The Bourbon County Special Commission Meeting held on September 26, 2025, focused primarily on budget discussions, particularly concerning the sheriff's department and its funding needs. The meeting began with a motion to return to session, followed by a detailed examination of the sheriff's budget and potential adjustments.

The sheriff's staff presented two budget options for consideration. The first option involved utilizing the inmate housing fund, while the second proposed a reduction in the previously discussed budget increase from 4.3% to 3%. The discussions revealed a complex interplay of budgetary constraints, with commissioners expressing concerns about the sheriff's ability to meet salary obligations for deputies and corrections officers under the proposed budget.

Commissioner Tran's earlier decision to reduce the budget increase led to a significant debate about the implications for the sheriff's funding. The sheriff's department indicated a need for approximately $937,000 to adequately cover deputy salaries, while the corrections side required around $714,000. The current budget proposal, however, fell short by about $182,000, raising concerns about the feasibility of maintaining adequate staffing levels.

Throughout the meeting, commissioners grappled with the challenge of balancing the budget while ensuring that essential services, particularly law enforcement, were not compromised. The discussion highlighted the volatility of inmate housing revenue projections and the need for careful financial planning moving forward.

As the meeting concluded, the commissioners acknowledged the urgency of addressing the budget shortfall and the importance of making informed decisions that would impact the county's law enforcement capabilities. Further discussions and potential adjustments to the budget are expected in upcoming meetings as the commission seeks to finalize the fiscal plan for the coming year.