Oldham County Fiscal Court reviews $71M budget with new police funding and courthouse plans

The Oldham County Fiscal Court convened on May 6, 2025, to discuss the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year, alongside other key resolutions. The meeting began with an overview of the budget, which totals approximately $71 million, a decrease from previous years. The majority of the budget is allocated to personnel costs across various departments, with significant investments planned for public safety and infrastructure.

A notable highlight of the budget discussion was the allocation of $10 million towards the police headquarters, with plans to refine the initial design to fit a budget of around $18 million over two to three fiscal cycles. The court is also addressing the need for new police vehicles, with $900,000 earmarked for ten new units, as well as additional funding for police equipment, including cameras and tasers.

Infrastructure improvements were a major focus, with $1.6 million set aside to complete sewer lines in Oldham Reserve, which is crucial for ongoing development in the area. The court discussed various road projects, including enhancements to Rollington Road and Valley Bridal, and the paving budget has been increased to $3 million to address road maintenance effectively.

The meeting also included a resolution to facilitate the reimbursement of transportation costs for parochial school students, with an initial request of $82,002.08 from the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. This resolution was approved unanimously, continuing a yearly practice that ensures safe transportation for students attending local parochial schools.

Overall, the meeting underscored the court's commitment to public safety, infrastructure development, and educational support, with plans for further discussions and adjustments to the budget before the second reading scheduled in four weeks. The court remains open to feedback from magistrates and the community as they finalize the budget.