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The Kentucky Association of Counties held a Board of Directors' meeting at 1 p.m. (ET) on Thursday, December 18, 2025. This meeting was held at the KACo offices located at 400 Englewood Drive in Frankfort, Kentucky and via video teleconference, 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 Co. Judge/Executive; Jodi Albright, Laurel Co. Attorney; Danetta Allen, Rockcastle Co. Clerk (via video teleconference); Scott Bates, Henry Co. Judge/Executive; Elbert Bennett, Caldwell Co. Magistrate; Darrin Benton, Muhlenberg Co. Magistrate (via video teleconference); 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; Orbrey Gritton, Anderson Co. Judge/Executive; Bobby Hall, Greenup Co. Judge/Executive; Doug Hall, Floyd Co. Circuit Court Clerk; Bill Hedges, Shelby Co. Magistrate; John Hunt, Floyd Co. Sheriff; Rich Liebe, Christian Co. Magistrate; Josh Lindblom, Hardin Co. Jailer (via video teleconference); David Livingston, Scott Co. Magistrate; Michael Logsdon, Oldham Co. Magistrate; Craig Miller, Bracken Co. Magistrate; Dan Mosley, Harlan Co. Judge/Executive; David Nicholson, Jefferson Co. Circuit Court Clerk; Berl Perdue, Clark Co. Sheriff; Jacqalynn Riley, Grant County Magistrate (via video teleconference); Joe Ross, Logan Co. Attorney; Greg Terry, Carlisle Co. Judge/Executive; John Ward, Hardin Co. Sheriff; and Pat White, Whitley Co. Judge/Executive.
Others participating included: Jim Henderson, Executive Director/CEO; Tim Sturgill, General Counsel; Karen Basham, Chief Financial Officer; Shellie Hampton, Director of Government Affairs; Jennifer Burnett, Chief Innovation Officer; Rich Ornstein, Staff Attorney; Lonnie Campbell, Assistant Director of Financing Services; Kayla Carter, Policy Analyst; Brenna Angel, Director of Communications; Rebecca Jackson, Graphic Designer; Katherine Porter, Accountant; Sydney Blodgett, Member Engagement Manager; Rick Stiltner, Senior Relationship Officer; Hollis Alexander, Relationship Officer; Susan Riddell, Editor; Marie Skinner, Accounting Manager; Alyssa Rogers, Staff Accountant; Dustin Billings, Executive Director, Kentucky PVA Association; Marc Robbins, Executive Director, Kentucky County Attorneys Association; Kelly Harding and Christina Heckathorn, HUB International/KACo Marketing Agents; Collin Johnson, Commonwealth Alliances/KACo Lobbyist; Richie Sanders, Richie Sanders Consulting/KACo Lobbyist (via video teleconference); Carol Petitt, Petitt Vaughn Legal Group, PLLC; Jon Sharp, IT Manager; Jesse Penn, Computer Support Specialist; Beth Pleasant, Administrative Specialist; and Sonya Chesser, Executive Assistant to CEO/Director of Administrative Services.
President O'Nan called the meeting to order at 1 p.m.
Judge White gave the invocation.
Squire Livingston led the Pledge of Allegiance to the flags of the United States of America and Commonwealth of Kentucky.
President O'Nan recognized KACo's 1st Vice President Sean Curry and KACo's 2nd Vice President Jacqalynn Riley. He also welcomed to the board, Danetta Allen, who is the new president of the Kentucky County Clerks Association, and Harry Clark, representing Gateway ADD.
President O'Nan also recognized the following KACo County Champions: Kelly Harding and Christina Heckathorn, HUB International and Carol Petitt, Vaughn Petitt Legal Group, PLLC.
President O'Nan administered the oath to the board members who could not be present for the swearing-in ceremony at last month's conference banquet.
Motion made by David Livingston, seconded by David Nicholson, to approve the minutes of the September 25, 2025, meeting as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Basham presented and discussed the financial statement as of November 30, 2025.
Motion made by Bobby Hall, seconded by Greg Terry, to acknowledge receipt of the financial report as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Chesser presented and discussed the proposals received for the 2029 KACo Annual Conference and Exposition. She said the Executive Committee recommends awarding the bid to the Central Bank Center, Hyatt Regency and Downtown Hilton in Lexington.
Motion made by Jonathan Bruer, seconded by Harry Clark, to award the 2029 KACo Annual Conference and Exposition to Central Bank Center, Hyatt Regency and Downtown Hilton in Lexington. Motion carried.
President O'Nan requested approval of the following meeting schedule for 2026: March 26, June 4-5 at 9 a.m. at Camp Breckinridge Museum and Arts Center in Union County, September 24, and December 17. All meetings will be held at 1 p.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, will be at the offices of the Kentucky Association of Counties, 400 Englewood Drive, Frankfort, Kentucky.
Motion made by Chuck Dills, seconded by Stevie Givens, 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.
President O'Nan requested approval of the following appointments:
Reappoint Kenton County Attorney Stacy Tapke to the KACo All Lines Fund (KALF) Board for a three (3) year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and expiring Dec. 31, 2028.
Motion made by David Nicholson, seconded by Greg Terry, to approve the reappointment of Stacy Tapke to the KALF Board as recommended by President O'Nan. Motion carried.
Reappoint Grant County Judge/Executive Chuck Dills to the KACo Audit Committee for a three (3) year term beginning Jan. 1, 2026, and expiring Dec. 31, 2028.
Motion made by John Ward, seconded by David Fields, to approve the reappointment of Judge Dills to the Audit Committee as recommended by President O'Nan. Motion carried.
Reappoint McCracken County Commissioner Bill Bartleman to the KACo Leasing Trust Board for a three (3) year term to begin Jan. 1, 2026, and to expire Dec. 31, 2028.
Motion made by Greg Terry, seconded by Rich Liebe, to approve the reappointment of Squire Bartleman to the CoLT Board as recommended by President O'Nan. Motion carried.
Reappoint Grant County Magistrate Jacqalynn Riley, Caldwell County Magistrate Elbert Bennett; and Metcalfe County PVA Mike Welsh to the KACo Unemployment Insurance Fund (U.I.) Board for a three (3) year term to begin Jan. 1, 2026, and to expire Dec. 31, 2028.
Motion made by Scott Bates, seconded by Randy Dial, to approve the reappointments of Squire Riley, Squire Bennett and Mike Welsh to the KACo U.I. Fund Board as recommended by President O'Nan. Motion carried.
President O'Nan requested approval of memorial resolutions for Butler County Jailer Wayne Russ, Caldwell County Jailer Willie Harper, former Elliott County Magistrate Donnie Keeton, former Garrard County Sheriff R. G. Wardrip, former Lyon County Magistrate Danny Walker, former McLean County Coroner John Muster, and former Wayne County Coroner Forrest Richard Hicks.
Motion made by Stevie Givens, seconded by Gary Ginn, to adopt the memorial resolutions as presented. Motion carried.
President O'Nan requested a moment of silence in their memory.
Ms. Hampton provided an update as to the progress of KACo's legislative jail priority, which is being sponsored by Rep. Michael Meredith. She encouraged the board to invite their legislators to the County Officials Legislative Reception on Feb. 11, at the KACo headquarters and KACo's legislative lunch on Mar. 11 at the Capitol Annex.
Ms. Carter provided information related to the state's general fund forecast for the biennial budget. Her report included an outlook for the road fund and motor fuels tax revenues.
Mr. Baird provided an update on the insurance programs. He reported that the KACo Insurance Safety Grant Program received 144 applications, with $307,000 awarded to 42 recipients. He mentioned that members participated in a cyber survey, which will help KACo assess and address cyber insurance needs in the coming years. Additionally, he noted that members underwent a workers' compensation audit, and the Kentucky Department of Insurance conducted a four-year examination, which resulted in no findings. Mr. Baird said KACo's benefits program currently serves 69 fiscal court members, with plans to increase participation by 20% over the next few years.
Mr. Henderson, delivering the executive director's report, stated that KACo is developing a comprehensive curriculum over the next year, including the launch of a leadership program aimed at assisting counties in investing their opioid settlement funds. He noted that the 2026 KACo calendar, featuring artwork by winners of the "I Love My County" art contest, has been mailed to all members and included in each board packet. He also highlighted the recent KACo conference, which was a tremendous success, with approximately 1,100 attendees and a sold-out exhibit hall featuring 130 booths. Additionally, he mentioned that the County Officials Legislative Reception, scheduled for February 11, is a huge legislative event that attracts over 600 participants.
Judge White, who represented the board as the 2025 president for the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association, expressed that it has been an honor to serve on the board and looks forward to collaborating with KACo in the coming years. He commended KACo for doing a great job.
Motion made by Orbrey Gritton, seconded by Pat White, to adjourn the meeting at 1:47 p.m. Motion carried.
The Kentucky Association of Counties held a Board of Directors' meeting at 11 a.m. (ET) on Friday, January 23, 2026. This meeting was held via video teleconference, in accordance with KRS 61.823, 61.826 and KRS 65.312(3).
The roll was called. The following Directors were present: President Adam O'Nan, Union Co. Judge/Executive; Jodi Albright, Laurel Co. Attorney; Danetta Allen, Rockcastle Co. Clerk; Jonathan Bruer, Carlisle Co. PVA; Harry Clark, Rowan County Judge/Executive; Amy Chandler, Warren Co. Attorney; Joe Pat Covington, Scott County Judge/Executive; Sean Curry, Green County PVA; Chuck Dills, Grant Co. Judge/Executive; David Fields, Pendleton Co. Judge/Executive; Gary Ginn, Fayette Co. Coroner; Bobby Hall, Greenup Co. Judge/Executive; Doug Hall, Floyd Co. Circuit Court Clerk; Bill Hedges, Shelby Co. Magistrate; John Hunt, Floyd Co. Sheriff; 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; Dan Mosley, Harlan Co. Judge/Executive; David Nicholson, Jefferson Co. Circuit Court Clerk; Berl Perdue, Clark Co. Sheriff; 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; Marc Robbins, Executive Director, Kentucky County Attorneys Association; Collin Johnson, Commonwealth Alliances/KACo Lobbyist; Richie Sanders, Richie Sanders Consulting/KACo Lobbyist; Matt Dowling, Boone County guest; and Sonya Chesser, Executive Assistant to CEO/Director of Administrative Services.
President O'Nan called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m.
Motion made by Gary Ginn, seconded by Rich Liebe, to approve the minutes of the December 18, 2025, meeting as presented. Motion carried.
Ms. Hampton provided a legislative update, noting that it is a 60-day budget session. She mentioned that staff will deliver a weekly legislative briefing to the board. She shared that Rep. Michael Meredith is the bill sponsor for KACo's legislative priority regarding the jail issue and expressed hope to have the bill filed next week, pending upcoming inclement weather. Ms. Hampton also acknowledged the collaboration with the Kentucky Jailers Association, the Kentucky County Judge/Executive Association, and the Kentucky Magistrates and Commissioners Association in this effort. Additionally, she reported that two driver's licensing bills have been filed: SB 7 by Sen. Aaron Reed and HB 332 by Rep. Rebecca Raymer. She also discussed legislation related to centralized collection of occupational license taxes.
Ms. Carter discussed HB 432, an act related to local purchasing, sponsored by Rep. Amy Neighbors. She mentioned that staff is monitoring several property tax bills that have been filed, including SB 51, sponsored by Sen. Mike Nemes. SB 51 is a constitutional amendment bill that, if passed by the legislature and approved by voters, would exempt homeowners aged 65 and older from any increase in the valuation of their permanent residence that is assessed after the later of the year they turn 65 or the year they acquire the property. Additionally, she discussed HB 370, sponsored by Rep. Tom Smith, which proposes increases to the state's excise tax on gasoline and special fuels.
Ms. Hampton said that KACo and the Kentucky League of Cities are working with the Kentucky Press Association to address timing concerns with local newspapers, and it will be filed by Sen. David Givens.
Mr. Henderson stated that, while the jail issue remains KACo's top priority, he encouraged the board to inform staff of any other legislative matters that may need attention during this session. He mentioned that protection of the bank franchise fee is an issue impacting counties, with credit unions, who do not pay the fee, seeking inclusion. However, KACo will continue to align with the banks on this matter.
Mr. Ginn informed the board that the Kentucky Coroners Association has introduced HB 138.
Jailer Lindblom stated that the Kentucky Jailers Association (KJA) supports HB 138. Regarding HB 414, introduced by Rep. Patrick Flannery, which mandates DNA samples upon arrest for a felony: the KJA would support this requirement upon conviction, but not upon arrest-due to concerns about individuals' DNA being collected when arrested on a felony only to have charges amended to a lower-level misdemeanor offense.
President O'Nan emphasized the importance of making legislators aware of KACo's legislative priority.
Ms. Hampton encouraged the board to invite their legislators to the County Officials Legislative Reception scheduled for Feb. 11, 4:30-7 p.m. at the KACo headquarters.
Motion made by Josh Lindblom, seconded by David Nicholson, to adjourn the meeting 11:29 a.m. Motion carried.
