[tidy error]
The Kentucky Association of Counties held a Board of Directors' meeting at 11 a.m. (ET) on Friday, January 30, 2026. This meeting was held via video teleconference, in accordance with KRS 61.823, 61.826, and KRS 65.312(3).
The following Directors were present: President Adam O'Nan, Union Co. Judge/ Executive; Jodi Albright, Laurel Co. Attorney; Danetta Allen, Rockcastle Co. Clerk; Scott Alexander, Perry Co. Judge/Executive; Scott Bates, Henry Co. Judge/Executive; Jonathan Bruer, Carlisle Co. PVA; Harry Clark, Rowan County Judge/Executive; Joe Pat Covington, Scott County Judge/Executive; Sean Curry, Green County PVA; Randy Dial, Casey Co. Judge/Executive; Chuck Dills, Grant Co. Judge/Executive; David Fields, Pendleton Co. Judge/Executive; Gary Ginn, Fayette Co. Coroner; Stevie Givens, Butler Co. Magistrate; Bobby Hall, Greenup Co. Judge/Executive; Bill Hedges, Shelby Co. Magistrate; Steve Henry, Webster Co. Judge/Executive; Rich Liebe, Christian Co. Magistrate; Josh Lindblom, Hardin Co. Jailer; Michael Logsdon, Oldham Co. Magistrate; Todd Mansfield, Todd Co. Judge/Executive; Craig Miller, Bracken Co. Magistrate; Gary Moore, Boone Co. Judge/Executive; Dan Mosley, Harlan Co. Judge/Executive; David Nicholson, Jefferson Co. Circuit Court Clerk; Berl Perdue, Clark Co. Sheriff; Jacqalynn Riley, Grant Co. Magistrate; Joe Ross, Logan Co. Attorney; Reagan Taylor, Madison Co. Judge/Executive; and John Ward, Hardin Co. Sheriff.
Others participating included: Jim Henderson, Executive Director/CEO; Shellie Hampton, Director of Government Affairs; Tim Sturgill, General Counsel; Karen Basham, Chief Financial Officer; Jeremy Baird, Director of Insurance; Jennifer Burnett, Chief Innovation Officer; Rich Ornstein, Staff Attorney; Kayla Carter, Policy Analyst; Brenna Angel, Director of Communications; Sydney Blodgett, Member Engagement Manager; Todd Ruckel, Executive Director, Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association; Dustin Billings, Executive Director, Kentucky PVA Association; Collin Johnson, Commonwealth Alliances/KACo Lobbyist; Richie Sanders, Richie Sanders Consulting/KACo Lobbyist; Hollis Alexander, Relationship Officer; Sara Massey, Executive Director; Kentucky Jailers Association; and Sonya Chesser, Executive Assistant to CEO/Director of Administrative Services.
President O'Nan called the meeting to order at 11 a.m.
President O'Nan noted a correction to the minutes of the January 23, 2026 meeting, indicating that the meeting time should be listed as 11 a.m. instead of 1 p.m., and the start time should be 11:02 a.m. instead of 1:02 p.m.
Motion made by Rich Liebe, seconded by Stevie Givens, to approve the minutes of the January 23, 2026, meeting as corrected. Motion carried.
Ms. Hampton said a bill regarding KACo's top legislative jail priority is expected to be filed on Monday by Rep. Michael Meredith. She asked Ms. Smith to provide highlights of the main points in the draft of the bill, which focuses on "reshaping the shared responsibility for county jails in Kentucky".
Ms. Smith discussed the three primary legislative points outlined in the bill draft: incentivizing regional jails; clarifying responsibility for pre-trial felony detainees; and redefining the state inmate model. She said the bill is a compilation of feedback from legislators and county needs from this financial crisis. While it is not a comprehensive fix, it aligns funding needs with accountability measures that legislators have requested.
Ms. Smith also reported that the House has filed their version of the state budget bills this week. Rep. Petrie filed the Executive Branch Budget Bill, House Bill 500, which currently includes a two percent annual raise for state employees, including PVAs, commonwealth attorneys, and county attorneys. Additionally, House Bill 501, the Transportation Budget Bill, allocates $19.2 million for the Local Assistance Road Program (LARP) in FY 2027 and $18.6 million in FY 2028. Staff continues to monitor this bill, as discussions of increasing LARP funding are ongoing. The bill also provides $24 million for the County and City Bridge Improvement Fund in FY 2027 and $23.25 million in FY 2028. She further mentioned that House Bill 504, the Judicial Branch Budget Bill, has been filed, including a two percent annual raise and language requiring video arraignment for the Administrative Office of the Courts, which would cover transportation costs if not implemented.
Ms. Hampton discussed HB 518, filed last night by Rep. Patrick Flannery. The bill addresses occupational tax filing and payment processes. It would require the Secretary of State to collaborate with an Advisory Committee of 12 members, including two representatives from KACo. The Committee is slated to meet this summer to develop standardized electronic filing forms, with a target completion date of November 2026. By January 2028, all taxing districts would be required to adopt these forms as their sole electronic return method, with a $2 fee per electronic payment that taxing districts must accept.
The next meeting is Feb. 6, at 11 a.m.
Motion made by Rich Liebe, seconded by Gary Moore, to adjourn the meeting 11:53 a.m. Motion carried.
