Oldham County hires four police recruits amid heated data center debate

The Oldham County Fiscal Court convened on June 17, 2025, to address several key personnel matters and community concerns, particularly surrounding the hiring of new police recruits and ongoing discussions about data center regulations.

In a significant move for local law enforcement, the court approved the hiring of four police recruits: Joshua Flagg, Tate Crawlwell, Zach Turner, and Nick Fancera. These recruits will begin their training on July 7, 2025, and will undergo a comprehensive training program, including 18 weeks of field training with experienced officers after their graduation in February 2026. This initiative reflects the county's commitment to enhancing public safety and ensuring that new officers are well-prepared for their roles.

Additionally, the court reappointed Sherry Gray to the Police Merit Board and appointed Bill Maclay as the deputy emergency management director, further solidifying the county's leadership in public safety and emergency response.

However, the meeting was also marked by heated public discourse regarding the proposed data center developments in Oldham County. Resident Nathan Oberg voiced strong concerns about the lack of transparency in the county's dealings with data center proposals, particularly criticizing the absence of a clear definition for what constitutes a data center and the implications of conditional use permits. Oberg called for a moratorium on data center applications until comprehensive regulations are established, emphasizing the need for community input and adherence to the county's comprehensive plan.

The discussion escalated as Oberg accused county officials of colluding with developers, a claim that was vehemently denied by Judge Executive David Ashburner. The judge defended the county's actions, asserting that all procedures were being followed and that no special treatment was being given to any developers. This exchange highlighted the growing tension between community members advocating for stricter regulations and county officials navigating the complexities of economic development.

As the meeting concluded, it was clear that the issues surrounding data centers would continue to be a focal point for the community. The court's next steps will likely involve further discussions on establishing clear guidelines and regulations to address the concerns raised by residents, ensuring that any future developments align with the community's interests and values. The ongoing dialogue reflects a broader struggle between growth and preservation in Oldham County, as residents seek to balance economic opportunities with the need for transparency and accountability in local governance.