Sept. 19, 2025

KACo County News: Beginning Oct. 3, 2025, this newsletter will come to your inbox from KACo County News - countynews@kaco.org. Nothing else is changing — same County Line Weekly newsletter, same schedule. To keep receiving it, please add countynews@kaco.org to your contacts or safe sender list.

Deadline Is TODAY for the KACo Insurance Grant

KACo knows how important it is for counties to keep your employees and communities safe while also protecting county resources. That’s why we are excited to once again offer the KACo Insurance Grant Program — an opportunity for counties to receive up to $10,000 for projects that reduce risk and prevent losses.

This program is available to all insured members of the KACo Workers’ Compensation Fund and All Lines Fund. Applications must be submitted by Sept. 19, 2025.

Interim committee meetings in full swing

This week’s interim committee meetings focused on transportation, court budget needs and revenue forecasts.

• KYTC reported shorter wait times at licensing offices, 42.9% REAL ID adoption and $31.9 million in local road project requests.
• The AOC outlined a $13.5 million budget shortfall and requested $341 million annually, plus more for raises, technology and facilities.
• The Consensus Forecasting Group lowered FY 2026 revenue projections by $305 million to $15.35 billion, with modest growth expected in FY 2027–28.

110 Kentucky counties can still apply for supplemental federal disaster funds

With four qualifying Presidential disaster declarations over 2023 and 2024, nearly every Kentucky county is eligible to apply for more than $1.4 billion in funding from the U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) to help with recovery efforts.

Regular maintenance of county stop signs important to public safety

Regular maintenance of stop signs is crucial for ensuring road safety, preventing accidents and protecting counties from legal liability.



Stop signs - as regulatory signs - communicate enforceable laws. Stop signs not properly maintained can be ineffective and create hazardous conditions for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists. 

Share your artwork and what you love about counties

The 2025 I Love My KY County KACo Art Contest is underway!

All students in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to submit a drawing, painting or other form of art showing what makes their county special. Don't delay — the deadline for entries is Oct. 3.

Winners will be featured at the KACo Conference and in the 2026 KACo calendar.

2025 KACo Conference & Exposition

Be part of the excitement at the 51st Annual KACo Conference & Exposition, Nov. 12-14, 2025, at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville.

Counties are leading the way in service to their communities, and this premier event helps county leaders gain fresh insights from expert speakers, discover innovative solutions and connect with colleagues from across Kentucky.

Take advantage of early bird rates by securing your spot at the KACo Conference today!

The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Taul proposes Hardin County move forward with sale of acreage near landfill
• Franklin County industrial complex could look like a ‘park’
• Knox Fiscal Court approves KPDI grant application, change order, and interfund transfer
• Mason County Fiscal Court passes resolution for data center regulations
• ‘Historic day for the coroner’: Barren County Coroner cuts ribbon on first office
• Jailer: Federal program sustaining Pike Detention Center
• Lyon County Fiscal Court discusses new projects, approves Constitution Week
• Breckinridge County Fiscal Court votes down amended alcohol ordinance
• Trimble hires True to advise on data centers, other developments
• Wayne County puts new ATV/UTV road rules in place; Drivers can get tickets for breaking rules
• Sheriff deputies recognized for saving woman from falling off bridge
• Daviess County Attorney's Office to hire first detective

Training Opportunities

Ethics, open records and open meetings for county officials

Date: Sept. 23, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. CT

Location: Green River Area Development District, Owensboro

Cost: $30 member/$45 non-member

Join KACo staff attorney Rich Ornstein for a practical and informative half-day training focused on the ethical and legal responsibilities of county officials. This session will cover the core principles of local government ethics codes, compliance with Kentucky’s Open Records and Open Meetings Acts, and best practices for maintaining transparency and accountability in local government.

Understanding use of force and restraint chair application

Date: Sept. 23, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET

Location: KACo Headquarters, 400 Englewood Dr, Frankfort

Cost: Free

Join Tracey Reed and Bryan Henderson for a one-day training focused on issues surrounding use of force scenarios, including liability concerns, as well as provide information on how & when to properly use restraints, including the restraint chair. Attendees will be provided with the generally accepted best practices associated with these tasks and will participate in practical exercises in these areas. This class is open to all officers working in a county jail. Please note the class is limited to the first 50 registrants.

Building flood resilience: tools and strategies for ready, responsive counties

Date: Oct. 1, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Join KACo and the American Flood Coalition for a practical webinar designed to help county leaders strengthen their community’s ability to prepare for, respond to, and recover from flood events. This session will highlight real-world tools and resources that can support your county in becoming more flood-resilient.

Wrap restraint devices in jails (Train the Trainer Course)

Date: Oct. 1, 2025

Time: 1 - 3 p.m. ET

Location: KACo Headquarters, 400 Englewood Dr, Frankfort

Cost: Free

If your agency utilizes the WRAP restraining device, take advantage of this train-the-trainer course. This training will focus on the proper use and application strategies meant to minimize injuries for both inmates and staff. The instructor will discuss how & when to properly use restraints, including the WRAP. Attendees will be provided with the generally accepted best practices and participate in practical exercises. This training is open to all officers working in a county jail. The class is limited to the first 30 registrants.

County finance, open records and open meetings for county officials

Date: Oct. 9, 2025

Time: 8:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Location: Cumberland Valley Area Development District

Cost: $30 Member / $45 Non-Member

Join KACo staff attorney Rich Ornstein and R.J. Palmer from Compass Municipal Advisors for a practical and informative half-day training. This session will cover the basics of county financing as well as compliance with Kentucky’s Open Records and Open Meetings Acts, and best practices for maintaining transparency and accountability in county government.

This week in pictures

KACo celebrated Temple Juett, who is retiring as Insurance Director, with a reception in his honor. Executive Director Jim Henderson presented Temple with a resolution honoring his service.

KACo employees toured the Old Capitol this week, learning about the significance of the building along with its rich history.

Magoffin County Judge/Executive Matthew Wireman with KACo President and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley at the KCJEA Fall Retreat.

KCJEA President and Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White, right, with Barrett Hutchinson, associate development officer for the University of the Cumberlands at the KCJEA Fall Retreat

Judge/Executives Hector Alcala (Menifee County), Forrest McKenzie (Bath County) and Chris Haddix (Montgomery County) with their respective spouses Gwendy, Chandy and Linda at the KCJEA Fall Retreat

KCJEA staff with some Judge/Executives and their families at the KCJEA Fall Retreat at Cumberland Falls State Resort Park

Franklin County Sheriff Dwayne Depp, Jailer Tracy Hopper and Judge/Executive Michael Mueller attended a fundraiser for Kentucky State University.

Montgomery County Sheriff David Charles honored deputies Jeremy Purvis, right, Troyal Cox, left, and Cas Grass Jr., who received Deputy's Medals for saving a woman from falling off a bridge and into traffic.

Johnson County Judge/Executive Mark McKenzie speaks about the Community Strategic Plan at the US 23 Country Music Highway Museum.

The Kenton County Police Department welcomed four law enforcement navigators. This team will provide a valuable, new resource to residents, while allowing first responders to focus on keeping its community safe.

Simpson County Clerk Austin Johnson and PVA Alison Smith cut the ribbon celebrating the new County Clerk and PVA Office in their county.

Clerk staff with Simpson County Clerk Austin Johnson.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith helped present a check from ENGIE Solutions to the Green River Ministries Shelter.

Barren County Fiscal Court recognized Agriculture Education Week, highlighting the vital role agriculture plays in heritage, the economy and future opportunities.

Caldwell County Sheriff Don Weedman, right, welcomed new courtroom security officer Matt Figert.