Oct. 3, 2025

What counties need to know when a government shutdown happens

A federal government shutdown, technically a "lapse in appropriations," occurs when Congress fails to pass the necessary legislation to fund government operations and agencies.

Continuous, predictable federal funding remains crucial for counties as intergovernmental partners. While county governments continue to generate over two-thirds of our own revenue to provide services to residents, counties also receive $62 billion in intergovernmental revenue from the federal government.

Attorney General issues updated guidance on Kentucky open records

Following legislation earlier this year amending Kentucky's open records and open meetings laws, the Office of the Attorney General is required to distribute the updated information to certain local officials, including county judge/executives and county attorneys.

The judge/executive, or their designee, is required to distribute the materials (either by email or hard copy) within 60 days to all elected appointed officials in the county.

Lawmakers revisit proposal for centralized collection of local occupational taxes

A failed bill from Kentucky’s 2025 legislative session focused on making a centralized collection portal for local occupational taxes will likely see new life when lawmakers return to Frankfort next year.

Proponents of House Bill 253, sponsored by Rep. Jared Bauman (R-Jefferson County) recently spoke before the Interim Joint Committee on Local Government.

Final day for I Love My KY County KACo Art Contest

Friday, Oct. 3 is the deadline to submit artwork for the 2025 I Love My KY County KACo Art Contest.

All students in kindergarten through 8th grade are invited to submit a drawing, painting or other form of art showing what makes their county special.



Winners will be featured at the KACo Conference and in the 2026 KACo calendar.

2025 KACo Conference keynote speakers announced

Join us at the 51st Annual KACo Conference & Exposition, Nov. 12-14, 2025 at the Galt House Hotel in Louisville.

Get ready to be inspired as we hear from leaders who know what it takes to guide communities forward, including:

• Steve Lerch, former Google executive and innovation evangelist

• Stephanie Ramos, ABC News correspondent and U.S. Army Reserve major



• Mark Weaver, Crisis communications expert and former Deputy Attorney General of Ohio

Take advantage of early bird rates by securing your spot at the KACo Conference today!

Safety and health training in northern Kentucky

The Kentucky Occupational Safety and Health Program (KYSAFE) is hosting a free, four-day training event Oct. 28-30, in Florence at Gateway Community and Technical College.

The latest headlines from across Kentucky

• Montgomery County Senior Center prepares for move to new facility
• Campbell County Sheriff’s Office joins pink badge initiative
• Counties carry the cost of Kentucky's broken jail system
• Special purpose vehicle inspections to be offered in Marshall County
• Groups can earn cash by picking up trash 
• Months after flooding, Nelson County still waits for FEMA aid to remove debris
• Kenton County picks design firm for new 225-acre park 
• Louisville’s Deputy Mayor named as interim Jefferson County sheriff, state senator named as county clerk
• Case dismissed against Ky. EMS team that gave antivenom

Training Opportunities

County finance, open records and open meetings for county officials

Date: Oct. 9, 2025

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

Location: Cumberland Valley Area Development District

Cost: $30 Member / $45 Non-Member

Join KACo staff attorney Rich Ornstein and R.J. Palmer from Compass Municipal Advisors for a practical and informative half-day training. This session will cover the basics of county financing as well as compliance with Kentucky’s Open Records and Open Meetings Acts, and best practices for maintaining transparency and accountability in county government.

From community events to emergency response: How counties access National Guard support

Date: Oct. 14, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

This presentation will explain the laws that guide what the Guard can and cannot do when supporting communities in Kentucky. Presenters will walk through how county governments can request help from the Kentucky National Guard whether it’s for an emergency or a planned community event.

What's new for the 2026 state opioid grant cycle?

Date: Oct. 21, 2025

Time: 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. ET

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Join us for a one-hour webinar with the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission as they walk through what the 2026 grant cycle will look like. You’ll hear directly from KYOAAC staff about the funding priorities for this year, how the application process works and what you need to know if you’re planning to apply. It’s a great chance to learn more about how settlement dollars can be used and what the Commission is looking for in grant applications.

Leading the way: Building a mature cybersecurity program

Date: Oct. 21, 2025

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

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

As your county’s cybersecurity program matures, leadership plays a pivotal role in shaping its future. This session focuses on what strong cybersecurity looks like from the top down—how to move from reactive to resilient. We'll explore how to plan for long-term risk mitigation, implement a defense-in-depth strategy and align your cybersecurity roadmap with your county's broader mission. You’ll leave with a clear understanding of how to champion cybersecurity as a core part of your county’s mission and public trust.

Law Enforcement Vehicle Operations and Risk Reduction

This four-hour course provides law enforcement emergency vehicle operators with both classroom instruction and hands-on driving practice to reduce risk and improve safety. Training will focus on essential skills such as backing up, managing distractions, handling aggressive driving and operating safely during emergencies and pursuit situations. This course, open to sheriffs and deputy sheriffs, will be offered four times over two days in Ashland.

Oct. 21, 2025

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

6 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET

Oct. 22, 2025

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET

6 p.m. – 10 p.m. ET

This week in pictures

Jim Henderson discusses county issues during the KACo listening tour stop in Fleming County.

KACo's Shellie Hampton talks with county leaders from the Buffalo Trace Area Development District at this week's listening tour event.

Elliott County Judge/Executive Myron Lewis welcomes everyone to the Laurel Gorge Cultural Heritage Center for the FIVCO listening tour event.

Members of the Elliott County JAG (Jobs After Graduation) program with Superintendent Dolly Fannin, Middle School JAG Specialist David Ray Gillum and Judge/Executive Myron Lewis.

KACo Executive Director Jim Henderson speaks with members of the Elliott County JAG program.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg, center, appointed David Yates (second from left) as Jefferson County Clerk and David James as Jefferson County Sheriff. Also pictured are Chan Kemper (far left) and Julie Carr, who were named deputy mayors.

LaRue County officials spent the day at a local preschool during Community Helpers Day.

Taylor County Judge/Executive Barry Smith helped high school students with the grand opening of a spirit shop at Taylor County High School.

Campbell County Judge/Executive Steve Pendery joined regional education leaders at the Northern Kentucky Education Council Fall Convening at the Ignite Institute. Also pictured are superintendents Shelli Wilson and Brian Robinson, and Rep. Mike Clines.

KACo hosted a WRAP virtual reality jail training this week.

Anderson County Fiscal Court held a pinkout event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Lt. Governor Jacqueline Coleman joined local officials in Montgomery County as they cut the ribbon on a new senior citizens center.