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The Kentucky Association of Counties, Inc. (KACo) held an executive committee meeting at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 18, 2025. This meeting was held at the KACo offices located at 400 Englewood Drive in Frankfort, Ky. and via video teleconference pursuant to proper notice given in accordance with KRS 61.826 and KRS 65.312(3).
The roll was called. The following Directors were present: President Adam O'Nan, Union County Judge/Executive; President-elect; Michael Logsdon, Oldham County Magistrate; 1st Vice President Sean Curry, Green County PVA; 2nd Vice President Jacqalynn Ammer Riley, Grant County Magistrate (via video teleconference); and Immediate Past President Dan Mosley, Harlan County Judge/Executive.
Others present included: Jim Henderson, Executive Director/CEO; Tim Sturgill, General Counsel; Karen Basham, Chief Financial Officer; Shellie Hampton, Director of Government Affairs; Jeremy Baird, Director of Insurance; Jennifer Burnett, Chief Innovation Officer; Jesse Penn, Computer Support Specialist; and Sonya Chesser, Executive Assistant to CEO/Director of Administrative Services.
President O'Nan called the meeting to order at 11 a.m.
Motion made by Michael Logsdon, seconded by Sean Curry, to approve the minutes of the November 20, 2025, meeting as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Basham presented and discussed the following financial reports: statement of financial position, consolidated budget report, FY 2025/26 PAF budget report, and statement of activities for period July 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025. She also presented the credit card reports and the out-of-state travel report for November 2025.
Ms. Basham presented and discussed the investment report and security transactions for the month of November 2025. She provided the Committee with an electronic copy of the full monthly investment report prior to the meeting.
Motion made by Dan Mosley, seconded by Sean Curry, to acknowledge receipt of the financial and investment reports and ratify the security transactions as presented. Motion carried.
Mr. Sturgill said KACo entered a three-year government affairs consulting agreement with Commonwealth Alliances, LLC in November of 2022. He said the agreement allowed for a provision for two additional three-year terms. He presented a memorandum of extension for a term commencing on November 1, 2025 and continuing through October 31, 2028. He said staff recommends approval of the memorandum.
Motion made by Dan Mosley, seconded by Michael Logsdon, to approve the memorandum of extension as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Chesser said KACo issued request for proposals for its 2029 Annual Conference and Exposition and received two bids. Proposals were received from the Central Bank Center, Hyatt Regency and Downtown Hilton in Lexington and the Galt House Hotel in Louisville. She said the Lexington venues submitted a proposal for Nov. 14-16 with rates of $187 at the Hyatt and $184 at the Downtown Hilton with both hotels offering a $10 rebate per room night to help offset the $39,500 rental fee of the Convention Center. Additionally, the bid includes free parking, Wi-Fi for overnight guests, and other amenities. The Galt House proposed a room rate of $179 in the West Tower and $199 in the East Tower, along with an $8 rebate per room night back to KACo, free Wi-Fi, and other concessions. For the first time, the hotel's proposal included eliminating complimentary parking for overnight guests, instead charging a daily rate of $30. Ms. Chesser explained that while the hotel recognizes the importance of KACo offering free parking to its members, they are trying to shift away from providing this benefit to groups due to the associated costs. The hotel is open to offering an alternative benefit to offset this change, but specific details were not included in the proposal. Ms. Chesser also mentioned that she spoke with the Galt, who indicated they would further reduce the daily parking rate to $20. Additionally, since we are a long-standing customer, the Galt agreed to increase the rebate from $8 to $10 and provide extra discounts on food. She noted that the staff does not have a specific recommendation but will work with the approved venue to secure the best rate and additional concessions.
Motion made by Dan Mosley, seconded Michael Logsdon to recommend to the KACo Board of Directors awarding the 2029 KACo Conference to Central Bank Center, Hyatt Regency and Downtown Hilton in Lexington. Motion carried.
Mr. Henderson, giving the executive director's report, stated that Mr. Curry and Squire Riley attended various KACo program board meetings yesterday and received onboarding information. He also mentioned that KACo's Lauren Carr and Sydney Blodgett are collaborating on launching a new training program - the KACo Opioids Solutions Network. This is a year-long leadership program designed to assist counties in investing their opioid settlement funds. Participation will be determined through an application process, with ten to fifteen counties selected for the program. Each county selected will designate two representatives to participate. Participants will engage in in-depth learning experiences, including two in-person trainings scheduled for April and September in different regions of the state, as well as monthly virtual meetings. Graduates of the program will be recognized at the 2026 KACo Annual Conference. Mr. Henderson said the 2026 KACo calendar, which includes drawings by winners of the "I Love My County" art contest, was mailed to all members. The County Officials Legislative Reception is scheduled for Feb. 11, from 4:30 to 7 p.m. at the KACo headquarters, and the KACo legislative lunch will be held on Mar. 11 at the Capitol Annex. He mentioned that Dr. Ernie Fletcher of The Fletcher Group applies for funding nationwide and uses those funds to offer technical assistance and research support for recovery housing programs that provide addiction treatment and job training. Dr. Fletcher has asked KACo to take part in Kentucky's Opioid Commission application process, assist with resource development, and, if successful, receive funding. KACo will look into the matter and provide a letter of support.
President O'Nan requested approval of the following meeting schedule for 2026: January 22, February 26, March 26, April 23, May 28, July 30, August 27 at 9:30 a.m. at 937 Phillips Lane in Louisville, September 24 at 11 a.m., October 29 at 11 a.m. and December 17 at 11 a.m. All meetings will be held at 10 a.m., unless otherwise noted, via video teleconference in accordance with KRS 61.826; that the primary location of the teleconference where the public will be allowed to attend, unless otherwise noted on schedule, will be at the offices of the Kentucky Association of Counties, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky.
Motion made by Jacqalynn Riley, seconded by Sean Curry, to adopt the schedule of meetings for 2026 as presented; that all meetings will be held via video teleconference in accordance with KRS 61.826; that the primary location of the teleconference where the public will be allowed to attend, unless otherwise noted on the schedule, will be at the offices of the Kentucky Association of Counties, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky. Motion carried.
Motion made by Michael Logsdon, seconded by Dan Mosley, to go into closed session at 11:40 a.m. to discuss proposed or pending litigation involving the board as authorized by KRS 61.810(1)(c). Motion carried. Motion carried.
Motion made by Jacqalynn Riley, seconded by Michael Logsdon, to return to open session at 12:12 p.m. Motion carried. No action was taken in closed session.
Motion made by Dan Mosley, seconded by Sean Curry, to adjourn the meeting at 12:12 p.m. Motion carried.
