Melanie Hutchison

The meeting focused on the presentation and discussion of the 2026/2027 fiscal year budget. The judge executive outlined the budget theme of 'Small Steps, Big Projects,' with departmental presentations covering revenue sources such as property and occupational taxes, grant funding, and coal severance payments. The court discussed various appropriations, including investments in infrastructure, training for volunteer fire departments, IT security upgrades, employee salary adjustments, and benefit enhancements. Specific operational budgets for departments such as the Jail, County Clerk, Sheriff, and Road/Parks/Recycle were reviewed, alongside discussions on debt service, contingent appropriations, and distributions to other government agencies.

The Fiscal Court addressed several items, including a proclamation for Older American's Month, a 911 CAD system update, and a board appointment. The court approved resolutions concerning a CDBG grant, the City-County Comprehensive Plan amendments related to large-scale solar energy systems, a grain bin rescue training program, and EMA program funding. Two ordinances were adopted: a moratorium on Tier 2 BESS systems and amendments regarding manufactured housing. Additional business included reports from the Coroner, Sheriff, and County Attorney, an update on Detention Center policy regarding inmate classification, various fund transfers, and approval of claims. There was also a preliminary presentation regarding a proposed Veteran's Memorial Park.

The court addressed various administrative and community projects, including an airport drainage construction contract, funding for Innovative Readiness Training, and allocations for local non-profit agencies. The session also involved the first reading of ordinances concerning a moratorium on battery energy storage systems and guidelines for qualified manufactured homes. Additionally, the court approved a memorandum of understanding for a natural gas project, adopted a road aid cooperative agreement, and reviewed various department reports, including bids for road consultants, animal control updates, and financial fund transfers. The meeting concluded with announcements regarding upcoming budget workshops and audit availability.

The court meeting covered a range of business items including the recognition of a Judge's Scholar and a proclamation for Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month. Key actions involved approving appointments to CBOZA, passing a resolution for participation in the Remnant Defendant Opioid Settlement Agreement, and authorizing an MOA with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for landscaping maintenance. Further discussions included personnel authorizations for the Road Department, the dissolution of the Tri-County Recycling entity, and an Interlocal Cooperation Agreement with the Kentucky State Police for a Drug Task Force. Administrative reports were presented by the Coroner, Jailer, and County Attorney, followed by the approval of fund transfers and claims. Additionally, the court addressed requests for funding related to a city gas utility project, the Fourth of July celebration, and grant distribution for local Volunteer Fire Departments, as well as initiating planning discussions for the detention center expansion.

The court received updates regarding a recent military community project, infrastructure challenges and planning for the Henderson County Water District, and various grant applications for airport improvement projects. Discussions also included the conservation of the Highland Creek watershed, the Sheriff's annual tax settlement, reports from the Animal Control and Detention Center, and financial reports from the County Clerk and County Attorney. The court approved the 2026/2027 fiscal year budget and various fund transfers. Additionally, the court addressed community concerns regarding the potential development of data centers and conducted an executive session to discuss pending litigation.