March 14, 2025

Crunch time at the Capitol

The General Assembly was busy this week getting legislation passed through both chambers before the start of the veto recess.



Legislators will work all day Friday to ensure priority legislation receives final passage, giving the General Assembly an opportunity to override any potential gubernatorial vetoes upon their return from the break on March 27.

Additional counties now aligible for FEMA public assistance

More counties have been added to the major disaster declaration for the FEMA Public Assistance program for Kentucky’s severe storms and flooding in February. 

Disaster Unemployment Assistance available in 14 counties

The state is now accepting applications for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) from individuals in 14 counties who are out of work due to the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred in Kentucky beginning on Feb. 14, 2025.

NACo wants to celebrate the good work happening in your county

Since 1970, the NACo Achievement Awards have recognized outstanding county government programs and services. Through a non-competitive application process, noteworthy programs receive awards in 18 categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.

The deadline to apply for the 2025 awards is March 31.

Qualifying exam scheduled to fill three Property Valuation Administrator vacancies

The Kentucky Department of Revenue has announced a special examination to qualify prospective candidates to fill the three Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) positions in Breathitt, LaRue and Pulaski counties. 

The special qualifying test – will be held at 10 a.m. ET on April 22, 2025 at KACo Headquarters, 400 Englewood Dr., Frankfort, Ky.

Maximizing opioid settlement fund impact

County officials and stakeholders will have the opportunity to gain critical insights into opioid abatement strategies at the upcoming KACo Leadership Institute: Opioid Solutions event on Tuesday, March 25.

The full-day training will feature expert speakers, data-driven insights and real-world case studies on how counties can maximize their opioid response efforts. 

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

Community leaders in eastern Kentucky meet with Congressman Rogers and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Lyon County needs more deputies, Caldwell County announces plans for a new industrial building, Webster County purchases 40 acres, cybersecurity in Franklin County and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Boone, Caldwell, Floyd, Franklin, Henderson, Lyon, Perry, Shelby and Webster counties.

Training Opportunities

Opioid Solutions Monthly Webinar Series

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

Currently, webinars are scheduled for 11 a.m. - noon, ET on the following dates in 2025: April 10, May 8.

Jail Training: Investigating Sexual Abuse in Correctional Settings

Date: March 20-21, 2025

Lcation: Grayson County Detention Center Training Facility

Cost: Free

This free 2-day course is intended to train detention center personnel to become certified PREA Investigators per Section 115 of the PREA Standards for the purpose of complying with PREA audit requirements. Open to all Kentucky Jailers and Deputy Jailers.

KACo Leadership Institute: Opioid Solutions

Date: March 25, 2025

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

Location: KACo HQ, 400 Englewood Dr., Frankfort, KY

Cost: Free

This full-day training will provide critical updates from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission on reporting requirements, best practices and funding opportunities. With networking opportunities and a dedicated Q&A session, this training is essential for those responsible for managing opioid settlement funds and driving community change.

Emergency Preparedness Series: Storm Ready Counties

Date: March 27, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - noon ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

The StormReady program helps arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property--before, during and after the event. StormReady helps community leaders and emergency managers strengthen local safety programs. 

This week in pictures

Meade County celebrated being Storm Ready at its fiscal court meeting.

The Scott County Sheriff's Office finished a 10-week session at Western Elementary School with students graduating from the DARE program.

The Ohio County Sheriff's Office was treated with doughnuts from a local church earlier this week.

Boyle County treasurer staff attended this week's Kentucky Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers Conference in Bowling Green.

Kelly Harding, with HUB International, speaks at the KACTFO Conference.

Whitley County is well represented at the KACTFO Conference.

Attorney General Russell Coleman met with Commonwealth's Attorney Brandon Ison (right) of the 37th Judicial Circuit and Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Brandon Bradley.

Kentucky's Area Development Districts and their board members, which include several city and county officials, gathered in Washington, D.C. recently for the ADD-sponsored "Kentuckians in Washington" event.

The Cumberland County Civics Club and Judge/Executive Luke King recently traveled to Frankfort, meeting with Gov. Beshear, Secretary of State Michael Adams and legislators.