Jan. 31, 2025

The ripple effect: What wildfires, hurricanes and other natural disasters mean for the insurance market

January’s California wildfires have caused staggering losses, with billions of dollars in damages to homes, businesses and infrastructure.

While Kentucky is thousands of miles away, these disasters can still affect residents through rising insurance premiums and shifting market dynamics.

Register for the 2025 County Officials Legislative Reception today

County officials and legislators are invited to join us as we honor the members of the 2025 General Assembly at KACo headquarters in Frankfort on Feb. 12, 2025, from 4:30-7 p.m. EST.

Kentucky Department of Revenue announces launch of new tax portal and operational pause

The Kentucky Department of Revenue is transitioning to a new integrated tax system and launching a new business tax portal called MyTaxes. Beginning Feb. 26, 2025, there will be a two-week operations pause to prepare for these transitions.

Business tax filers cannot file returns or receive refund payments in the old system, OneStop, or the new system, MyTaxes, from Feb. 26 to March 14.

Individual income tax filers can continue to submit their tax returns through standard methods during the transition period; however, refunds will not be processed from Feb. 26 to March 14. To avoid delays, the department recommends that individuals expecting a refund file their returns as early as possible.

County 101: State funding sources for county jails

The cost of county jails is the most significant budgetary challenge faced by most fiscal courts – regardless of whether the county operates a jail or contracts with other counties. In FY2023, counties spent almost $350 million on jails (excludes Fayette and Jefferson).

The state helps offset some of these costs by providing funding through base allocations and reimbursing counties for housing state inmates.

Is your company's OSHA 300A summary posted?

When an employee is hurt on the job, keeping a record of what happened and why is important.

Good recordkeeping raises awareness of workplace hazards so they can be corrected. It also helps OSHA keep track of national trends. And it’s the law in many cases.

Check out the latest headlines from across Kentucky

Warren County honors a former sheriff, Carroll County approves a new economic development strategy, county clerks notice a drop in vehicle registration renewals in January, McCracken County celebrates its 200th birthday, and more.

This week's roundup of local news includes stories from Barren, Breckinridge, Carroll, Hardin, Logan, McCracken, Spencer and Warren 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: Feb. 13, March 13, April 10, May 8.

WRAP VR Train the Trainer class

Registration for the 2025 WRAP VR Train the Trainer class is now open. The course is available for sheriffs and jailers. Any department requesting to utilize the WRAP system must send at least one trainer to a training class.

Training is available on Feb. 26, Feb. 27, March 5 and March 6.

This week in pictures

Shelby County Judge/Executive Dan Ison swore in Danielle Wade and Ronnie Freels, the newly appointed members of the Shelby County Library Board.

The Barren County Fiscal Court hosted the Barren County Contractor's Association, a professional organization that represents contractors in the area. The association provides resources and support to its members, including networking opportunities and educational training.

The late Marshall County judge/executive Mike Miller, who also served as KACo President, was inducted into the Marshall County Schools Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame. His widow Chyrill Miller and sons John Keith and Shawn accepted the honor.

Madison County is celebrating Family Resource and Youth Services Center (FRYSC) Appreciation Week.

The Christian County Sheriff's Office attended the Christian County Board of Education Career Expo. Ninth grade students took part in walk-and-turn field sobriety tests while wearing drunk goggles. 

Hardin County officials congratulated Timmy Carr on retiring as EMS Deputy Director.

The Warren County Sheriff’s Office visited Bowling Green High School’s Flex Wednesday and showcased its Drone Program/UAS Team.

Boyle County Fiscal Court has appointed Shannon Greene as County Treasurer. Greene brings 24 years of finance experience to the position.

Lyon County is starting the Hometown Hero Banner Program to honor Lyon County's military service members and their families.

Washington County Judge/Executive Tim Graves spoke with kindergarten and first grade students at St. Dominic Elementary School.

Falon Outlaw has been promoted to sergeant at the Hopkins County Sheriff's Office, becoming the first woman at the agency to achieve that rank.

KACo's Opioid Settlement Advisor Lauren Carr spoke at the Kentucky River Opioid Abatement Symposium in Perry County this week.