Feb. 6, 2026

HB 557 seeks to rebalance state-county responsibility for jails

Rep. Michael Meredith told county judge/executives Thursday that House Bill 557 is designed to “rebalance the relationship between the state and local communities” when it comes to corrections, calling the proposal the most comprehensive jail reform effort Kentucky has seen in years.

Legislative briefing Monday, Feb. 9

Join KACo staff for a virtual member briefing on HB 557, Monday, Feb. 9, at 2 p.m. ET. 

This briefing will walk through key points of the bill and next steps for county officials to help move HB 557 across the finish line.

County leaders urged to engage legislators on HB 557

Lawmakers consistently say that hearing directly from local leaders is one of the most influential factors in understanding the impact of legislation.

Read more about our comprehensive jail bill and how you can help move it forward.

NEXT WEEK: 2026 County Officials Legislative Reception

County officials and legislators are invited to join us as we honor members of the 2026 General Assembly at KACo headquarters in Frankfort on Wednesday, Feb. 11, from 4:30-7 p.m. EST.

Use the link below for more information and to register.

KACo launches Opioid Solutions Network

The KACo Opioid Solutions Network is a leadership cohort designed to help counties invest opioid settlement funds.

Participants will engage in monthly learning experiences, including optional travel to the NACo Annual Conference in New Orleans. Through guided exercises and hands-on technical assistance, counties will develop tangible plans to implement locally, culminating in recognition at the KACo Annual Conference.

NACo accepting applications for 2026 Achievement Awards

Celebrate the good work happening in your county by applying for a NACo Achievement Award.

Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities. 

The deadline to apply for the 2026 awards is March 31.

PSC to hold public information meetings regarding nuclear generation

The Kentucky Public Service Commission will host public meetings throughout the state to listen to local officials, business owners and residents about their ideas and concerns regarding nuclear generation.



Six public meetings are scheduled at colleges across Kentucky.

State releases county unemployment data for December 2025

Unemployment rates fell in all 120 counties between December 2024 and December 2025, according to the Kentucky Center for Statistics.

Counties in the news: The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Leaders in Floyd County announce dates for flood relief meetings
• Campbell County brings in jailer to answer ICE detainee concerns
• Jefferson County Sheriff's Office warns of rental property scams
• Rezoning cases get more difficult
• McLean County votes to hire firm to manage flood funding
• Judge/executive responds to critics
• Tate Inc. formally announces $76 million investment in Glasgow facility

Training Opportunities

Active Shooter Response Preparedness Training

Workplace violence is a growing concern, and this webinar is designed to support a culture of safety and readiness.

KACo Insurance members are invited to attend a critical training session focused on empowering individuals with knowledge and skills to respond effectively during an active shooter event.

Date: Feb. 10, 2026

Time: 1 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free for KACo Insurance members

2026 Opioid Solutions: February Webinar

KACo's Opioid Solutions Monthly Webinar Series is back for 2026

Each month, we'll discuss programs and services that are making a real-world impact on substance use recovery that county officials and partners can model in their own communities.

Date: Feb. 12, 2026

Time: 11 a.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Social Media: Best Practices and Legal Risks

County officials and staff increasingly rely on social media to communicate with residents, but it also comes with legal and operational responsibilities. This webinar provides practical guidance on how counties can use social media strategically and responsibly.

Date: March 3, 2026

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Reporting and Budgeting for Local Opioid Settlement Funds

Participants will receive guidance on reporting to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission, including required annual reports, timelines and documentation needed to demonstrate compliance with settlement requirements. This training will also focus on how to properly account for opioid settlement funds in your FY2027 budget.

Date: March 4, 2026

Time: 2 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

How Counties are Using Data to Prioritize Road and Bridge Repairs

Looking for a smarter, more consistent way to evaluate and prioritize county road projects? Join this webinar to learn how the Lincoln Trail Area Development District is using ESRI’s Field Maps and ArcGIS tools to collect real-time pavement data, assign standardized condition scores. Presenters will show how GIS-based dashboards help county officials visualize needs, plan resurfacing and bridge projects, and support long-term infrastructure investments.

Date: March 10, 2026

Time: 10 a.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

This Week in Photos

Henderson County Judge/Executive Brad Schneider spoke about the impact of the GRANT program during the KCJEA conference.

Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley led a Q&A session with House Speaker David Osborne and Senate President Robert Stivers.

Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White spoke with Rep. Michael Meredith during the KCJEA conference about HB 557.

Boyle County magistrates Paula Bodner and Tom Ellis learn about cybersecurity, online threats and global threats at the KCJEA conference. 

Senior Deputy Robbie VanCleave of the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office spoke with students at Campbellsville Christian School. 

The Bell County Detention Center and Jailer Barb Venable received a donation of books from Pineville Independent Schools.

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kentucky State Police, participated in a traffic safety event at the Bourbon County Health Department.

KACo's Jim Henderson, Jessica Bickett of the Lincoln Trail District Health Department and Brandon Wilson of Marion County Fiscal Court spoke to the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission Friday. Bickett and Wilson served on a coalition that helped guide the use of opioid settlement dollars.

Allen County Judge/Executive Dennis Harper shoots a basketball in the county’s new multipurpose facility.