June 21, 2024

Happy 50th anniversary, KACo!

In the beginning...

Soon after the 1974 legislative session, several county officials discussed the idea of a new statewide association to improve collaboration, advocacy and resources among county governments. While each county elected position had their own associations, officials saw the need for broader networking and communication for the collective benefit of all 120 counties and their residents.

On June 18, 1974, the Kentucky Association of Counties (KACo) was officially formed to provide lobbying services on behalf of county governments. Fayette County Judge Robert F. Stephens was named President.

Working out of a small office in the rear of the old Frankfort Country Club, KACo’s bylaws were developed. The Board of Directors was crafted to include the presidents of the county office associations – judges, magistrates and commissioners, county attorneys, county clerks, circuit court clerks, commonwealth’s attorneys, property valuation administrators, sheriffs, jailers, and coroners – along with representatives from each Area Development District.

Click here to watch a video timeline of KACo's history.

Deadline for putting medical cannabis businesses on the ballot

A county and/or city may pass a resolution to allow the voters to decide if they are in favor of allowing cannabis businesses to operate in their community.

For the question to be on the 2024 regular election ballot, the county clerk would have to receive the resolution on or before Aug. 13, 2024 for the question to be included on the ballot this year.

The question that would appear on the ballot reads:

“Are you in favor of the sale of medicinal cannabis at a licensed dispensary and the operation of other cannabis businesses in (affected territory)? Yes... No...”

A sample resolution and other cannabis resources for counties are available on KACo's website.

Utilizing Kentucky's overdose data to inform opioid abatement strategies

For the second consecutive year, Kentucky has seen a decline in overdose deaths. According to the 2023 Drug Overdose Fatality Report, there were 1,984 overdose deaths in 2023, a 9.8% decrease from the previous year.

The report offers crucial insights for Kentucky counties working to effectively allocate opioid settlement funds. By analyzing trends and demographic patterns in overdose fatalities, counties can judiciously channel resources to areas with the greatest needs.

2024 spay/neuter grants available to county governments

The Kentucky Animal Control Advisory Board (KACAB) invites Kentucky county and metropolitan governments to apply for available grants to spay and neuter dogs and cats.

The board will award up to $1,075 to each government on a competitive basis. Grant applicants do not need to offer matching funds. Applications are due July 15.

Workshop for officials on disaster prep

You are invited to attend the Senior Officials Workshop for All-Hazards Preparedness, hosted by the Woodford County Emergency Management Agency in Versailles on July 18. The workshop provides an interactive forum to better understand the roles and responsibilities of community leaders as related to all-hazard disaster preparedness, to share proven strategies and best practices, and to enhance coordination among whole of community partners.

Upcoming Training Opportunties

See all training opportunities here

This week in pictures

The KACo Board of Directors met this week in Scott County for their annual strategic planning session and quarterly board meeting. Hot topics included jails, housing shortages, elections, coroner’s offices, opioid settlement funding and more. 

Floyd County Sheriff John Hunt sported his NACo gear at the strategic planning session. He is pictured with Clark County Sheriff and fellow board member Berl Purdue.

Former Scott County Magistrate and Georgetown Mayor Tom Prather spoke to the board about the substantial economic and cultural impacts of Toyota on his community.

Greenup County Judge/Executive Bobby Hall engaged in a policy discussion during the KACo board meeting.

Fayette County Coroner Gary Ginn (left) spoke with KACo President David Livingston. Ginn is returning to the Board of Directors as representative of the Kentucky Coroners Association.

Jefferson County Circuit Court Clerk David L. Nicholson at this week's KACo board meeting.

Campbell County Jailer Jim Daley spoke with KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson.

Madison County Magistrate Reagan Taylor posed a question during the KACo board meeting.

Members of the KACo Board of Directors toured the Toyota Motor Manufacturing assembly plant in Scott County.

Marshall County was presented with a KACo safety grant check this week.

Jail Consultant Tracey Reed speaks at the KACo Leadership Institute (KLI) course on policy, training and leadership held this week in Muhlenberg County.

Phil Crumpton addresses attendees at the KLI course in Muhlenberg County

Marion County broke ground on a new multipurpose sports facility that will host regional athletics and community events.

PVAs Stephanie Hardin, left, from Fleming County, and Jackie Earlywine from Nicholas County.

Clinton County PVA Pat Campbell

PVA Association President and Fayette County PVA David O'Neill asks a question during a presentation.

Scott County PVA John Burke, left, talks with PVA Association Executive Director Dustin Billings.

KACo's Gracie Kelly talks with Lewis County PVA Kenny Ruckel.

KACo's Kayla Carter Smith

From left: Hardin County PVA Danny Hutcherson, Estill County PVA Jeff Hix, Morgan County PVA Darby Franklin and Fleming County PVA Stephanie Hardin.

Warren County Sheriff Brett Hightower recently spent the day with Junior Deputy Penn Carson, who visited the fiscal court meeting and was sworn in by Judge/Executive Doug Gorman.