Meeting of April 14, 2026

call this meeting of why fiscal court to order on this uh 14th day of April 2026 at 5:00 p.m. We're going to start by asking Brother Ryan to come forward, lead us in a prayer and a pledge to the flag. Let's pray. God, we thank you for all that you do in our life. We thank you for this day that you have made. We thank you for your grace and your goodness, God. How you watch over us and you love us and take care of us. You heal us. God, today I pray for our leaders. I pray for our president, God, that you would be with him and give him wisdom and knowledge. I pray with those leaders tonight who will make decisions on behalf of us and our county, Lord. I pray that you'd give them the the wisdom, the guidance, and patience and and the knowledge to to make the right decisions, godly decisions, God. And Lord, we turn to you and we ask you just to be in our midst and presence tonight. And may everything that's said and done be pleasing to you. In Jesus name we pray. Amen. Amen. — I pledge algiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation

under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. — Next, we have uh just — Charlie Shields. There you go. — Be in the picture. Who's taking pictures? Dustin, you going to be able to get pictures for us? — I'm having technical difficulties at the moment. — Candace, you want to take them and then send them share them with son? — You want to come up there and judge? — Please. Yeah. Come stand right behind me. — I should have worn my shirt. I should have worn my shirt. I got it in the car. Come over here and stand right in around me. — Come on, Charlie. — Yeah. Um, as you many of you may know or may

not, this autism awareness uh and acceptance month and we're going to do a proclamation tonight. Sonia's going to read it and then we will sign it and take pictures. Whereas autism spectrum disorder is a developmental condition that affects communication, social interaction, sensory processing, and behavior impacting individuals and families throughout Ohio County and across the nation. And whereas autism affects approximately one in 36 children in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. And whereas individuals with autism contribute unique strengths, perspective, talents, and abilities that enrich our schools, workplaces, and community life. And whereas increasing public awareness helps promote understanding, early identification, and access to supportive services. And whereas fostering acceptance and inclusion ensures individuals with autism are respected, valued, supported, and given equal opportunities to participate fully in community life. And whereas a compassionate and informed community strengthens safety, belonging, and quality of life for individuals with autism and their families. Now therefore, I, David Johnston, judge

executive of Ohio County, Kentucky, do hereby proclaim the month of April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month in Ohio County, Kentucky, and encourage all citizens to promote understanding, inclusion, acceptance, and support for individuals with autism and their families throughout our community each year. and we'll sign this. We'll do two copies. — Make sure you get my best side, Candace. — Thank you. Okay, thank you. — Charlie, you know how everybody's standing together. Okay, — thank y'all so much for coming. Haven't seen you for a long time. How have you been? — How are you? — Thank you, sir. Well, thank you. — Thank you. — Thank you, sweetheart. — I'll get that from here in a little. — Okay. So,

— he's doing that. I want to hand these out. So, what we've started is Ohio safety lifeline for this. And what this is designed for is the bracelets are somebody in case they get lost and we can find them a whole lot quicker. So, I'm going to pass this out to everybody. If you like to donate or sponsor one, feel free to get with one of us and we would love to have it. — Okay. We've done a survey. We probably got around 85 who's willing already want one of these bracelets. And anybody who's been around emergency services, you know, we have these all the time. Thanks, judge. Thanks for Thank you'all so much for coming. U and we do appreciate you guys a lot that you helping with this cause. Uh next we have library folks. Come on up here. Oh, look. — Hi there. How are you? Hi there.

How are you? Thank you. — Hi. I'm the thorn among the roses. — Yeah. Well, this is our folks from our library, which we're so proud of. We're so proud of our library. It's second to There's nothing better around than we've got in our library. There's none other better than ours. We're really proud of it. So, right now, we're going to do proclamation for library week 26 2026. Whereas libraries spark creativity, fuel imagination, and inspire lifelong learning, offering a space where individuals of all ages can find joy through exploration and discovery. Whereas libraries serve as a vibrant comm vibrant community hubs connecting people with knowledge, technology, and resources while fostering civic engagement, critical thinking, and cultural enrichment. Whereas libraries provide free and equitable access to books, digital tools, and innovative programming, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of background, have the support they need to learn, connect, and thrive. Whereas libraries partner with schools, businesses, and organizations to maximize resources, increase efficiency, and expand access

to essential services, strengthening the entire community. Whereas libraries empower job seekers, entrepreneurs, and lifelong learners by providing access to resources, training, and opportunities that support career growth and economic success. Whereas libraries nurture young minds through story times, steam programs, and literacy initiatives, fostering curiosity, and a love of learning that lasts a lifetime. Whereas libraries protect the right to read, think, and explore without censorship, standing as champions of intellectual freedom and free expression. Dedicated librarians and library workers provide welcoming spaces that inspire discovery, collaboration, and creativity for all. Whereas libraries, librarians, and library workers across the country are joining together to celebrate National Library Week under the theme find your joy. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, David Johnston, Ohio County Judge Executive, proclaim April 19th through the 25th, 2026 as National Library Week. During this week, I encourage all residents to visit their library, explore its resources, and celebrate all the ways that the library helps our community find joy. Thank you, Sunny. And so now we'll sign

it into effect here. Non, can you remember how everybody's standing so you can make us a note? — Yes, — please. — I know. I know. John on the end. I remember that part. — I'll send it to you. — Perfect. Thank you. — You give her a coffee. — There's your coffee. Thank y'all so much. We We are really proud of you. — Thank you. — Folks, you have the uh March the 24th minutes before you. We need a motion, a second to approve those minutes. — So move. Motion by Larry Morphw. Second, Mike. Second by right before him, Bo Bennett. — Second by Bo Bennett to approve the minutes. Is there any discussion,