Aug. 22, 2025

Apply now for the KACo Insurance Grant Program

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.

Kentucky legislators weigh cost shifts under new federal law

Following Congress’ passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which was signed into law by President Trump on July 4, state legislatures and officials are reviewing how the major cost shifts from the federal government to states will affect their bottom line.

This week State Budget Director John Hicks shared initial impressions of the federal law's impact on Kentucky's biennial budget.

Don't forget: Road funding applications due Oct. 1

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet Department of Rural and Municipal Aid reports that 15 counties have applied for the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP) as of this week.

Applications must include photos of the roadway needing repairs and are due by Oct. 1 for consideration by the General Assembly during the 2026 legislative session.

Ross, Young receive prosecutors awards at conference

Attorney General Russell Coleman announced the recipients of the 2025 Outstanding County Attorney and Outstanding Commonwealth’s Attorney awards at the Kentucky Prosecutors Conference this week in Lexington.



This year’s award recipients are Logan County Attorney Joe Ross and Commonwealth’s Attorney Shane Young.

Recovery Ready Communities spotlight – DLG conference recap

At the Governor's Local Issues Conference, county leaders took a closer look at how opioid settlement funds can be leveraged to build lasting systems of care through the Recovery Ready Communities framework.

Counties in the news

• Woodford County High School offers new path toward career in emergency service
• Goliath vs. David: Optum Rx invokes open meetings law to fight Kentucky counties on opioid suits
• 761 area code will begin overlaying 502 geography in 2027
• Indoor sports complex plans underway in Barren County
• Influencers break into Kentucky Speedway, dozens arrested: Sheriff’s Office 
• Marshall County seeks $850K grant for senior center
• Ky. lawmaker pushes to return driver's license services to county offices amid ID fraud scheme allegations

Training Opportunities

KACo Cybersecurity Series for County Officials

This three-part webinar series is designed to empower county leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to address cybersecurity concerns. Designed for people without a technical background, the series will review the core concepts of cybersecurity, highlight real-world threats, offer practical guidance and provide a roadmap for implementing a long-term defense strategy for your county. 

Foundations of Cybersecurity: Understanding the Threat

We’ll explore why cybersecurity is a critical issue for counties, who the threat actors are, and how real-world breaches have impacted local governments.

Date: Aug. 26, 2025

Time: 2 - 3 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

What Every County Leader Should Be Asking About Cybersecurity

You’ll learn how to evaluate whether your county is making smart investments, who is accountable for cybersecurity, and how to ensure your team is leveraging available state and federal grant programs.

Date: Sept. 18, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Leading the Way: Building a Mature Cybersecurity Program

As your county’s cybersecurity program matures, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping its future. This session focuses on what strong cybersecurity looks like from the top down—how to move from reactive to resilient.

Date: Oct. 21, 2025

Time: 2 - 3 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

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.

This week in pictures

KACo Executive Committee members held their August meeting this week at the Kentucky State Fair. From left: Warren County Attorney Amy Chandler, Scott County Magistrate David Livingston, Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley, Oldham County Magistrate Michael Logsdon and Union County Judge/Executive Adam O'Nan.

Local officials in Floyd and Magoffin counties, along with Gov. Andy Beshear and state officials, break ground on the final phase of the Mountain Parkway Expansion.

Oldham County Judge/Executive David Voegele swears in Steve Jenkins on his promotion from Administrative Sergeant to Administrative Commander. Major Jenkins has 14 years of law enforcement experience, including a decade at the Oldham County Police Department.

Ballard County Judge/Executive Todd Cooper congratulates Doug Smith, who is retiring from the Ballard County Ambulance Service after decades of service.

Montgomery County celebrates its StormReady certification from the National Weather Service during a recent fiscal court meeting.

Elliott County Judge/Executive Myron Lewis congratulates Rodney Gilliam on his retirement from the fiscal court staff.

Officials from Adair, Casey, Green, Pulaski, Russell and Taylor counties met at the Taylor County Volunteer Fire Department for another stop on the KACo Listening Tour.

Jailers Bobby Dunbar (left) of Russell County and Hack Marcum of Taylor County at the KACo Listening Tour.

Taylor County Executive Secretary Debbie McNear (left) and Adair County Clerk Lisa Greer at the KACo Listening Tour.

The KACo Listening Tour had a large turnout in the Lincoln Trail Area Development District, which was hosted at the new Marion County Event Center and Sportsplex.

LaRue County Judge/Executive Blake Durrett, Marion County Clerk Chad Mattingly and Marion County Circuit Court Clerk Tammy Morris Edlin at the KACo Listening Tour.

Marion County Judge/Executive David Daugherty.