April 25, 2025

KACo President Dan Mosley



As National County Government Month draws to a close, hear what 2024-25 KACo President and Harlan County Judge/Executive Dan Mosley loves about serving his constituents, and the impact KACo has for county officials across the state.

Some counties denied FEMA assistance, wait continues on April storm decision

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) denied Public Assistance this week for two Kentucky counties – Simpson and Woodford – stemming from flooding that occurred in February. Six counties – Butler, Franklin, Knox, Laurel, Lawrence and Whitley – were denied federal help from the Individual Assistance program.

Kentucky is waiting for a decision regarding its federal disaster request for April’s widespread flooding, which continues to affect many counties and residents.

Street-legal special purpose vehicles - sample ordinance available

Local governments are considering whether to opt-in for a new state law that allows special purpose vehicles such as ATVs to be operated on a highway.

SB 63 takes effect June 27, permitting counties and cities to enact an ordinance allowing the operation of street-legal special purpose vehicles on highways within their jurisdictional boundaries. KACo has drafted a sample ordinance for counties to consider.

KACo data brief: Property tax rates

Fiscal courts levy property taxes on real property, such as land and buildings, and tangible property, such as motor vehicles and equipment.

Read KACo's latest data brief on 2024 county property tax rates and download the data.

Counties will begin receiving Kroger opioid settlement funds soon

A settlement with the Kroger Company will bring $110 million to the Kentucky in support of efforts to combat the opioid crisis.

As with previous opioid settlements, half of the funds from the Kroger settlement will be distributed to the state and administered by the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. The other half will be distributed among counties and eligible municipalities through a predetermined formula.

Counties lead the way: webinar to spotlight innovative opioid treatment approaches

As communities across Kentucky work to address the opioid crisis, one thing is clear: effective treatment saves lives - and local governments are stepping up in powerful ways.  



In highlighting this, KACo will host the next installment of its Opioid Solutions webinar series, focused on expanding access to treatment through local innovation on May 8, at 11 a.m. ET. 

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

An eastern Kentucky county reflects on the loss of FEMA funding for flood mitigation, counties continue to wait for a federal disaster declaration, Hart County offers a reward to recover stolen road signs, Madison County hosts a community meeting, and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Bullitt, Christian, Franklin, Hardin, Hart, Kenton, Madison, Pike, Powell and Trigg counties.

Training Opportunities

Jail Liability Training (Russell County)

Date: April 28-29 and May 1-2

Time: 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT

Location: Russell County Library, 535 N. Main St., Jamestown, KY

This comprehensive two-day training is designed to equip Kentucky jailers and deputy jailers with the knowledge and skills needed to reduce liability and improve safety within jail environments. Participants will explore best practices in managing intoxication and withdrawal, responding to inmate aggression, conducting security checks, and navigating legal standards related to mental health, medical care and PREA compliance. Open to all Kentucky jailers and deputy jailers.

KACo Member Briefing: 2025 Legislative Session in Review

Date: May 8, 2025 (rescheduled from original date of April 29)

Time: 2 - 3 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Join us for a review of the 2025 legislative session, focusing on key legislation that will impact Kentucky counties. KACo’s advocacy team will break down what passed, what didn’t, and what it all means for counties moving forward. Members will have the opportunity to ask questions and engage directly with the team.

KACo Member Leadership Insitute: Planning and Zoning

Date: May 21, 2025

Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. ET

Location: KACo HQ, Frankfort

Cost: $80.00 member/$120 non-member

Are you getting the most out of planning and zoning in your community? Explore some best practices that will enhance planning in your community and create an open, transparent environment ready to promote sound development. This interactive session will also discuss current planning news and topics from around the state (and beyond), how your community may be affected and possible solutions on how to deal with some of today's most pressing land use matters. Eligible for 8 hours of training credit.

Opioid Solutions Monthly Webinar Series

Throughout 2025, KACo is hosting a series of monthly webinars about the use of opioid settlement funds, including examples of innovative county programs and best practices.

This week in pictures

The Scott County Sheriff's Office honored the legacy and service of Deputy Caleb Conley, who was killed in the line of duty nearly two years ago. Part of US 62 in Scott County is designated the Caleb Conley Memorial Highway.

Karsten Ingalls was honored with the Hardin County Election Ambassador Award, presented by Hardin County Clerk Brian Smith. At a recent fiscal court meeting, Karsten was recognized for his outstanding service, enthusiasm and dedication to the electoral process in Hardin County.

Isaac Johnson (center) was recognized by the Lincoln County Fiscal Court for volunteering to help clean debris off Gilberts Creek Road Bridge following recent flooding.

KACo’s Michael Ray and Phil Crumpton presented Daviess County Jailer Art Maglinger with a safety grant for the Daviess County Detention Center to help replace several cybersecurity legacy systems.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office received a safety grant from KACo's Michael Ray and Phil Crumpton. Joining them in the photo is Sheriff Brent White, deputies and Judge/Executive Jaime Green-Smith.

KACo's Michael Ray and Phil Crumpton present a safety grant to Calloway County Jailer Ken Claud and Captain Mike Hopkins.

Pulaski County Fiscal Court hosted local elementary school children, who led the meeting in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Jefferson County Clerk’s Office hosted a workshop for workers and volunteers who will be assisting in future elections.

Staff from the Meade County Clerk's Office showed their support of CASA of the Heartland during Child Abuse Prevention Month.

The Bourbon County Sheriff’s Office has new full-time patrol deputies. Deputy Greene and Deputy Kindig are both graduates from the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training, and they bring with them prior years of service. 

McCracken County Emergency Management received lots of donations from a local funeral home to assist with several different types of rescue missions when needed.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office is celebrating Chalk the Walk for Sanctuary, Inc. and Sexual Assault Awareness and Prevention Month.