Meeting of September 8, 2026
9-8-26 Ohio County Fiscal Court Meeting · Watch on YouTube ↗
Summary
Ohio County Fiscal Court – September 8, 2026
The meeting opened with proclamations recognizing Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and National Assisted Living Week, honoring local caregivers and families. The court then handled routine business, approving minutes and the bills/claims/payments/transfers list, and acknowledging the treasurer's July financial statement.
A major topic was the Jerusalem Ridge Bill Monroe Bluegrass Festival. Promoter Dennis Cook asked magistrates for discretionary funding help, and several magistrates pledged amounts (Judge Johnston previously gave $2,000, plus $2,000 more; Larry pledged $200; another magistrate $500; Jason $500). The court voted to authorize the treasurer to cut checks to the festival foundation covering all pledged discretionary funds.
Sheriff Adam Wright reported a major failure of the department's 911/radio recording server (Revcore), resulting in lost recordings needed for open records requests and case evidence. He proposed switching to a Nashville-based company, Replay, at an initial cost of about $24,000 plus roughly $1,700 more annually than the current contract, offering to offset costs by surplusing an old 1987 Humvee. The court approved using emergency reserve funds to cover the new contract, with funds to be reimbursed once the Humvee is sold, and separately approved surplusing the vehicle for sale on GovDeals.
Judge Johnston addressed public rumors about opioid settlement funds, stating about $105,000 has been spent or committed responsibly on programs like Breaking Chains, Her Father's House, drug testing, and ARCH, with plans to form a review committee for future requests.
Magistrates gave discretionary donations for local events (Dundee Days and Fordsville Days) and discussed ongoing road damage/permitting concerns related to hauling companies. A proposed 12-month moratorium resolution on new high-water-consumption businesses (aimed at data centers) was read but tabled for further review after a magistrate objected to being unfamiliar with it and expressed support for data center development.
Public comments included a Republic Services tonnage report, a note about an upcoming statewide cowboy shooting competition in Beaver Dam, and a resident's continued concerns about Reed Cemetery Road ownership and access, which the judge agreed to look into further. The meeting was then adjourned.
Agenda (17)
- 2:11
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month Proclamation
The court proclaimed September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, honoring children battling cancer and their families.
- 5:06
National Assisted Living Week Proclamation
The court proclaimed September 13-19, 2026 as National Assisted Living Week, recognizing assisted living communities and caregivers.
- 9:35
Approval of Minutes
The court approved minutes from the August 25, 2026 meeting.
- 10:06
Bills, Claims, Payments and Transfers
The court approved bills, claims, payments and transfers including a late list.
- 10:50
Treasurer's July Financial Statement
The court acknowledged receipt of the treasurer's July financial statement.
- 11:18
Jerusalem Ridge Bluegrass Festival Sponsorship
Festival promoter Dennis Cook requested magistrate sponsorship support; several magistrates pledged discretionary funds and the court authorized checks to the festival foundation.
- 17:17
Closed Session on Legal Matters
The court went into closed session to discuss legal matters that may be coming up soon, then returned to open session with no motions or transactions taken.
- 18:36
Sheriff's Report: Dispatch Recording Server Failure
Sheriff Adam Wright reported the failure of the department's Revcore recording server, loss of recorded data, and proposed switching to a new vendor, Replay, funded partly by surplusing an old Humvee.
- 27:57
Judge's Report on Opioid Settlement Funds
Judge Johnston addressed public claims about opioid settlement funds, detailing about $105,000 spent or committed to recovery and prevention programs, and announced plans for a review committee.
- 31:28
Surplus of 1987 Humvee
The court approved surplusing the sheriff department's 1987 Humvee to help offset the cost of the new recording system.
- 31:56
Committee Reports
Updates given on the housing study committee and landfill committee, both showing progress but no final action yet.
- 32:47
Magistrate Comments and Discretionary Requests
Magistrates gave updates and requested discretionary funds for local events including Dundee Days and Fordsville Days.
- 34:01
Road Hauling Permits and Damage Concerns
Magistrate Larry raised concerns about damage caused by permitted hauling companies on county roads, including Bethel Church Road, and requested to be included in post-haul inspections.
- 35:41
Proposed Data Center Water Usage Moratorium Resolution
A resolution establishing a 12-month moratorium on new data center development due to water/electricity resource concerns was read and debated; it was ultimately tabled for further review.
- 44:15
Republic Services Monthly Tonnage Report
A representative from Republic Services presented the monthly tonnage report to the court.
- 45:13
Public Comment: Beaver Dam Cowboy Shoot Event
A speaker announced the upcoming Kentucky State Cowboy Shoot event happening that weekend in Beaver Dam.
- 45:55
Public Comment: Reed Cemetery Road Dispute
Resident Mr. Hamilton raised ongoing concerns about Reed Cemetery Road ownership, a prior fine he paid, and unresolved access issues; the judge agreed to try again to locate the responsible company.
Motions & votes (11)
- 9:49
passedApprove minutes of the August 25, 2026 meeting
Moved by Michael · seconded by Dale · unanimous voice vote
- 10:15
passedApprove bills, claims, payments and transfers including late list
Moved by Dale · seconded by Michael · unanimous voice vote
- 10:59
passedAcknowledge receipt of treasurer's July financial statement
seconded by Larry · unanimous voice vote
- 16:42
passedAllow treasurer to write checks to the Jerusalem Ridge Bill Monroe Foundation for pledged discretionary festival funds
unanimous voice vote, multiple seconds
- 17:31
passedGo into closed session in the conference room
- 17:56
passedReturn to open session from closed session
Moved by Michael · seconded by Larry · unanimous voice vote
- 26:45
passedUse emergency reserve funds to pay $24,614.70 for Replay contract and services, reimbursed later by Humvee surplus sale proceeds
seconded by Dale · unanimous voice vote
- 31:28
passedSurplus the 1987 Humvee from the sheriff's department for sale on GovDeals
Moved by Michael · unanimous voice vote
- 33:26
passedProvide $500 discretionary funds for Dundee Days and $500 for Fordsville Days
Moved by Dale · seconded by Michael · unanimous voice vote
- 41:18
tabledPass the 12-month moratorium resolution on data center development
Moved by Larry
- 42:23
passedTable the data center moratorium resolution until next meeting to allow review of drafted copy
unanimous voice vote
Transcript (38 segments)
- 0:14
call this meeting of why I came fiscal court to order. Uh on this uh 8th day of September 2026, I'm going to ask uh Tony Shast to come forward to the microphone and lead us in a prayer and a pledge to the flag. Right. Let's open with prayer. God, we thank you so much for this day that you've given to us, this opportunity we have to gather together in this great place with these great folks. Lord, we thank you for Ohio County and for all that it means to us. And we thank you that you've given us the chance to live in this place with these people. And Lord, I pray for this meeting tonight. And I pray that your will is done in all that we do in Jesus name. Amen. — Amen. — Amen. Attention. Salute. Pledge. 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. — Thank you. Now, could uh all of you that are here for the childhood cancer awareness today to come up and stand behind us here? Who's taking pictures? Candy, you
- 1:44
getting pictures? Everybody kind of get in this kind of kind of tight like — like Yeah. Come in pretty tight. — Michael's down in there all by himself — with your being the — Hang on. Let's let Michael get down here. He's — Looks like he's got the plague or something. — Yeah. — Yeah. Uh okay. We're going to ask Sonia to read this proclamation which is very uh important to us. Whereas childhood cancer remains one of the most devastating challenges facing children and families affecting lives across our communities and around the world. And whereas every child deserves the opportunity to grow, learn, play, and pursue their dreams. And children facing cancer demonstrate extraordinary courage, strength, and resilience throughout their treatment and recovery. Families of children with cancer face profound emotional and physical and financial challenges and deserve compassion, support, resources, and hope from their communities. Whereas pediatric cancer research, early detection, innovative treatments, and access to specialized care are essential
- 2:57
to improving outcomes and giving more children the opportunity to become cancer survivors. And whereas health care professionals, researchers, caregivers, educators, advocates, nonprofit organizations, volunteers, and countless others work tirelessly to support children with cancer and their families, and to advance the fight against childhood cancer. And whereas childhood cancer awareness month provides an opportunity to honor children who are courageously battling cancer, celebrate survivors, remember children whose lives were tragically lost, and recognize the families and communities who stand beside them. Whereas raising awareness and encouraging support for pediatric cancer research and family centered resources can help build a future in which every child diagnosed has access to the care, treatment, and support they need. Now, therefore, I, David Johnston, judge executive of the county of Ohio, do hereby proclaim September 2026 as childhood cancer awareness month. We encourage all members of our community to join in raising awareness, supporting children and their families affected by cancer, honoring survivors, remembering those we have lost, and advancing the hope of a future where childhood cancer no longer threatens the lives of our children. so much. Proud to be here.
- 4:25
— Thank you very much. — Good to see you again. — Thank you so much. — Okay, I can get back to you. Thank you. Okay. Is this a week or not? — It's a week. — Week. Okay. Okay. That was u childhood cancer awareness month. Next we have uh uh assisted living uh week shining through the years is the of of the u name name of it here. So, if y'all would please come join me from hope to repair Jimmy and Henry and all of the all of the clans. minutes. — I'm not sure.
- 5:59
Okie dokie. — Get in as close to center as you can out of you. Look this way though. — Missed you yesterday. picture. — Okay. — Whereas assisted living communities provides compassionate care that enables older adults and individuals with disabilities to look to live with dignity, independence, purpose, and the highest possible quality of life. And whereas the dedicated caregivers, nurses, administrators, support staff, volunteers, and family members who serve assisted living residents demonstrate unwavering commitment, professionalism, and compassion each day. And whereas National Assisted Living Week observes September the 13th to the 19th, 2026 as an annual opportunity to recognize the important role assisted living communities play in supporting residents, strengthening families, and enriching communities across our nation. Whereas the 2026 National Assistant Living Week theme, shining through the years, celebrates the wisdom, resilience, achievements, and unique
- 7:13
life stories of assisted living residents while honoring the meaningful relationships that brighten every stage of life. And whereas this observance encourages communities to recognize the contributions of older adults, foster connections across generations, and express appreciation for those who dedicate themselves to providing exceptional care and service. And whereas Ohio County joins assisted living providers, residents, families, and advocates in recognizing the invaluable contributions of assisted living communities and reaffirming our commitment to supporting the health, safety, and well-being of our aging population. Now therefore, be it resolved that I, David Johnston, Ohio County Judge Executive, proclaim September the 13th through the 19th, 2026 as National Assistant Living Week in Ohio County and encourage all residents to recognize and celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living communities to honor their stories and contributions and to embrace the spirit of Shining through the years. That's for Jimmy.
- 8:40
— Christian. Okay. — Okay. Thank you for coming. Appreciate you. — Thank you for coming so much. Really appreciate this. This is wonderful have this kind of turnout. — Thank you. Appreciate — it. Thank y'all so much for coming. That that means a bunch. — Jimmy. — Yes. — Okay. Thank you. — U and uh that's extra this thing is extra dear to me in that uh I'm getting the age of you know who knows any time that's where I may need to go. So uh so that's that's dear to me. Next, you have the minutes of the uh 2025 meeting, August 25th, 2026 meeting. I mean the minutes. We need a motion second on them. — Make a motion to approve. — Motion by Michael. — I'll second.
- 9:53
— Second by Dale. Any discussion? Any discussion, corrections, or additions? Being none, all in favor say I. I. Post like sign. The minutes approved. Before you have the bills, claims, payments, and transfers. I need a m motion. A second there. — I'll make a motion. — Motion by Dale. — Second. — Second by Michael. Uh, is there any discussion on the bill's claims, payments, and transfers, including a late list? is you're putting the manager including late list. Um is there any discussion on bills, claims, payments, and transfers? Being none, all in favor say I. — I. — Post like sign. Motion carries. Um before you have the treasures July financial statement, we need to acknowledge that that she presented it to us. — I acknowledge that we got the treasures. — Dale second. Second by Larry. Is there any discussion on that or