March 21, 2025

Veto recess by the numbers

With only two days remaining in the 2025 legislative session, the General Assembly has sent 75 bills to Gov. Andy Beshear.

Take a look at key bills relevant to counties and the proposals with pending legislative activity.

The essential role of treasurers in Kentucky

Treasurers play a vital role in ensuring Kentucky’s county governments remain financially sound.

As the newly elected president of the Kentucky Association of County Treasurers and Finance Officers (KACTFO), Sheila McGee of Shelby County highlights the evolving responsibilities of treasurers, from managing budgets and grants to overseeing payroll and audits.

DEADLINE APPROACHING - 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.

2025 Emergency Preparedness Series: StormReady Counties

The National Weather Service StormReady program is a simple and effective way to help arm America's communities with the communication and safety skills needed to save lives and property before, during and after the event.  



KACo partnered with the NWS to help all 120 Kentucky counties become StormReady certified.

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

Jefferson County Sheriff John Aubrey announces plans for retirement, Daviess County will see new jobs from a $156 million expansion project, Logan County hears a progress report on its animal shelter, Georgetown-Scott County EMS makes history and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Barren, Daviess, Harlan, Hickman, Jefferson, Logan, Nelson and Scott counties.

Training Opportunities

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.

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.

This week in pictures

Dan Galloway was recognized by the Calloway County Fiscal Court, retiring after 29 years at the 911 center. Four current and past Calloway County sheriffs were present to honor his years of service.

KACo presented Barren County Sherriff Kent Keen with an insurance grant. From left are Judge/Executive Jamie Bewley Byrd, Sheriff Keen, KACo’s Phil Crumpton, Assistant Finance Officer Gary Somerville, Chief Deputy Sherriff Mike Houchens and KACo’s Michael Ray.

Woodford County Judge/Executive James Kay pictured with local FFA students who competed at the regional FFA competition held this week at the University of Kentucky.

Lee County Judge/Executive Steve Mays and EMA Director Blake Slone attended the The Kentucky River Area Development District Aging Conference in Hazard and were awarded the 2025 Elder Abuse Awareness Award.

KACo Opioid Settlement Advisor Lauren Carr (center) joined Chris Evans (right) and Jessie Halladay of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission at the State Opioid Administrators Workshop, hosted by the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners, to discuss strategies for maximizing opioid settlement funds and supporting communities.

Menifee County Judge/Executive Rick Stiltner attended the quarterly meeting of the KACo Board of Directors Thursday.

Floyd County Circuit Court Clerk Doug Hall at the quarterly KACo Board of Directors meeting.

L-R: Judge/Executives Scott Bates of Henry County, David Fields of Pendleton County and Chuck Dills of Grant County.

The Harlan County Sheriff's Office is ready to cheer on Harlan County native Trent Noah and the UK Wildcats in the NCAA men's basketball tournament.