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Thank you, Clerk Tabatha Clemons!
Please join us in thanking our friend and colleague Tabatha Clemons for her years of service to Grant County and the Kentucky Association of Counties. Tabatha is stepping down as Grant County Clerk and KACo's 2nd Vice President effective June 1 to pursue a new career opportunity in the private sector.
Tabatha has served as county clerk for 11 years and is a past president of the Kentucky County Clerks Association. She testified numerous times before members of the General Assembly, advocating for the needs of county clerks and systems to best serve the public.
In addition to serving on the KACo Executive Committee, Tabatha has been a member of the KACo Board of Directors, the KACo Finance Corporation Board and the KACo Leasing Trust Board. We value her leadership and friendship, and wish her all the best in her future endeavors!
| | | | Legislative interim session begins next week | |
The Kentucky General Assembly’s interim period begins in June and runs through December.
Leaders in both chambers have announced the issues that will be vetted during that time and the legislators who will chair and serve as task force members.
| | | | EFT vendor payments will soon be an option for fiscal courts | |
Thanks to the passage of House Bill 555 (Sections 7-8), county fiscal courts will have the option to utilize electronic funds transfers to pay expenses approved by the fiscal court.
This payment option will allow the use of electronic signatures to meet signature requirements.
| | | | Upcoming webinar: What counties need to know about street-legal special purpose vehicles - Senate Bill 63 | |
On July 9 at 2 p.m. ET, KACo will host a webinar that will cover the key provisions of SB 63, including the legislative intent, requirements for street-legal special purpose vehicles, local government authority, safety and inspection standards, and how the law interacts with farm exemptions.
Click on the link below to register, download a sample ordinance, see a FAQ and more.
| | | | FINAL DAYS: Registration deadline for KACo salt auction is June 3 | |
KACo will host the 2025 Salt Auction for counties on June 16 and 17. The auction offers fiscal courts a proven way to save 20-40 percent on road salt through reverse auctions.
In a typical auction, prices go up as people compete to buy something. In a reverse auction, prices go down as sellers compete to offer the lowest price. This process creates a competitive environment that can result in cost savings.
| | | | Upcoming webinar to spotlight Kentucky's recovery community centers | |
The Kentucky Association of Counties will host Opioid Solutions: Spotlight on Recovery Community Centers on June 5, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. ET.
This webinar highlights the essential role of Recovery Community Centers (RCC) in fostering long-term recovery, enhancing community collaboration, and effectively using opioid settlement funds to broaden services.
| | | | Motorcycle best practices can improve safety | |
Motorcycle riders continue to be overrepresented in fatal traffic crashes. In 2023, there were 6,335 motorcyclists killed — 15% of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA data show that this is the highest number of motorcyclists killed since at least 1975.
To keep everyone safe, drivers and motorcyclists are urged to share the road and be alert, and NSC is reminding motorcyclists to make themselves visible, to use DOT-compliant motorcycle helmets, and to always ride sober.
| | | | EKU tuition discounts for summer and fall enrollment | |
KACo is proud to partner with Eastern Kentucky University to offer our members discounted tuition and flexible, 100% online degree options through the EKU Advantage.
Important EKU dates:
• Summer (term B) application deadline: May 31, 2025
• Summer classes begin: June 16, 2025
• Fall application deadline: July 31, 2025
• Fall classes begin: Aug.18, 2025
| | | | Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky | |
Washington County officials responded to a tornado Friday morning, Gov. Beshear says a special session focused on disaster relief is likely, Floyd County highlights the work of Mental Health Court, Logan County prepares for street-legal special purpose vehicles, and more.
This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Anderson, Floyd, Grant, Laurel, Logan, McCracken, Mercer, Washington and Whitley counties.
| | | | 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. | |
Date: June 18, 2025
Time: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. CT
Location: Murray State University, 4430 Sunset Avenue, Paducah
Cost: $80.00 member/$120 non-member
| | | | Keeping your community informed: crisis communication in a disaster | When disaster strikes, clear and timely information can save lives. This session gives county leaders a practical overview of how crisis communication works—and why it matters. You’ll learn the public information officer’s (PIO) role, how and when to deliver key messages and why preparation is essential. We’ll also discuss what happens when communication fails—and how having a well-trained PIO can make all the difference. | |
Date: June 26, 2025
Time: 11 a.m. - noon ET
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
| | | | Opioid Reporting Guidance for Local Governments | Join us for a virtual training on the new local government opioid settlement reporting portal that will launch on July 1, 2025. Representatives from the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission will cover portal navigation, reporting requirements and best practices to support a smooth transition. A Q&A will follow the presentation. This training is highly recommended for all local reporting officials. | |
Date: June 24, 2025
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
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Date: July 22, 2025
Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. ET
Location: Virtual
Cost: Free
| | | | 2025 Wrap VR System – Train the Trainer (Make Up 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 Dr., 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 day 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 Dr., Frankfort
Cost: $25.00 member/$35.00 non-member
| | McCreary and Whitley County fiscal courts recently held a Cumberland Falls cleanup. Approximately 275 volunteers picked up more than 500 bags of trash, numerous tires and other waste. Pictured are Asher Greene, Nathaniel Gowin and McCreary County Judge/Executive Jimmie Greene. | | Butler County officials participated in a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Aerospace Composite Solutions alongside statewide officials including Gov. Andy Beshear and Congressman Brett Guthrie. | | Nelson County Judge/Executive Tim Hutchins participated in the Fairfield Cemetery Memorial celebration. | | The Christian County Sheriff’s Office 2025 Citizen Academy students are in mock court detailing a crime scene investigation. | | Hardin County and Bullitt County governments have an agreement to improve emergency medical services for the city of West Point. Bullitt County EMS is providing emergency medical response to West Point. Although West Point is in Hardin County, its proximity to Bullitt County EMS resources makes this partnership a smart, strategic move. | | Construction is underway at Yellow Creek Park in Daviess County for a new picnic shelter. | | Madison County recently finished its Spring Town Hall Series at the Madison County Fairgrounds. These conversations help keep the community connected, informed and moving forward. | | Russell County Judge/Executive Randy Marcum signed a proclamation recognizing May as National Treatment Court Month. | | Wayne County Judge/Executive Scott Gehring also signed a proclamation recognizing May as National Treatment Court Month. | | Stronger Counties. Stronger Kentucky. | | | | |
