Fiscal Court approves $46.3 million budget for upcoming fiscal year
The Laurel County Fiscal Court approved a $46,345,254 budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year Monday during its regular meeting that morning.
The court conducted the second reading and formally adopted Ordinance #222.96, finalizing allocations across several county funds. The breakdown of budgeted appropriations is as follows:
— General Fund: $17,277,585
— Road Fund: $5,698,780
— Jail Fund: $13,841,000
— Local Government Economic Assistance Fund: $37,020
— Forestry Fund: $9,003
— Occupational Tax Fund: $8,216,324
— Opioid Settlement Fund: $1,083,000
— LEPC (Local Emergency Planning Committee) Fund: $6,502
— County Clerk Storage Fees Fund: $176,080.
A first reading of Ordinance #231.4 — a personnel policy and procedures amendment — was also conducted. Judge-Executive David Westerfield said the policy will most notably change the county's starting pay from $14 an hour to $16.
Each of the items on Monday's agenda were approved, including multiple grant and application authorizations. There was no discussion surrounding the resolutions. These included:
— RES #2025-05: Extending utilities on Greta Lane
— RES #2025-06: KDPI (Kentucky Product Development Initiative) grant authorization
— RES #2025-07: EDF application for Durango One, LLC
Additionally, the court approved the appointment of Taylor McDaniel to the London-Laurel County 911 Board. McDaniel was appointed due to Robbie Grime's recent resignation with the Laurel County Sheriff's Office, meaning LCSO had no presence at the meetings.
Similarly, David Williams was also approved as trustee at the Bush Fire Department. The court also hired Kyle House to work with the Road Department.
Further, the court reviewed and approved the county's fiscal year-end audit for June 30, 2023, as well as the accounts payables.
The meeting adjourned with the adoption of the 2025-2026 budget.
Laurel County Fiscal Court regularly meets at 8:45 a.m. on the second Monday and 9:30 a.m. on the final Thursday of each month. The Fiscal Court's next meeting will take place Thursday, June 26.
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