July 18, 2025

Eighteen Kentucky officials join largest convening of county leaders

Officials from 18 Kentucky counties recently attended the National Association of Counties (NACo) Annual Conference and Exposition in the City and County of Philadelphia, Pa.

The nation’s largest meeting of county leaders drew more than 3,400 attendees to discuss a wide range of policy issues, exchange best practices and hear from inspirational speakers and thought leaders.

The big shift: NACo's analysis of the local cost of federal budget cuts

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (HR 1), and President Trump's Fiscal Year 2026 budget request signal significant changes to the federal, state and local government partnership. 

To comply with expanded federal mandates and maintain essential services, counties may need to generate additional revenue, potentially shifting billions of dollars in federal costs to local taxpayers.

County-owned bridges in Kentucky

According to the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) National Bridge Inventory, counties own and maintain 5,084 bridges – 35 percent of the nearly 15,000 bridges in Kentucky.

The number of county-owned bridges varies by county, ranging from just four up to 194 bridges. The median number of bridges that Kentucky counties own and maintain is 37.

Energy and Environment Cabinet seeks input on state waterways

Senate Resolution 238 created an opportunity for the Energy and Environmental Cabinet to construct a plan to remove waste tires from Kentucky’s streams and waterways.



The Cabinet will be holding two listening sessions this month, one in eastern and one in western Kentucky, to explore strategies and ideas.

Webinar recap: Opioid solutions monthly webinar series medication for opioid use disorder

County officials participated in a webinar exploring the use of medication for opioid use disorder in correctional settings recently.

The training provided a critical overview of the clinical and legal responsibilities related to MOUD, emphasizing that its implementation isn't just a best practice but also a legal requirement under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Fiscal Court approves $2.3 million purchase of new Laurel County sheriff's office building
• Taylor County discussing rural zoning
• Barren County solar farm proposal widely opposed at public hearing
• Calloway County accepts bid for painting of courthouse
• Warren County introduces new plan to help volunteer firefighters
• Court rules in favor of Breckinridge County solar ordinance
• Edmonson County approves fire dues increase
• Clay County schedules tire collection event
• Oldham judge/executive forming economic task force
• Whitley County hears community survey results

Training Opportunities

Get prepared for the new opioid reporting system for local governments

KACo is offering a virtual training opportunity on the new local government opioid settlement reporting portal that launched on July 1, 2025. Representatives from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will cover portal navigation, reporting requirements and best practices.

Date: July 22, 2025

Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

2025 Wrap VR System – Train the Trainer (makeup class)

A new virtual reality training system called the WRAP system is now available for sheriffs and jailers. Any department requesting to utilize the WRAP system must send at least one trainer to a mandatory training class at KACo. This one-day training will include WRAP operation overview, safety, legal review, knowledge base and tactics, scenario review, scenario coaching and testing and documentation. 

Date: July 23, 2025

Time: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. ET

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort

Cost: Free

Advancing local solutions: Best practices for opioid settlement implementation

This one-day, in-person training is designed to support county leaders and stakeholders in maximizing the impact of opioid settlement funds through proven local strategies. The training includes an immersive visit and lunch at Recovery Café Frankfort to see community-based recovery in action. 

Date: July 29, 2025

Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. ET

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort

Cost: $25 member/$35 non-member

Ethics, open records and open meetings for county officials

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.

Date: Aug. 5, 2025

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

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort

Cost: $30 member/$45 non-member

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

This week in pictures

Webster County Judge/Executive Steve Henry spoke during the County Forum on Economies and Workers at the NACo annual conference.

Harlan County Judge/Executive and KACo President Dan Mosley was interviewed at the NACo annual conference about opioid recovery efforts.

Warren County Attorney Amy Chandler and Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner shook hands with Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore, who chaired the inaugural meeting of the Midsize County Caucus at the NACo annual conference.

Butler County Magistrate Stevie Givens, Hardin County Sheriff John Ward and Floyd County Circuit Clerk Doug Hall listened to a presentation during the NACo annual conference.

Carlisle County Judge/Executive Greg Terry, Floyd County Circuit Clerk Doug Hall, Green County PVA Sean Curry and Metcalfe County PVA Michael Welsh attended the NACo annual conference.

Kentucky delegates at the NACo annual conference cast their vote for NACo's 2nd Vice President.

Floyd County Judge/Executive Robbie Williams accepts a $420,000 check for the fiscal court from Sen. Scott Madon and Rep. Ashley Tackett Laferty to be used on county roads.

The Ohio County Detention Center held a reentry and employment class, partnering with the Division of Reentry services through Kentucky Adult Education. The class offers employment readiness, education/training, childcare/family resources and substance abuse programs. 

Owsley County Deputy Clerk Virgie Hacker presents Erik Hubbard with his license plate for his street legal special purpose vehicle.

McCreary County Executive Assistant/Economic Development Director Joshua Stephens spoke at the local Chamber of Commerce monthly luncheon, discussing collaboration and teamwork.

McLean County Judge/Executive Curtis Dame and GIS Analyst Jennifer Alvey presented at the Green River Area Development District board meeting.

Luke Kelly Day has been declared by Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley. Kelly won two state track and field championships in the 100-meter and 200-meter dashes.