Jan. 30, 2026

KACo launches Opioid Solutions Network to help counties lead with impact

Building on a two-year effort to educate and empower county officials with strategies to tackle the opioid crisis, the Kentucky Association of Counties is launching a new leadership program specifically tailored for KACo members.

The KACo Opioid Solutions Network (KOSN) is a leadership cohort designed to help counties invest opioid settlement funds in innovative, evidence-based, and locally driven ways. County leaders are encouraged to apply.

Read more here

Photo by LRC Public Information.

House files “base-level” budget as legislative pace accelerates

After session was canceled Monday due to icy road conditions statewide, lawmakers returned to Frankfort on Tuesday for a busy week of legislative activity. With 43 legislative days remaining, committees resumed work and several high-impact measures began to move.

Read more here

2026 county official salary calculations released

In accordance with state law, the Department for Local Government has calculated the annual compensation which shall be paid to certain county officials for the 2026 calendar year.

Compensation paid to judge/executives, county clerks, sheriffs and jailers is determined by a salary schedule containing nine levels corresponding to nine population groups and four salary steps for each population group.

Read more here

Voter registration trends by county

The Kentucky State Board of Elections updates voter registration statistics monthly. The most recent report for December 2025 shows that there are 3,349,449 registered voters in the Commonwealth.

KACo's analysis reviews changes in voter registration from 2021 to 2025.

Read more here

State and federal races to watch in 2026 election

This election season, most county-level offices will be decided, but those positions aren’t the only ones on the ballot.

The entire state House, which is elected every two years, and half of the state Senate, elected to staggered four-year terms, will also appear on the ballot this year.

Read more here

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.

Counties in the news: The latest headlines from across Kentucky

Barr secures $750,000 of federal funds for Bourbon County water project
Data center developer sues Simpson County government over land use ordinance
Franklin County Fiscal Court opens community grant applications
Across Northern Kentucky, small but growing pushback over ICE agreements
Good Question: Why don’t road departments use sand on icy spots?
Eastern Kentucky legislators file resolution on stream and waterway cleanup
Cumberland County rebounding from winter storm

Read more here

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

Congressman James Comer visited local officials in Lyon County after securing $1 million in federal funds for the City of Eddyville Wastewater Treatment Plant.

When Woodford County experienced a widespread power outage this week, Jessamine County EMA Director Johnny Adams brought a specialized support trailer to lend a helping hand.

The Daviess County Fire Department was recognized by Air Evac Lifeteam for setting up good landing zones and providing excellent patient care during incidents requiring a helicopter response.