the Green River Regional Detention Center management agreement, which allows preliminary steps (architect studies, etc.) while explicitly not binding the counties financially until costs are known. The court also approved a resolution to use a $100,000+ discretionary state road grant, championed by Magistrate Joe Barnes, to pave a portion of Pond Run Road benefiting the Fish and Wildlife area. Emergency management officials Charlie Shields and Corey Elder gave updates on tornado recovery and FEMA registration (243 households registered so far, appeals process ongoing) and on a new NRCS-funded project to clear debris from Rough River and area creeks, expected to begin around April or May. They also discussed progress on the Rochester Dam project, nearing completion with a new boat ramp planned once the land is officially deeded to the county. St. Benedict's Shelter director Harry Pedigo presented on a possible partnership with the county (using ARPA funds) to create a homeless shelter or overnight shelter program in Ohio County, noting that 52 men from Ohio County used their Owensboro facility last year. No formal action was taken; the court expressed interest in continuing discussions. Personnel and committee actions included hiring Byron Swift as full-time animal shelter attendant and appointing Joe Bennett to the Ohio County Wastewater Board. The coroner's office presented a 2021 year-end report showing an increase in suicides and six COVID-related deaths. Judge-Executive Jody Fisher reported the Beaver Dam Foundation tornado relief fund had collected $77,679 and distributed $68,600 to 139 families, and announced a $300,000 grant for a power expansion at Bluegrass Crossings. The meeting closed with a COVID-19 update noting continued deaths despite declining case counts, and the court adjourned.

The court opened with prayer and pledge, then approved the minutes of the January 11th meeting and paid the county's bills, claims, and transfers, including a routine roll-call vote on the county bonds that must be posted annually. A major item was equipment for the ambulance service (Comcare). The court approved purchase of a new Stryker stretcher for $23,250.22 and six new ventilators for $14,700, both funded through ARPA money, with officials noting the equipment purchases fit within the amended ARPA resolution budget of roughly $88,850. The court also approved purchase of an excavator for the City of Fordsville from McCoy Construction for $51,997.79, again using ARPA/federal recovery funds, and amended ARPA Resolution 202222 to reflect that change. A personnel matter was addressed: a new EMS/meal driver, Miranda Brown, was hired on an emergency basis after a previous hire failed her entrance exam. A lengthy and notable presentation came from Jimmy Cantrell on the new ARCH reentry program, which has rapidly become operational, providing IDs, birth certificates, housing, child care assistance, employment placement, treatment referrals, and home/ankle monitoring for people coming out of incarceration. The program is showing dramatic cost savings compared to jail housing costs and is largely self-funded through ARPA dollars, with magistrates praising the program's early success and discussing the possible need for additional administrative support as it grows. Committee reports covered progress on a regional jail interlocal agreement, tornado debris cleanup progress (with FEMA and volunteer crews continuing work, including in the Centertown area), and the Beaverdam Fund's finances. Magistrates thanked volunteers for tornado recovery help before the meeting was adjourned.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on January 11, 2022, opening with prayer and pledge before working through a busy agenda covering tornado recovery, jail overcrowding, and routine county business. The court approved minutes with an amendment regarding fire department and city funding of $50,000 each (minus amounts already received), approved bills/claims, and acknowledged several financial reports from the treasurer, clerk, and sheriff. A major topic was jail overcrowding: Jailer Rick Ray requested $60,000 to cover housing overflow inmates in other counties, which the court approved by transferring funds from reserves, while also discussing possible use of ankle monitors and exploring a regional jail with Butler and Edmonson counties. FEMA representative Chris Arnold and Rachel McCubbins from Senator Paul's office discussed disaster assistance for tornado victims, noting 220 residents had registered and urging others to do so before the February 11 deadline. The judge/executive updated the court on road department cleanup efforts, noting FEMA's extended 100% reimbursement deadline through the end of the month. The court passed a hospital bond reaffirmation resolution, approved advertising for heavy equipment and a truck purchase, awarded a bid for ballfield lighting, and approved (pending review) a bid for medical equipment for EMS. Personnel actions included changing an animal control worker to temporary status, hiring a senior services meal driver, and moving a park ARPA worker to full-time. The court also ratified prior December meeting actions and signed onto an opioid settlement participation form. Other business included approving funds for a jaws-of-life tool for the EMA director's vehicle, appointing a viewing committee to consider closing a portion of Cotton Lane at residents' request, and a water district board appointment. The meeting closed with committee reports on water infrastructure funding, praise for the road department's snow and tornado response, and a sobering COVID-19 update noting Ohio County's death rate among diagnosed and hospitalized cases was higher than the regional average.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on December 14, 2021, just days after a devastating tornado struck the region. Much of the meeting was devoted to storm response: officials discussed FEMA registration processes, a tornado relief fund set up through the Beaver Dam Foundation (PO Box 408), road closures with security posted at damaged county roads, and pleas for residents to stay off affected roads so first responders and utility crews could work. Several magistrates and residents who lost homes spoke about the community's outpouring of support. Routine business included approval of the November 30 minutes, payment of bills and claims, and acceptance of the treasurer's and clerk's financial reports for October and November 2021. The court also approved a budget amendment and formally accepted the sheriff's tax bill settlement and third-quarter report. On personnel and jail matters, the court voted to raise the daily jail inmate meal allowance from $40 to $60 due to inflation, increased CDL license reimbursement to $40 per license plus $3 for background checks, and approved a new contract for inmate ankle monitors with more flexible, pay-per-use terms and a 60-day cancellation clause. The court discussed purchasing a long-reach excavator for the road department, comparing a Caterpillar unit (~$31,000, more hours) against a Link-Belt unit from CMC (higher price, fewer hours), ultimately authorizing the equipment committee (Nick and Joe Barnes) to evaluate and decide, with a requirement to report back the reasoning if the higher bid is chosen. The court also approved a $15,000 ARPA-funded grant to a local cat/animal rescue operation to renovate a rescue house. A major portion of the meeting covered economic development spending funded by trading ARPA/ARP funds for the power expansion project: a $7,500 strategic planning contract with consultant Ryan Drane, roughly $35,550 for GSLI lead-generation services, website maintenance, and a Placer.ai data analytics subscription (passed 4-1, with one magistrate opposed). The court also discussed a Boys & Girls Club request and ultimately voted to commit $50,000 to each fire department and incorporated city, with fire departments to be funded first as money becomes available. Wage corrections for two road department employees (Nick Woolen and Willie Sutherland) tied to CDL/operator certifications were also approved. The meeting closed with committee and magistrate reports focused heavily on the county's ongoing tornado recovery efforts.

The court opened with a special recognition of dozens of local small businesses that received COVID relief grants funded through federal relief money, with checks handed out to representatives present. Routine business followed, including approval of the October 26 minutes, payment of bills and claims (with discussion of Christian County jail per-inmate costs), and approval of a bid for repairs to the fire training tower in Beaver Dam at a cost of about $22,420. The court also approved the October treasurer's statement, authorized an agreement with Audubon Area/utility assistance program (with $50,000 already received), and approved signing the state's opioid abatement allocation agreement, a step in a larger multi-government settlement process that does not yet guarantee funds. A major portion of the meeting was devoted to presentations from local organizations seeking ARPA (federal relief) funding: the Boys and Girls Club of Ohio County (requesting $100,000 to support its new after-school program), the Ohio County Food Pantry (requesting about $35,900 for a new freezer), and Father's House Recovery Center, a new faith-based addiction recovery program opening in Beaver Dam. No funding decisions were made on the spot; the court indicated it would take these requests to committee and decide at the December 14 meeting. In committee reports, the Road Department discussed renting a long-reach excavator and voted to advertise for bids to purchase one. The Bill Monroe Bluegrass Music Foundation contract was reviewed for a name change and minor updates, to be brought back for a future vote. Magistrates raised concerns about ongoing water pressure/quality issues, noting the Kentucky Division of Water did not attend despite being invited, while the Division of Highways declined to attend since the issue is not under their jurisdiction. Judge Executive Frey said a follow-up letter would be sent. The court will not hold a full meeting later in November, only a bill-paying session, with the next full meeting scheduled for December 14. The meeting closed with holiday well-wishes for Veterans Day and Thanksgiving.

The court approved routine business including minutes, bills, claims, payments and transfers, and adopted a required policy establishing standards for administering ARPA (American Rescue Plan) funds. Magistrates noted that all ARPA projects funded so far had already gone through resolutions, and discussed the need for contracts with fund recipients (such as the Rosine Community Park project) to track spending and clarify that any new employees hired with ARPA funds are temporary positions tied to the funding period. EMS Director Jim Duke presented a request to purchase three refurbished LifePak 15 cardiac monitors and six ventilators for ambulances, at a cost of about $45,000 (versus $90,000 for new monitors), noting the county's current LifePak 12 monitors are obsolete and unrepairable. The court approved moving forward with this purchase via resolution. The court also approved resolutions authorizing the judge to sign paperwork for a bridge/culvert project and for the Product Development Initiative (PDI) grant related to a power line project. Personnel and committee updates included hiring a new part-time courthouse custodian, appointing a court liaison to the firefighters association, and updates on the regional jail project — interlocal agreements have been signed and sent to the state, with a general management agreement still pending final review by county attorneys and a site location not yet determined. The Re-entry (ARCH) program was also discussed, including a new logo and update on hiring program coordinator Jerry Cantrell. A road committee meeting was scheduled to discuss a request for additional excavator equipment, with magistrates asking for cost history on renting versus purchasing such equipment. The court also announced a modified December/November meeting schedule due to holidays, with claims to be handled via a single meeting each month. A lengthy public comment came from a resident (Mr. Gates) describing years of flooding on his farm caused by a neighbor's dam, built with a corps of engineers permit, which has ruined his crops and idle oil wells. The court expressed sympathy but noted limited authority since the affected road is state-maintained, and agreed to invite state highway engineers to inspect the site and report back at the November 9th meeting.

The court opened with routine business: approval of the September 28 minutes, payment of bills and claims, and acceptance of the September financial report. The court also completed the second reading of a budget amendment (removing a $1 million line item that hadn't yet been approved) and passed a resolution formalizing the county's American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) budget allocations, plus an annual resolution naming the county's Industrial Development Authority representative. A notable change was made to the county's administrative code: the requirement that employees hold a GED or high school diploma was struck and replaced with language allowing consideration of 'education level or experience,' giving departments more flexibility in hiring given ongoing staffing shortages. This passed 5-1, with Magistrate Small opposed. The Sheriff's office brought several items: a bid from PEI for new radio towers and repeaters (to be installed at Fordsville, Centertown, and near Kirtland) to fix ongoing radio dead zones for deputies, which the court approved; bids for two new Dodge Durango patrol vehicles (about $68,418 total, funded partly through an insurance claim and partly through the drug fund), which were approved; and a new interlocal agreement joining the Pennyrile Narcotics Task Force, funded through the Sheriff's drug fund at roughly $8,000-$11,200 per year, which the court approved to help combat a surge in drug activity. OCEDA director gave an extensive annual update on economic development efforts, including job training programs, manufacturing expansion projects, a new workforce-attraction video, an award-winning economic development website, and a detailed labor market study showing the county's labor draw extends across a 60-mile radius. She also raised the issue of upgrading her assistant's title/pay to reflect her actual economic-development duties, for future consideration. The court also approved a routine three-year services bid renewal with GRADD, heard road department updates on paving progress and a stalled boat ramp structure purchase, and discussed setting up a joint meeting with regional utility partners regarding power needs for economic development projects.

The meeting opened with recognitions: Ralph Miller was honored as the 2021 Rural Kentucky EMS Provider of the Year, and the Ohio County Sheriff's Office received accreditation from the Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police — the first time the department has ever reached that status. Routine business included approval of minutes, bills/claims, and two budget amendment ordinances, including one tied to a $1 million CDBG grant and an $87,000 USDA flood-control grant for river gates in Hartford. The court also passed a resolution to apply for a $300,000 economic development grant, with Jody Ashby as contact. A first reading was held on an amendment to the administrative code that would have allowed employees to be "actively seeking" a GED/high school diploma rather than already possessing one; after debate the magistrates split 3-2 to drop the requirement idea, leaving the matter for a second reading. Economic development loans were approved: a $36,000 OCEDA loan to a side-by-side/ATV repair business, and a $100,000 OCEDA construction loan to Tamerlane Industries for a new roof, collateralized by their building (appraised around $21 million). Three resolutions were passed on behalf of the Ohio County Public Facilities Corporation to support hospital USDA bond financing (roughly $16.75 million), covering a security agreement, environmental mitigation, and the loan itself — each passed twice, once for the county and once for the Public Facilities Corporation. Personnel actions included hiring several new employees, including a new Inmate Recovery Coordinator position, and equipment purchases including two new trucks from Worldwide Equipment. Committee reports touched on COVID-19 concerns (the county reported it was faring worst in the region), emergency communications upgrades, and creation of new committees to address possible pandemic workforce changes and health insurance issues.

The court handled a routine slate of business including approval of the August 24 minutes, bills and claims, and the treasurer's August financial report. A budget amendment was approved to allow the county to serve as fiscal agent for a $200,000 CDBG utility assistance grant being administered by Audubon Area. The court also passed compensating tax rates for the public library, health department, conservation district, and county extension services. A resolution was passed allowing the WPTS (water treatment) plant expansion to move forward, with the plant's grant amount believed to be in the $30-40 million range (not entirely clear from discussion). The wage/pay scale committee presented cleanup of the county pay scale and road department wage scale, which the court adopted effective September 19. On equipment, the court voted to purchase a John Deere backhoe (reported to be about $30,000 cheaper than alternatives) and to try a diesel pickup truck over a gas model for the road department, despite some concern about the extra ~$8,000 cost. Several pieces of old equipment, including an ambulance no longer needed by Hartford Fire Department and old salt spreaders, were declared surplus, with a $2,000 minimum set on the tailgate spreader. Several personnel actions were approved, including promoting an animal shelter worker to full-time, hiring a new meal driver and courthouse cleaning person, and reclassifying an administrative assistant into a new HR role at a higher rate of pay. The court also approved taking bids on a major communications upgrade for the Sheriff's Department — 20 in-car repeaters and three new repeater sites — estimated to cost around $220,000-250,000, to be funded largely through ARPA money, aimed at fixing serious radio coverage gaps in areas like Fordsville and Centertown. The court approved roughly $23,000-24,000 in county funds toward a booster pump project to fix low water pressure for homes near the golf course, animal shelter, and VFW. Finally, after a closed session, the court voted to send a letter to the Governor, Kentucky's U.S. Senators, and the county's Congressman opposing federal COVID-19 vaccine mandates, while individual magistrates expressed support for vaccination as a personal choice.

The court approved minutes from prior meetings and routine bills/claims, then set county tax rates for 2021, keeping real estate, tangible, and motor vehicle/watercraft rates unchanged from last year. A second reading and passage of an ordinance related to a library bond issue took place, followed by the court briefly recessing to convene as the Ohio County Public Facilities Corporation to pass a resolution, approve a lease agreement, and approve an indenture tied to the hospital bond financing. The court opened bids for new trucks and heavy equipment (a backhoe loader, and a truck rotator/roadhog attachment), awarding some and tabling the backhoe decision pending verification of specifications. Two new hires were approved: an animal control officer and a part-time courthouse cleaner. A brief road extension on Horton Spur Road (about 0.135 miles) was approved again after paperwork could not be located from an earlier vote. Committee reports covered progress on a proposed new regional jail (feasibility study results were promising, with costs far lower than initially feared), the Rochester Dam rehabilitation project (expected completion by end of October after over a decade of work, with a new boat ramp planned), and the county's Mental Health/Suicide Awareness Walk scheduled for September 11. A major action item was a $50,000 county contribution toward the City of Beaver Dam's purchase of a new fire truck, tied to maintaining ISO ratings that affect the county's industrial park. Magistrates discussed ensuring other fire departments in the county would also receive fair consideration for funding from ARPA/revenue replacement dollars. The court also approved advertising for bids to repair storm damage to the fire training tower. The meeting closed with updates on grant awards, including funding for a road project and weather sirens, and comments from a resident about ongoing rough river cleanup efforts following erosion problems.

This brief special-called meeting covered two agenda items. First, the court gave first reading to an ordinance authorizing the Ohio County Public Facilities Corporation to act as the county's agent regarding hospital lease bonds. County Attorney Justin Town explained this was the first step in a process that would continue at the August 24 meeting, and confirmed the county itself would bear no liability for any indebtedness — payments under the agreements would be made by the hospital. Second, the court approved hiring Jeremy D. Autry as an equipment operator for the road department at a rate of $13 an hour, effective Monday, August 15. His position is funded through ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) funds and is intended for training purposes, making it more seasonal in nature. There was brief discussion about using such positions to bring on younger workers who don't yet have a CDL, giving them on-the-job experience and a path toward getting certified. Both items passed with unanimous roll-call votes, and the meeting was adjourned shortly after.

The Fiscal Court met briefly at the Rosine Barn for a special-called session with two agenda items. First, the court authorized Judge Wallace to make an offer to the Woosley heirs to purchase roughly 2.5–3 acres near the Brick House Crossroads Store. The purchase would be funded with federal (ARP) money, not borrowed funds, and would provide space for a septic system currently causing issues for the barn and store. The motion passed unanimously. Second, the court approved signing a letter of intent with the law firm Frost Brown Todd related to bond financing for the hospital. Because the land under the hospital is owned by the Ohio County Facilities Corporation, the county is technically involved in the paperwork, but the amended documents clarify the county will not be responsible for any attorney fees — those costs will fall on the hospital. This motion also passed unanimously. After the formal agenda, magistrates discussed an update on a possible sale of county-owned real estate near the landfill to Republic Services (Public Services). No formal action was taken; officials noted the county currently earns significant annual revenue from the arrangement and expressed reluctance to give that up. They planned to gather more information after meeting with landfill officials later in the week, including questions about liability for land reclamation and whether mineral rights could be separated from any land sale. No other business was conducted, and the meeting closed after some informal conversation, including a humorous anecdote about a picnic near the landfill.

The fiscal court approved routine business including minutes, bills/claims, and financial statements. The main event of the meeting was a detailed update from Ohio County Healthcare (hospital) administrator Blaine Piper and CeCe Robinson on the status of the hospital's finances during the pandemic and the progress of a major building/OR expansion project, now estimated at $27 million and financed through USDA bonds. The judge noted a possible special call meeting would be needed soon to handle bond-related ordinances. The court approved a resolution/agreement related to a broadband/flex project, and appointed Helen McCown to the library board for a three-year term. The equipment committee, led by Magistrate Joe Barnes, recommended advertising for bids on a rubber tire backhoe attachment and a 2500 pickup truck (both gas and diesel versions), while noting a salt spreader purchase would continue with the existing vendor without a bid since it falls below the bid threshold. Road department updates covered ongoing bank repairs, FEMA-related flood damage work, mowing schedules, and a large concrete culvert project on Rough River Road, with hopes to begin chip-and-seal work soon. Magistrates also discussed a long-delayed dredging project, with conflicting information about progress reported by state contacts. Judge Newton closed with public health remarks urging COVID-19 vaccination, citing that roughly 91% of new cases regionally are among unvaccinated individuals, and announced plans to partner with the hospital on a vaccination awareness campaign.

The court handled a routine slate of administrative business, including approval of minutes, bills/claims, an updated treasurer's report, a raise in the inmate labor pay cap, and a second reading/roll call on a budget amendment. Several routine settlement acknowledgments (UMC, property tax, oil and gas, franchise, unmined coal) were also approved. The centerpiece of the meeting was a required public hearing on a proposed Ohio County Water District intake line rebuild, a roughly $2.2 million project to replace a failing 450-foot intake line on the Green River near Cromwell. The county is applying for $1 million in CDBG funds, with the remainder financed through a KIA low-interest state revolving loan and some county water district funds. Several related CDBG and hazard mitigation resolutions were adopted, along with authorization for staff to sign related documents. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to debating and adopting a COVID-19 (Delta variant) workplace response policy. After extended discussion about fairness to employees sent home due to exposure versus those who are sick, the court approved a policy allowing employees who test positive for COVID to work from home if possible, and allowing borrowing against future vacation/personal leave up to 10 days if needed, effective through the end of October. The court also approved an updated county needs assessment list for road and other projects, and Magistrate Barnes reported on the effectiveness of roadside spraying versus mowing as a cost- and time-saving measure. The judge urged residents to get vaccinated, citing high rates of severe illness among the unvaccinated, and reminded the public of a suicide-awareness event at the high school that evening. The meeting closed with reminders about upcoming ARPA-related discussions at the next meeting.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on July 13, 2021 and approved routine business including minutes, bills and claims, and the treasurer's financial report — notably the golf course turned a profit for the first time since the county acquired it. The County Clerk presented a major proposal to modernize voting equipment, shifting from 19 precincts to 6 countywide vote centers under new state rules. The new equipment, purchased from Hart, could cost up to $166,856, offset partly by state grant money and ARPA funds; the court approved the purchase. The Sheriff's Office received approval to declare vehicles and equipment surplus for auction and to purchase a new Dodge 2500 pickup truck ($34,400) using insurance proceeds and capital outlay funds, chosen over a Chevrolet bid for better durability on rough roads. The court approved a first reading of a budget amendment carrying over year-end funds and heard an update from the occupational tax administrator showing revenues roughly flat versus the prior pandemic-affected year. Several personnel pay grade/status changes for road department and other staff were approved based on supervisor recommendations, with a note that future changes must first go through the wage committee for verification. Committee reports covered ARPA fund planning (a committee is narrowing down uses for relief funds), a free QPR suicide-prevention training scheduled July 27 at Ohio County High School, ongoing COVID-19 case upticks (95% of new cases reported as unvaccinated), and continued work on the jail study and broadband committee. A road extension on Horton Spur (500-600 feet) was approved, ending at a resident's driveway, subject to easement paperwork. During public comments, a resident raised ongoing concerns about flooding and erosion along the Rough River, citing a recent major flood event and continued efforts to get FEMA and other agencies engaged in a dredging/mitigation project, with hope that a river district could be formed to pursue federal funding.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court held a special-called meeting on June 30, 2021, focused entirely on a single agenda item: adjusting the wage scale for the Jail and 911 Dispatch departments. This followed weeks of work by a wage committee that compared Ohio County's pay rates with surrounding counties (Butler, Grayson, McLean, Breckinridge) and area cities (Beaver Dam, Hartford). Magistrates and department heads discussed at length the difficulties of retaining staff in the jail and 911 dispatch, citing high turnover, expensive 12-week training periods, and heavy overtime costs when positions go unfilled — dispatch alone reportedly ran nearly $40,000 over budget in overtime this year. Officials noted competition for workers from private employers like Walmart, who can raise wages more easily than a county funded by taxes. The Sheriff's Office pushed for maintaining a consistent pay gap between supervisors and line staff, requesting that if dispatcher pay went up, the supervisor's pay should rise proportionally to preserve that gap. After some back-and-forth over the numbers on the wage table, the committee's proposal was adopted as the motion on the floor. The court voted to approve the new wage scale for jail and 911 employees, which also eliminated two now-unused position categories (a

The court moved quickly through a routine agenda, approving minutes, bills and claims, and a series of mid-fiscal-year compensation adjustments tied to CPI increases for the sheriff's department, county clerk's office, and other county employees. The second readings of the FY budget and of Administrative Code Ordinance 2021-5 were also approved, clearing paperwork required by the state. Sheriff Tracy Bibb asked for and received $16,500 from reserves to help replace a cruiser that was totaled in a wreck, and separately flagged that his department is losing deputies to better-paying jobs, foreshadowing a budget request. Road Supervisor Charlie Shields updated the court on the Rochester Dam and Dundee Narrows river-erosion projects (largely FEMA-reimbursed) and won approval to buy a John Deere Gator to speed up roadside litter/garbage pickup, to be paid back over time from savings. A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to jailer Rick's request for a $2/hour raise for jail staff to remain competitive with other employers; the court did not act immediately but referred the issue to the wage committee, with a possible special-called meeting to follow, and discussed using ARPA funds to help cover the cost for a few years. The sheriff also noted he had requested two additional deputies in his budget that hadn't been addressed. The court approved annual bid awards for stone, asphalt materials, blacktop, culvert pipe, electrical/HVAC service, and ambulance service, and noted several bid categories (concrete, steel pipe, gasoline) that received no bids. Several personnel actions were approved, including new hires and a road department promotion, a park employee status change, and moving the animal control officer to a salaried position. The court approved an emergency budget amendment for ARPA funds, appointed committees to manage ARPA spending and the closure of a road near the landfill, and heard a COVID-19 update noting Ohio County's vaccination rate remains among the lowest in the region. The meeting closed with committee reports, including praise for a recent joint meeting on Green/Rough River erosion issues, before adjourning.

This brief special-called meeting focused mainly on economic development loans and a new utility assistance program. The court approved opening a new bank account to receive and administer roughly $200,000 in COVID-19-related utility assistance grant money, which will help residents facing utility disconnection, though the funds cannot cover reconnection fees. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to two loan requests presented by the Ohio County Economic Development (OCED) board. The first was a $100,000 loan to Luke (owner of Cinema 33/Drive-In 33) to purchase a projector and shipping containers to rebuild the drive-in movie screen, with the loan secured by the projector, screen containers, and a second mortgage on the drive-in property. The court noted the borrower had successfully repaid a prior loan early and saw this as a good economic development opportunity for the county, and the loan was approved. The second loan was a $25,000 request from Heather and Clint McGann to purchase a used tiling machine for their agricultural services business. The loan would be secured by liens on the tiling machine and other equipment, and the court felt this supported the local agricultural economy, given strong demand for field tiling services. This loan was also approved by a roll call vote. Overall, the meeting demonstrates the court's ongoing use of its revolving loan fund to support local small businesses and its role in administering emergency COVID utility relief funds for residents.

The Ohio County Fiscal Court met on June 8, 2021, and handled a routine mix of financial approvals, personnel actions, and county project updates. The court approved the May 21 minutes, paid the county's bills and claims (including several guardianship/conservatorship attorney fees tied to a backlog of jury trials delayed by COVID), and formally acknowledged both the Treasurer's and County Clerk's May financial reports. On ordinances, the court gave first-reading approval to an amendment to the administrative code dealing with the three-month probationary waiting period for employees transferring from other participating KERS/CERS agencies, clarifying that employees moving within county government should not have to restart that waiting period. A second reading is expected at the next meeting. Personnel actions included approving the surplus and disposal of an old sheriff's department vehicle, hiring Hayley Browning at the golf course pro shop, and approving a pay increase for an assistant at Charlie's (the local drive-in) following completion of her probationary period. Much of the meeting's discussion centered on extending rural water lines, with magistrates debating whether to use ARPA recovery funds to help pay for a costly project to bring water to one of the last unserved areas of the county, after contractor price estimates came back at roughly $125,000 per mile. No formal vote was taken, but magistrates directed staff to keep pursuing better pricing. The court also discussed a road committee and bid-opening committee meeting to be scheduled before the next regular session, and heard a COVID-19 update noting the county's low vaccination rate (about 28%) and another recent death. The court also received an informal preview of a roughly $100,000 upgrade project for the Hartford drive-in theater (new digital projection, concession renovations, and stationary shipping containers), with a formal vote expected at the next regular or a special-called meeting. Magistrates closed the meeting by honoring the memory of former magistrate Dorothy Bennett, the first woman to serve on the court, before adjourning.

The court approved routine business including minutes, bills, and the treasurer's report, and passed the second reading of the 2021-22 budget ordinance unanimously — a rare occurrence the judge noted may only be the second time in his tenure. A related budget amendment was also approved to account for federal COVID relief (ARPA) funds, though officials acknowledged they still don't have clear federal guidance on how that money can be spent. A significant item was the interlocal agreement authorizing the judge to sign onto a regional jail feasibility study with Butler and Edmonson counties, splitting a $7,500 study cost roughly by jail population. The court also approved a contract with Hydro Protex LLC to pursue funding to clear a log jam near Rough River, with no financial obligation to the county unless funding is secured. Several personnel actions were approved for the golf course, including two new part-time hires and two pay corrections to bring wages in line with the pay scale. The senior center's proposed vehicle purchase (a minivan vs. an SUV) was discussed at length, with the court ultimately approving purchase of whichever vehicle (likely a Chrysler/Dodge Voyager) could be delivered soonest. Committee reports covered broadband expansion (still in early discussion stages), road department equipment needs, and a COVID-19 update showing declining case counts but concerning vaccination rates — Ohio County has the second-lowest vaccination rate in the district, particularly among residents 65 and older. Magistrate Johnson also shared informal, mostly positive results from interviews with county fire chiefs, to be formally presented later. Overall, this was a routine meeting focused on budget finalization, personnel matters, and ongoing infrastructure/relief planning, with no major controversies.

The court opened with routine business, approving the April 27 minutes, bills/claims, transfers, and financial reports without issue. The sheriff's first quarterly fee report was also acknowledged. A resolution (2021-2015) was passed to move forward with a previously discussed trail grant that had been held up due to an oversight after last meeting's public hearing. The court also approved purchasing large commercial 'Big Ass Fans' (roughly $9,500 plus installation) for the horse/livestock barn at the park, to come out of park reserve funds, after discussion about ventilation needs for tractor pulls and livestock events. A resolution amending the coal severance fund carryover was also approved to combine leftover and new funds for future road/garage projects. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet representatives Scott Phelps and Denitra Henderson presented the FY2022 Rural Secondary Program, outlining about $321,665 in flex funds and $1.4 million in KY Transportation Cabinet funds. The court approved a recommended project list: replacing culverts on KY 1414 (roughly $800,000, prioritized due to a weight-restricted culvert affecting school bus traffic), resurfacing KY 1118 (~$200,000), and work on KY 269 (~$400,000). Discussion also covered ongoing concerns about the safety and status of KY 136, including bridge and shoulder issues, with plans for future safety and resurfacing consideration. In other business, the court went into a brief closed session under KRS 61.810, after which it approved spending $2,500 from reserve funds to repair water damage to a wall. Charlie Shields was reappointed to the Water Commission overseeing Rochester Dam construction. The court also expanded the mental health/suicide prevention committee's charge to study counseling needs for first responders dealing with traumatic incidents. The Administrative Code Committee presented proposed changes to employment policies, including immediate retirement enrollment for transferring employees and extending the health insurance waiting period to 60 days. COVID-19 update noted 23 new cases in the county last week and continued encouragement for vaccination, noting no deaths among fully vaccinated residents. Public comment focused heavily on the Rough River Dam remediation project, with a resident (Mr. Haney) discussing $8.75 million in federal funding, ongoing contract negotiations with new engineering contacts, and frustrations with the Army Corps of Engineers' water management practices affecting farmland flooding.

The court approved minutes, routine bills/claims, and the first reading of the FY2021-22 budget ordinance, with the goal of finalizing it in Frankfort by the next meeting. The Wage Committee's recommendations were adopted, setting a 1.4% cost-of-living wage increase effective July 1, 2021, streamlining HR duties back to department heads, and requiring salaried employees to use vacation time rather than be paid out once it maxes out. Seasonal road workers who return for three consecutive years will now be moved up to a paid driver classification. A new health insurance plan through Anthem was approved for county employees, offering both a 'free' plan with a larger HSA card and a low-cost 'buy up' plan with a smaller deductible, aimed partly at attracting employees who need family coverage. The court plans to commit to this plan for about three years. The court also accepted a deed of land near the county hospital cemetery from David and Marion Hall for use by the Bill Monroe Foundation and tourism, and approved surplus declarations for sheriff's department property and acknowledged receipt of the county extension office's budget, which saw no increase. A custodial employee, Josh Peach, was moved from temporary to full-time status at $11.32/hour, effective April 18. The court created a new Broadband Committee to ensure Ohio County receives its share of federal/state broadband funding, and heard updates from the spray/weed control committee (starting herbicide applications for Johnson grass), the Sharky festival committee (planning a September event with new T-shirts), and the jail committee, which reported on a meeting with a consultant about pursuing a jail feasibility study, likely to be split 50/50 with Butler County. COVID-19 numbers continue to improve in Ohio County, which has moved into the 'yellow' tier with about one new case per day. Magistrate Jason Bullock reported on renaming/accepting two new roads, Caroline Lane and Wayland Lane, which met the court's criteria after review by the viewing committee. Other magistrates reported on siren repairs in Fordsville and Rockport and requested road maintenance work. The meeting adjourned after magistrates shared updates for the good of the body.

The court handled routine business first, approving the minutes of the March 23rd meeting, paying bills and transfers, and acknowledging both the county treasurer's and county clerk's March 2021 financial reports. A key item was the annual resolution required to receive road aid/gas tax (rural secondary/county road) funds from the state, which passed unanimously. The court also approved a personnel hire, bringing on Cassidy Stevens as payroll clerk at $15.93/hour effective April 25th. Much of the meeting was devoted to committee reports. An employee morale survey conducted across county departments came back largely positive, with a few areas for improvement identified (chain of command, new employee safety orientation, and reflective flagging on road equipment). The court also discussed progress on a proposed multi-county regional jail partnership with Butler, Edmonson, and Grayson counties, which appears to be moving forward positively. A new committee on littering enforcement and cleanup was proposed, with magistrates and outside partners (economic development, tourism) to be involved. COVID-19 numbers were reported as improving overall, though two recent deaths were noted; residents were urged to continue mask use and get vaccinated. Tire amnesty days in the county were announced for the coming week, and a resident raised concerns about a delayed public notice regarding a water quality issue in Beaver Dam from the prior year, which magistrates explained was due to regulatory notification procedures. The meeting adjourned with no other business, and the next meeting/budget workshop was scheduled for two weeks later.

The court approved minutes and bills without issue, and set up a special non-interest-bearing bank account to receive federal recovery act funds from the U.S. Treasury, though details on how the money can be spent are still forthcoming. The Sheriff's Office got approval to declare a list of surplus vehicles and equipment (including a military truck with a large winch and two aging generators) as surplus for sale, with proceeds going back to fund additional equipment for the department. Several part-time and seasonal hires were approved for the county golf course/pro shop and mowing crew, following a closed session on litigation and a personnel matter (no business or motions came out of the closed session itself). A road viewing committee (road supervisor Nick Woolen, Jason Geary, and Bill Burke) was appointed to inspect two roads — Wayland Lane and Carolyn Lane — for possible acceptance into the county road system, with a report expected at the next meeting. A corrected measurement will also be reviewed for another road. The newly formed spray committee reported plans to combat Johnson grass along roadsides using a combination of chemicals, testing effectiveness on select roads before a broader rotation plan is developed, citing safety concerns from overgrown vegetation near guardrails and intersections. On COVID-19, the Judge Executive reported case counts continuing to decline county-wide (incidence now the lowest it's been, moving the county into the "yellow" risk category), though the county's death rate remains higher than the region and state. Residents were encouraged to continue masking, hand-washing, and getting vaccinated as availability expands. The next fiscal court meeting was moved to Monday, April 12th at 4:00 pm to accommodate several members attending a statewide judge-executives and magistrates conference in Lexington, after which a budget workshop will be scheduled.

The court handled routine business (minutes, bills/claims, financial reports) and closed an unused road fund savings account, moving its remaining ~$1,600 into the regular road fund checking account. A resolution was approved to apply for CDBG COVID-19 utility relief funds, and separate motions authorized the road department to apply for Land & Water Conservation and Recreational Trails grants, with matching contributions to come from county equipment and manpower rather than cash. Coroner Kevin Doolin gave an update on his office, thanking the court for a new office, morgue space, a cooler, and a new stretcher, and requested help with a bathroom at the morgue, a physical address, and possibly a part-time/PRN deputy position. The court also approved the low ambulance remount bid from Select Tech ($84,388.40) and discussed working with the vendor on covering costs before the fiscal year ends. The court approved a $250 donation to Ohio County High School's Project Graduation and continued funding (from reserves) for Foster Grandparents, RSVP, and Senior Companion programs at prior-year levels. Jim Duke was appointed to the Airport Board and Helen McCown to the Library Board. A closed session was held under KRS provisions. Committee reports covered ongoing review of employee health insurance options (comparing CVCICO and state plans) and a jail committee meeting scheduled for March 25th. A COVID-19 update noted improving but still elevated case numbers and a higher death rate compared to neighboring counties, along with a data discrepancy of 162 unresolved positive cases. Magistrates also gave updates on tornado siren repairs and requested a rolling list for tracking pavement/tile settling repair spots. The court passed a resolution authorizing the judge to apply for a Community Corrections grant with a March 15th deadline. The meeting closed with tributes to a retiring long-time employee, Renetta, and a reminder of a 4:00 pm budget workshop scheduled before the next fiscal court meeting.

The court handled routine business, approving minutes, bill payments, and financial reports from the treasurer and county clerk. A transfer of over $9,000 from emergency reserve was explained as covering rising phone costs, and money from golf sales tax was moved to cover a state-mandated tax collection that hadn't been budgeted. Three pieces of county equipment — a wrecked senior center vehicle, an old ambulance cab, and a dump truck — were declared surplus and approved for sale on GovDeals, with Charlie Shields overseeing the listings. The court also approved a resolution supporting a Bluegrass advertising facility and approved a one-year lease on a county-owned house on Liberty Street to two tenants. A motion was made to release nearly $22,700 from the McHenry Carriers Act fund, pending the mayor's consent, to help pay for fire equipment for the City of McHenry. Committee updates included an ongoing survey of county offices for possible policy changes and a newly formed committee to look at reducing high utility costs in the courthouse. COVID-19 updates showed active cases declining slightly but a concerning death rate more than double the state average, with no current hospitalizations from the jail outbreak. The bulk of the meeting was devoted to a lengthy, frustrated update from Mr. Haney on the stalled river/debris-removal project involving the contractor Maverick (now reportedly operating as AMS) and FEMA. Years of delays, shifting contacts, and an application stuck in Atlanta have left residents like Haney watching property erode into the river with no resolution in sight. He and his wife have reached out to Congressman James Comer's office and state officials for help, but no clear timeline has emerged. Magistrates expressed sympathy but noted the county has limited control over the waterway project. The meeting closed with magistrate comments, including a request for prayers for a young relative facing a medical procedure, before the court adjourned to meet again in two weeks.